Profile Overview

Research Interest

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Library Automation and Digital Library Development

Biographical Sketch

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Dr. Rajesh Kumar Bhardwaj is a distinguished library and information science professional with over 36 years of progressive experience across academic, research, and specialised institutional libraries. Currently serving as University Librarian at Mody University of Science and Technology, Lakshmangarh, he holds a doctorate in Library and Information Science alongside an MBA, M.Phil., and a suite of professional qualifications, all secured with first-class distinction. He qualified UGC-NET in his very first attempt, reflecting an enduring commitment to academic rigour.

Dr. Kumar’s career has spanned some of India’s most prominent institutions, including Delhi Technological University, FORE School of Management, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), and GLA University, where he led a network of 13 in-campus libraries. At each institution, he has been responsible for the full spectrum of library administration: policy implementation, collection development, digital infrastructure, staff supervision, and academic collaboration. He has been a pioneer in deploying RFID technology, institutional digital repositories (DSpace), and integrated library management systems.

A prolific researcher, Dr. Kumar has published 34 papers in national and international journals and conference proceedings, and has edited two significant conference volumes. He has been Principal Investigator on government-sponsored projects funded by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. Recognised for his reviewing excellence, he received the Certificate of Excellence in Reviewing from DESIDOC Journal of Library & Information Technology in consecutive years, and received the A.G. Motiwale National Award for Best Paper at the Indian Library Association National Conference.

An engaged member of the wider profession, Dr. Kumar holds life membership of seven leading library associations, including the Indian Library Association, IASLIC, and MANLIBNET. A sought-after speaker and resource person, he has delivered invited lectures at institutions across India and delivered a keynote address at the Himalayan University Consortium Librarians’ Seminar in Kathmandu. His research interests span library automation, digital library development, knowledge management, AI-enhanced user experience, and information architecture.