Dr.Prabhat K singhal

Kota: Dr. Deepak Kumar Srivastava, an educationist, Library and Information Science expert and public librarian, has built a distinctive national and international reputation through his work in library innovation, digital transformation, research and inclusive public services.

Born on November 26, 1974, in Anta, Baran district, Dr. Srivastava has an extensive academic background. He holds a Ph.D., M.Phil., M.Lib. & I.Sc. and B.Lib. & I.Sc. in Library and Information Science, besides M.Tech. and M.Sc. in Information Technology, PGDC, B.Sc. (Biology) and M.A. in Public Administration. He has also qualified the UGC-NET.

With more than 16 published books, 140 research papers and over 28 research scholars guided, Dr. Srivastava has made significant contributions to Library and Information Science. He has been associated with IGNOU and Vardhman Mahaveer Open University, Kota, in counselling and academic services, apart from being actively involved with several national and international library organisations.

His professional journey has been marked by a strong emphasis on innovation and accessibility. He has contributed significantly to the digitisation and automation of public libraries in Rajasthan and has been associated with initiatives including e-Granthalaya 4.0, Web-OPAC and the cataloguing of nearly 75,000 books, besides strengthening research and reference services.

Championing Inclusive Library Services

For Dr. Srivastava, a modern library is much more than a place where books are stored. He believes libraries should function as centres of knowledge, information, digital empowerment and social inclusion.

His initiatives have included technology-enabled services for visually impaired readers, home delivery of books for persons with disabilities, and specialised library services for transgender and nomadic communities. He has also worked towards making library services accessible to individuals affected by cerebral palsy.

His work has helped bring a new dimension to public library services in Rajasthan, particularly in the Hadoti region, by combining technology with community engagement and social responsibility.

Recognition on the Global Stage

Dr. Srivastava has also made a mark internationally. He has served as an INELI India Innovator and INELI South Asia Mentor and is recognised as India's first public librarian with an M.Tech. in Information Technology.

His name features on the Wall of Fame of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA). In 2025, he was selected for the IFLA Government Libraries Section Standing Committee (2025–2029) and currently serves as Information Coordinator, IFLA Government Libraries Section (2025–2027).

He has also served as a Sabbatical Professor at the Federal University Dutsin-Ma, Nigeria, and as a Visiting Professor at various universities in Kota. He is associated with international institutions and academic journals as a research-paper reviewer and has represented India at several international academic and professional forums.

A Distinguished Record of Honours

His contributions have earned him several national and international recognitions between 2023 and 2026. These include the SDF Best Public Librarian Award-2023, IFLA Wall of Fame Recognition, ASLIP Best Progressive Librarian Award-2024, S4B International Award-2024 and ICOEL Best Public Librarian Award-2025, among others.

In 2026, he received the Indo-African Academic Mentor Award-2026, presented by Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN), recognising his contribution to international academics, research and mentoring.

Currently serving as Divisional Librarian and Head, Government Divisional Public Library, Kota, and as Nodal Officer for public libraries in the Kota region, Dr. Srivastava continues to work actively in writing, research, academics and library development.

His journey reflects a broader vision for the future of public libraries—one where technology, knowledge and inclusion come together to serve every section of society. His achievements have not only strengthened Rajasthan’s public library ecosystem but have also placed the Hadoti region on the international library map.

This version is suitable for an education magazine, newspaper profile, institutional publication or award souvenir.