Key Themes

Leadership: The theme underscores the need for libraries to be led by influential leaders who can navigate complex challenges, inspire teams, and spearhead initiatives that extend beyond the conventional scope. Topics may include discussions on visionary leadership models, strategic planning, and the role of library leaders as change agents in their communities.

Creativity in Information Services: Libraries are no longer confined to being mere repositories of information; they have become dynamic spaces that encourage creativity and intellectual exploration. This theme explores how libraries can cultivate creative environments, promote innovative programming, and engage users in new and exciting ways. Discussions may cover the integration of technology, collaborative spaces, and unique programming to stimulate creativity among library patrons.

Innovation in Library Services: With rapid technological advancements, libraries are challenged to innovate their services to meet the evolving needs of users. The conference theme delves into groundbreaking approaches to library services, including the implementation of emerging technologies, data analytics, and the development of user-centric services that enhance accessibility and inclusivity.

This Conference theme serves as a rallying call for the global library community to reflect on its role in society and chart a course towards a future characterized by visionary leadership, creative exploration, and innovative service delivery. Participants can anticipate engaging discussions, valuable insights, and collaborative opportunities that will shape the future of libraries in the 21st century.

Important Sub-Themes:

Ethics and Malpractice

The International Conference on Marching Beyond the Libraries: Leadership, Creativity, and Innovation (ICMBL, 2024) encapsulates the dynamic evolution of libraries as crucial hubs of knowledge in the contemporary global landscape. This thought-provoking theme reflects the imperative for libraries to transcend traditional roles, embrace transformative leadership, foster creativity, and drive innovation in order to remain relevant and impactful in an ever-changing world.

The contributions should consistently focus on the results of research, reports of significant developments in working practice and stimulating discussions which are of immense importance to the library and information profession. Papers should include name of the author, designation, affiliation, title of the article with a signed declaration that the theme is of his own, and the paper has not been published anywhere. Authors should follow APA pattern of citations. Manuscripts should be submitted electronically in MS-Word format in Times New Roman 11 size font, double space as e-mail “attachment” to:  icmbl.kiit@kiit.ac.in

The prevention of publication malpractice is one of the important responsibilities of the editors of ICMBL, 2024 to ensure the highest standards in publication ethics. Any kind of unethical behaviour is not acceptable to the conference proceedings and all parties involved (editors, authors, reviewers and publishers) have to agree upon standards of ethical behaviour. Manuscripts submitted to the conference proceedings are to be edited exclusively on the basis of their merit, originality and relevance to the scope of the conference. No bias with respect to the author’s race, gender, ethnic origin or religion can influence the decision. The ethics statements for ICMBL, 2024 strictly follow the guidelines laid down by Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) available at https://publicationethics.org.

Research and Publishing Ethics

ICMBL, 2024 upholds high integrity standards and responsibility towards abiding by the principles of Integrity Statement. The key principles for the journal are:

• Truthfulness and honesty in all aspects of research
• Fair and value laden research
• Transparency in all communication
• Accountability for quality research
• Professional excellence in all processes

Publication Process

All editors of ICMBL, 2024 are responsible for following the policies regarding the publication process.

1. Manuscripts submitted to the ICMBL, 2024 undergo a desk review by one of the editors for ensuring originality by using appropriate anti-plagiarism software.
2. After the desk review, the manuscript is forwarded for blind peer review by at least two independent reviewers for their assessment and feedback with subsequent recommendation to accept, reject, or modify the manuscript.
3. Proposals with minor or major improvements and revisions are communicated to the author.
4. Subsequent modifications are again sent to the reviewers for their final approval and merit for its publication.

Publication Decisions

Based on the feedbacks and recommendations of reviewers, the editors take a decision if to accept, reject or request modifications to the manuscript.

Peer Review

Peer review is critical to maintaining the standards of our publications. ICMBL, 2024 ensures a fair, rigorous and effective review mechanism. We support the reviewers by:

1. Ensuring that appropriate reviewers are selected and guided through the review process.
2. Familiarising the reviewers with the ethical guidelines of the conference.
3. Exposure to fraudulent practices.
4. Supporting reviewers in investigation and acting upon fraudulent or unethical practices.
5. Protecting the confidentiality and identity of the reviewers.

Authorship and the role of the corresponding author

Authors must ensure that they have written entirely original work. Authors must confirm that the submitted manuscript represents their own contributions and that they have not been copied or plagiarized in whole or in part from other works without clearly citing the source. Key responsibilities of the corresponding author are:

1. Proofreading and incorporating corrections into the manuscript
2. Handling revisions and submissions of the revised manuscript
3. Signing of copyright declaration form on behalf of co-authors.
4. Responding to queries on behalf the co author(s)

Authors are recommended to list or mention anyone who does not meet the criteria for authorship in the acknowledgement section in their publication as recognition for any kind of assistance and support received by the author during the process of writing the paper.

 Affiliations

Authors must share their current affiliation to the institution and the institution where, if, the article has been presented or approved.

Plagiarism

ICMBL, 2024 checks all submissions through appropriate plagiarism checking software. Submissions found containing content, in part or whole, to be plagiarized are rejected. We expect our reviewers and readers to report issues of plagiarism even post publication at icmbl.kiit@kiit.ac.in

Competing Interests and Funding

Authors must notify the Editors of any conflicts of interest. Authors must also disclose any financial or other type of conflict of interest that can influence the results or interpretation of their manuscript. Authors are required to declare any potential competing interests that could interfere with the objectivity or integrity of a publication. Competing interests are situations that could be perceived to exert an undue influence on the presentation, review or publication of a piece of work.

Publishing Ethics

As publisher of the conference proceedings, we will:

1. Support: Provide practical support to the editors and executive editorial board so that they can follow the COPE Code of Conduct for the Journal. Act professionally and efficiently.
2. Autonomy: Ensure the autonomy of editorial decisions and uphold the same. Be Fair and Objective.
3. Intellectual Property Integrity: Protect intellectual property Rights and Copyright issues.
4. Information: Keep all parties informed of decisions, including the copyright owners, editors and authors
5. Access to Journal Content: The publisher is committed to the permanent availability and preservation of scholarly research and ensures accessibility by partnering with organizations and maintaining our own digital archive.

Author Fees

No fees or charges are required for manuscript processing and/or publishing materials.

Contact

For all enquiries relating to the integrity of ICMBL, 2024 content and matters related to article submission, please contact the editors at icmbl.kiit@kiit.ac.in

ICMBL Best Paper Award

A Certificate + Cash prize of Rs 10,000 will be awarded to the best paper written and presented at the conference. The winner will receive the award during the valedictory program.

ICMBL Young Librarian Award

A certificate + cash prize of Rs. 10,000 + memento will be given to the awardee. The applicant must not be above 40 years of age. The name of the winner of the ICMBL Young Librarian Award will be declared on 21 st December 2024 during the valedictory ceremony of the conference. The awardee has to receive the prize in person. There is no option of sending the prize through post and no other person can receive the prize on behalf of the awardee.

How to submit papers?

• The length of the paper should not be more than 5000 words.
• Papers should contain full name, affiliations along with an email of author(s), abstract, keywords,author biography, and references properly cited in the text of the article as per APA style.
• The paper should be an unpublished document in any media and of any format. Full papers can be mailed to icmbl.kiit@kiit.ac.in

Paper presenters will receive certificates during the conference. The accepted papers should be submitted along with the registration fee to consider the paper for including in the Pre-conference Proceedings.