The Bombay Science Librarian’s Association (BOSLA), established in October 1977, emerged as a response to the pressing challenges faced by scientific libraries in the mid-1970s. During this time, librarians working in scientific institutions realized that their existing resources were insufficient to adequately meet the needs of the scientific community. Rising publication costs and stagnant library budgets posed significant obstacles to fulfilling these requirements
The Bombay Science Librarian’s Association (BOSLA)
Driven by the librarians of prominent institutions such as Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (B.A.R.C.), Department of Chemical Technology, Bombay University (U.D.C.T.), Indian Institute of Technology (I.I.T.), Bombay, and Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (T.I.F.R.), a proactive initiative was undertaken. These librarians recognized the necessity for closer collaboration beyond the scope of routine inter-library loans. Consequently, they initiated frequent meetings to discuss and explore possibilities for stronger ties.
The outcome of their collective efforts was the formation of the Bombay Science Librarian’s Association (BOSLA). Established as an organization dedicated to the advancement of science libraries, BOSLA aimed to address the challenges faced by librarians and enhance the quality of services provided to the scientific community. With its inception, BOSLA set out to improve resource allocation, raise professional standards, strengthen financial capacities, and establish effective communication channels between professionals and the government.
Since its establishment, BOSLA has played a crucial role in fostering collaboration among scientific libraries in Bombay, enabling them to better cater to the needs of their respective organizations and enhance the scientific research landscape in the region.
As a result of their collective efforts, the Bombay Science Librarian’s Association (BOSLA) was founded in October 1977. The association’s founder members included
Head, Library and Information Science, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay
Librarian, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Homi Bhabha Road, Bombay
Scientific Officer, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay
Assistant Librarian, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Homi Bhabha Road, Bombay
Librarian, Indian Institute of Technology, Powai, Bombay
Scientific Officer, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay
Librarian, University Department of Chemical Technology, Matunga, Bombay
Dear Members of the Bombay Science Librarian’s Association (BOSLA),
It is my privilege and honor to address you as the Chairman of BOSLA. I am Dr. Subhash Chavan, and I am truly excited to lead this esteemed association in its mission to enhance the services and resources provided by science libraries in Bombay.As we gather here, we reflect upon the humble beginnings of BOSLA and the vision of our founding members.
They recognized the challenges faced by scientific libraries in the mid-70s, and their dedication led to the formation of this association. Today, we stand on their legacy, committed to furthering their objectives and taking BOSLA to greater heights. Our primary goal is to improve the services offered by science libraries as well as all academic and special libraries not only in Mumbai but also from overall Maharashtra and India. In an era of rapidly advancing technology and increasing demand for knowledge dissemination, it is vital that we stay ahead of the curve. Through collaboration, innovation, and continuous professional development, we can elevate the quality and accessibility of our libraries’ resources. Cooperation is at the heart of our association. By actively collaborating and sharing our resources, we can maximize our impact and provide our members with a wider array of valuable materials. Let us foster an environment of mutual support and knowledge exchange, where we can all benefit from each other’s expertise and collections. Financial resources are often a challenge for libraries, and it is our responsibility to strengthen the financial foundation of our science libraries, university libraries and college libraries. Through strategic planning, effective advocacy, and exploring new avenues of funding, we can ensure sustainable growth and prosperity for our libraries. Equally important is raising the professional standard of our library staff. Our librarians play a pivotal role in supporting the researchers and teachers, and we must invest in their development. Let us provide opportunities for training, professional networking, and skill enhancement, empowering our staff to deliver exceptional services and adapt to evolving needs. We must also strive to improve the status and service conditions of our library staffers. Recognizing their invaluable contributions, we will work towards creating a conducive and rewarding environment that fosters their growth, motivation, and job satisfaction. Maintaining effective liaison between professionals and the government is crucial to advocate for the needs and interests of our association. By establishing open lines of communication, we can voice our concerns, propose necessary reforms, and contribute to policy decisions that impact the library and scientific research community positively. I invite each and every one of you to actively participate in the activities and initiatives of BOSLA. Your ideas, expertise, and dedication are instrumental in driving our association forward. Together, let us build a stronger, more vibrant community of librarians that supports the advancement of knowledge and research in our country. I am committed to leading BOSLA with transparency, inclusivity, and a passion for our mission. I look forward to working alongside all of you to achieve our shared objectives and make a lasting impact on the libraries and LIS education system.
Thank you for your trust and support.
Warm regards,
They recognized the challenges faced by scientific libraries in the mid-70s, and their dedication led to the formation of this association. Today, we stand on their legacy, committed to furthering their objectives and taking BOSLA to greater heights. Our primary goal is to improve the services offered by science libraries as well as all academic and special libraries not only in Mumbai but also from overall Maharashtra and India. In an era of rapidly advancing technology and increasing demand for knowledge dissemination, it is vital that we stay ahead of the curve.
Through collaboration, innovation, and continuous professional development, we can elevate the quality and accessibility of our libraries’ resources. Cooperation is at the heart of our association. By actively collaborating and sharing our resources, we can maximize our impact and provide our members with a wider array of valuable materials. Let us foster an environment of mutual support and knowledge exchange, where we can all benefit from each other’s expertise and collections. Financial resources are often a challenge for libraries, and it is our responsibility to strengthen the financial foundation of our science libraries, university libraries and college libraries. Through strategic planning, effective advocacy, and exploring new avenues of funding, we can ensure sustainable growth and prosperity for our libraries. Equally important is raising the professional standard of our library staff. Our librarians play a pivotal role in supporting the researchers and teachers, and we must invest in their development. Let us provide opportunities for training, professional networking, and skill enhancement, empowering our staff to deliver exceptional services and adapt to evolving needs.
We must also strive to improve the status and service conditions of our library staffers. Recognizing their invaluable contributions, we will work towards creating a conducive and rewarding environment that fosters their growth, motivation, and job satisfaction. Maintaining effective liaison between professionals and the government is crucial to advocate for the needs and interests of our association. By establishing open lines of communication, we can voice our concerns, propose necessary reforms, and contribute to policy decisions that impact the library and scientific research community positively. I invite each and every one of you to actively participate in the activities and initiatives of BOSLA. Your ideas, expertise, and dedication are instrumental in driving our association forward. Together, let us build a stronger, more vibrant community of librarians that supports the advancement of knowledge and research in our country.
I am committed to leading BOSLA with transparency, inclusivity, and a passion for our mission. I look forward to working alongside all of you to achieve our shared objectives and make a lasting impact on the libraries and LIS education system.
Thank you for your trust and support.
Warm regards,
The Bombay Science Librarian’s Association (BOSLA),
Registered on 9th March 1978, emerged as a response to the pressing challenges faced by scientific libraries in the mid-1970s.
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