184th Five Days Training Programme on SOUL 3.0 Installation and Operations (17–21 August 2026)
The Information and Library Network (INFLIBNET) Centre, an Autonomous Inter-University Centre (IUC) under the University Grants Commission (UGC), has announced the 184th Five Days Training Programme on SOUL 3.0 Installation and Operations, scheduled from 17 August to 21 August 2026 at INFLIBNET Centre, Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
This intensive training programme is specially designed for library professionals, university librarians, college librarians, library staff, and information professionals who are currently using SOUL 3.0 or planning to implement it in their libraries.
The workshop provides hands-on practical training on installation, configuration, administration, and day-to-day operations of the latest version of SOUL software.
About INFLIBNET Centre
The Information and Library Network (INFLIBNET) Centre was established in May 1996 as an autonomous Inter-University Centre of the University Grants Commission (UGC).
The Centre plays a significant role in:
Automation of academic libraries
Development of union catalogues
Resource sharing among libraries
Digital information access
Scholarly communication
Library networking across Indian universities and higher education institutions
INFLIBNET continuously promotes technological advancements in library automation and digital library services.
What is SOUL 3.0?
SOUL (Software for University Libraries) 3.0 is an Integrated Library Management System (ILMS) developed by INFLIBNET Centre.
The software is designed specifically for:
University Libraries
College Libraries
School Libraries
Research Libraries
Special Libraries
SOUL 3.0 supports international library standards including:
MARC 21
Unicode
NCIP 2.0
SIP2 Protocol
It automates almost every housekeeping operation of a library while ensuring compliance with international bibliographic standards.
Objectives of the Training Programme
The main objectives are to:
Provide practical knowledge of SOUL 3.0
Train participants on software installation
Explain each module in detail
Improve library automation skills
Enhance library management efficiency
Develop technical competency among library professionals
Topics Covered During Training
The programme includes theory sessions and practical demonstrations on the following modules:
1. SOUL Overview
Introduction
Features
System requirements
Administrative settings
2. Administrative Module
User creation
Rights management
Database settings
Configuration
3. Acquisition Module
Vendor management
Book ordering
Invoice processing
Budget allocation
4. Cataloguing Module
Bibliographic record creation
MARC cataloguing
Authority control
Import & export
5. Circulation Module
Membership
Issue & Return
Reservation
Fine management
6. Serials Control Module
Subscription
Renewal
Issue control
Claim management
7. Web OPAC Installation
Installation
Configuration
Search interface
User access
8. Backup & Restore
Database backup
Recovery
Data security
These modules are part of the official training curriculum.
Resource Persons
The sessions will be conducted by experienced:
Library & Information Science Scientists
Computer Scientists
Technical Experts
from INFLIBNET Centre, ensuring both conceptual understanding and practical exposure.
Who Can Participate?
This training programme is suitable for:
University Librarians
College Librarians
Assistant Librarians
Library Professionals
Information Scientists
Library Staff
Faculty Members
Institutions planning to purchase SOUL 3.0
A maximum of 20–25 participants will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis.
Eligibility
Participants should have:
Basic knowledge of Library & Information Science
Basic computer operation skills
These prerequisites help participants make the most of the practical sessions.
Training Duration
Programme Dates
17 August 2026 – 21 August 2026
Duration: Five Days
Registration Fee
With Accommodation
₹7,080 (Inclusive of GST)
Without Accommodation
₹5,900 (Inclusive of GST)
The fee includes:
Training kit
Study materials
Lunch during the programme
The fee is non-refundable and non-adjustable. Payment can be made through Demand Draft or NEFT/RTGS as per INFLIBNET guidelines.
Accommodation Facility
Accommodation will be available at the INFLIBNET Guest House (A/C Twin Sharing Rooms).
Seats are limited and will be allotted on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants should request accommodation in advance while registering.
Registration Process
Interested candidates must submit the online registration form on or before 14 August 2026.
Early registration is recommended because participation is limited to 20–25 candidates and admissions close once seats are filled.
Technical Coordinator
Coordinators
Mrs. Hema Cholin – Scientist C (LS)
Ms. Arti Sawale – Scientist B (LS)
Course Director
Why Should Library Professionals Attend?
This training programme offers an opportunity to:
Learn directly from INFLIBNET experts.
Gain hands-on experience with SOUL 3.0 modules.
Improve library automation and workflow efficiency.
Stay updated with international library standards.
Network with library professionals from across India.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can attend the SOUL 3.0 training?
Library professionals, university and college librarians, library staff, and institutions using or planning to implement SOUL 3.0.
What is the duration of the programme?
The training runs for five days, from 17–21 August 2026.
What is the registration fee?
₹7,080 with accommodation and ₹5,900 without accommodation (inclusive of GST).
What modules are covered?
Administrative, Acquisition, Cataloguing, Circulation, Serials Control, Web OPAC, Installation, and Backup & Restore.
What is the last date to register?
14 August 2026.
Final Thoughts
The 184th Five Days Training Programme on SOUL 3.0 Installation and Operations is an excellent professional development opportunity for library and information science professionals seeking to strengthen their expertise in library automation. With expert-led sessions, practical exposure, and comprehensive coverage of SOUL 3.0 modules, participants can enhance their technical skills and improve the efficiency of their library services. Registration is limited, so interested candidates should complete the process before the deadline.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is based on the official recruitment notification released by the respective organization. Candidates are advised to carefully read the official notification and visit the official website for the latest updates, eligibility criteria, application process, and other important details before applying.
LibraryJob.in is not responsible for any changes made by the recruiting organization after the publication of this article.
About the Author
Ankit Prakash
Ankit Prakash is the founder and editor of LibraryJob.in, a dedicated platform for Library and Information Science professionals. He regularly publishes updates related to Library Jobs, Government Recruitment, UGC NET Library Science, LIS Career Guidance, internships, and academic opportunities across India.
His mission is to provide authentic, easy-to-understand, and helpful information for students, librarians, researchers, and job seekers preparing for careers in the library profession.
