Jamia upgrades library, extends reading hall hours

New Delhi, Jul 16 (PTI) Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) has expanded and renovated the reading halls at its Dr Zakir Husain Library, increasing seating capacity and extending operating hours to provide enhanced study facilities for students and research scholars. The upgraded reading halls were inaugurated on July 14 by Vice-Chancellor Mazhar Asif and Registrar Md Mahtab Alam Rizvi in the presence of University Librarian Vikas S Nagrale, deans, heads of departments, faculty members and students. According to the university, the revamped facilities include a 250-seat reading hall exclusively for research scholars and postgraduate students, and a 150-seat reading hall dedicated to postgraduate students. "The upgraded facilities feature ergonomic furniture, improved lighting and ventilation, enhanced accessibility, and a comfortable study environment. To better serve the academic community, both reading halls will remain open until 12 midnight, seven days a week, including Saturdays and Sundays," university officials said. In addition, the reading hall in JMI's old library will continue to remain open till 2 am. Speaking at the inauguration, Asif said libraries are not merely spaces for reading and reference but also serve as centres for collaboration, academic discussion and intellectual growth. He reiterated the university administration's commitment to strengthening academic infrastructure and said modern library facilities are essential for promoting a culture of learning and research. Registrar Rizvi described libraries as the "backbone of the academic life of any institution" and said the expansion reflects the university's continued investment in academic resources through student-centric initiatives. University Librarian Nagrale said the upgraded facilities reflect the library's commitment to providing modern learning spaces that support academic excellence and research while catering to the evolving needs of the university community. PTI AHD AHD MDO MDO