Meet the Knowledge Catalysts: The Dedicated Faculty and Collection of Dr. Zakir Husain Library

Every world-class university relies on a truly exceptional library, and Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) is no exception. At the heart of its academic life is the magnificent Dr. Zakir Husain Library (ZHL), a center of learning, research, and quiet contemplation.

But who keeps this giant machine running smoothly? It's the dedicated team of Library Faculty and Staff! This post explores the library’s rich history, its valuable collection, the top-notch facilities, and highlights the indispensable role of the people behind the desk.

The Foundation: History of Dr. Zakir Husain Library

The ZHL's roots trace back to 1920, the very founding year of Jamia Millia Islamia. It began modestly but grew rapidly, fueled by the university's academic ambition.

• The library was named in honor of Dr. Zakir Husain, a celebrated educationist, former JMI Vice-Chancellor, and the third President of India.
• His vision helped expand the collection significantly, incorporating wider subjects and acquiring valuable manuscripts.
• Today, the ZHL operates from a massive, four-story building, making it one of the most resource-rich university libraries in the nation 

Dr. Zakir Huain Library

Behind the Scenes: The Dedicated ZHL Faculty and Staff

The library's success rests on its expert team, composed of academic faculty and professional staff. They are more than clerks; they are trained professionals.

Their roles encompass everything from curating books, resources and rare manuscripts etc. to managing complex digital subscriptions. They are committed to fostering a supportive and resource-rich environment for every student and scholar.

• Librarian & Deputy Librarians: They set policy, manage budgets, lead technology adoption, and guide the overall vision of the library. 

Librarian: Dr. Vikas Nagrale

Deputy Librarian: Dr. Sufiyan Ahmad

• Assistant Librarians: They specialize in collection development, reference services, cataloguing, and research assistance.

Dr. Zubair Mahmood

Ms. Shazia Alvi

Dr. Jamil Ahmed  

Dr. Kashish Fatima 

Dr. Prachi Shukla

Dr. Sandeep Sharma

• Professional Assistants: They manage daily circulation, cataloguing etc., help users navigate the OPAC (Online Public Access Catalogue), and ensure smooth operations across various sections.

Ms. Nisha

Mr. Mohd Ateek

Ms. Shabana Maseeh

Ms. Farida Khan

Ms. Anjuman Shahin

Dr. Shimail Hafeez

Mr. Manir Uddin Ansari

Mr. Mohd Adnan

Mr. Mohd Asim

Dr. Kasam Ali

The Repository: Collection Highlights

The ZHL boasts a total collection of nearly 4 + lakh items, making it a pivotal center for research in Social Sciences, Humanities, and Sciences.

Faculty of Education Library	27994
Faculty of Engineering. & Tech. Library	39399
Faculty of Fine Arts Library	4018
Faculty of Dentistry Library	4801
Faculty of Law Library	8957
Life Science Library	2304

Print Journals

International Journals	29
National Journals	78

 

 

News Papers & Magazine (Print)

News Papers	No.	Magazine	No.
English	13	English	20
Hindi	8	Hindi	6
Urdu	4	Urdu	8
Both English & Hindi Magazine			26

Digital Repository

Manuscripts	621
Rare Books	755
Old Newspaper	45 (Titles)
Old Serials	428
Thesis [ShodhGanga + IR]	1600

Special Collections

(e.g. text books, reference books, rare books)

Reference Sources	8977	Manuscripts	2237
Theses	3589	Arabic	645
Textbook Collection	9603	Persian	1426
Urdu	166

 

The collection bridges the historical with the modern:

• Rare Books and Manuscripts: Over 6,000 rare books and 2,237 manuscripts in 645 in Arabic, 1426 in Persian, and 166 in Urdu, some dating back to the 14th century.
• Print and Reference: Extensive collection of over 4 lakh print books, bound journals, and a dedicated reference section.
• E-Resources: Access to 7,000+ full-text e-journals, e-databases, and e-books for both on- and off-campus use.

Modern Hub: Facilities and Services

The library offers a peaceful, well-equipped, and technology-driven environment conducive to serious study and research.

Key modern facilities include:

• Digital Resource Centre (DRC): A dedicated center with numerous computer systems for seamless access to all subscribed electronic databases.
• Seating Capacity: The library and its Reading Hall (Text Book Collection ,TBC) offer a combined seating capacity of around 1400.
• Extended Hours: The Old Reading Hall is often open for long hours, sometimes even until 2 AM, supporting late-night study.
• Specialized Services: Learning Centre for Differently-Abled students and specialized tools like Similarity Detection Software for researchers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How do I access the e-journals from home? A: The library provides a remote access service (usually via a dedicated login system) to all subscribed e-resources. Check the library website or ask the Information Scientist team for setup details.

Q: What is the Learning Centre for Differently Abled facility? A: The Learning Centre for Differently Abled Students provides specialized infrastructure and resources to ensure equitable access to knowledge for all members.

Q: Where can I find Ph.D. Theses? A: Ph.D. theses and dissertations are typic ally housed in a separate section for reference, and many are also available digitally through the Jamia Academic Repository.

Conclusion: Your Partner in Academic Excellence

The Dr. Zakir Husain Library is truly the lifeline of JMI, and the faculty and staff are the constant force ensuring its high standards. They seamlessly blend traditional library science with modern information technology to serve you better.

• The next time you visit, take a moment to appreciate the work done by the staff members who organize the collections, manage the digital resources, and assist in your research journey.

Which library facility do you find most helpful for your studies? Share your feedback or a word of thanks for the dedicated library staff in the comments below!

---

SEO Keywords: Dr. Zakir Husain Library, Jamia Millia Islamia, JMI Library Staff, Academic Library, Library Collection, Digital Resource Centre, Library Facilities.