Role of Library Resources for Higher Education in the Digital Era

The digital transformation of academic libraries is redefining how knowledge is accessed, shared, and preserved, directly shaping the quality and reach of higher education. By integrating emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, cloud systems, and big data analytics, libraries are expanding opportunities for research, remote learning, and global collaboration. This evolution not only enhances academic performance and innovation but also raises critical questions about digital equity, cybersecurity, and long-term preservation of scholarly resources. As libraries adapt to new educational models, they play a pivotal role in fostering digital literacy, supporting open access, and ensuring that information remains a powerful driver of societal progress. Role of Library Resources for Higher Education in the Digital Era provides a comprehensive understanding of how library resources are evolving to meet the demands of modern academia. It explores digital transformation in libraries by examining the integration of digital tools and highlighting how these advancements are reshaping access to knowledge and research methodologies. Covering topics such as artificial intelligence, knowledge sharing, and user interaction, this book is an excellent resource for librarians, higher education faculty and researchers, IT professionals, and more.

Shaik Mazhar Hussain is a distinguished academician and researcher with a robust background in Electrical Engineering. Currently serving as a faculty member in the Department of Computing and Electronics Engineering, he also holds the position of research coordinator at the Centre for Research and Consultancy (CRC). Dr. Hussain earned his PhD in Electrical Engineering in the year 2023 from the Department of Communications Engineering, specializing in Advanced Telecommunication Technology (ATT) at the school of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Johor Bahru, Malaysia. His doctoral research showcases his deep expertise and significant contributions to the field. Dr. Hussain educational journey includes a Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) from Coventry University, United Kingdom, acquired in 2017, and a master’s degree in Embedded Systems from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (JNTU), Hyderabad, in 2012. He commenced his academic pursuit with a bachelor’s degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering from JNTU, Hyderabad, in 2008. Dr. Hussain has 15 years of teaching and research experience in his field. He has authored and published more than 30 papers in reputable journals and more than 20 papers in various conference proceedings. His research endeavors have been supported by numerous internal and external grants, underlining the significance and impact of his work. Dr. Shaik Mazhar Hussain further expanded his expertise by receiving the Professional Certificate of Competency in Fundamentals of Electric Vehicles from the Engineering Institute of Technology (EIT), West Perth, Australia. In addition to his academic and research achievements, Dr. Hussain is an active member of several professional bodies.

Prof. Anupam Srivastav is a very senior academic, currently holding the position of Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Middle East College (MEC) since September 2022. Before this, he has held the position of Professor and Associate Dean – Academic Affairs in the same institution since April 2012. Before this, he has held the position of Professor and Director (and later as Professor & Pro-Vice Chancellor) from 2002 to 2012. His teaching and research experience, and interests are in Manufacturing and Materials Science, (particularly Biomaterials) and Composite Materials, as well as Tribology, Corrosion Studies and Alternative / Renewable energy. He is life member of two professional bodies in India and member of five international professional bodies. Prof. Anupam has supervised 04 PhDs and has successfully completed many externally funded research projects as the Principal Investigator/Co-PI. He has authored a Chapter in an edited book on Biomaterials and has two patents, jointly published with his doctoral / masters students. He has about 35 years’ experience in industry, teaching and research including about 34 years’ teaching experience, that also includes 26 years in academic administration/ leadership as Head of Department, Director, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Dean, and Associate Dean – Academic Affairs at national and international academic institutions. He has extensive experience of leading programme development, reviews, and monitoring, as well as in planning, deploying, and using different pedagogical approaches for teaching and learning. In addition to the leadership / administrative positions detailed in next section below, Prof. Srivastav has served as Chair of Academic Affairs Committee, Chair of Examination (Assessment) Board, and Chair of Academic Exemption Committee at MEC from October 2016 – September 2022. He former ex-officio member of the Management Board and member of the College Board of MEC. In addition, he has also served as Vice-Chair of Teaching and Learning Committee / Academic Affairs Committee of MEC from 2012 to 2016. Prof. Anupam has also served as Vice Chair of Executive Council and Academic Council of IFTM University, India as well as Chair of Faculty Board and Board of Studies of the same University during January 2010-March 2012. Additionally, he has also served as a member of Executive Council of M.J.P Rohilkhand University, Bareilly, India in 2006. He also served as Ex-Officio Member of Assessment Board and the Academic Council of Caledonian College of Engineering, Muscat, Oman during March 2008-December 2009. In addition to contribution in teaching, research, and academic leadership, he has been actively involved with student activities portfolio throughout his academic career, including especially at MEC with professional bodies such as BCS, UK; ICE/JBM, UK; CILT, UK; IET, UK; and IMechE, UK for programme student memberships, chapters and accreditations.