THE ROLE OF LIBRARIES IN DIGITIZING INDIAN KNOWLEDGE SYSTEMS FOR TECHNOLOGY-ENHANCED TEACHER EDUCATION

The rapid advancement of technology in education has opened new avenues for integrating indigenous knowledge systems into modern pedagogical frameworks. In India, the Indian Knowledge System (IKS)—comprising ancient texts, oral traditions, and philosophical treatises—offers a vast repository of wisdom that can enrich teacher education. Libraries, as traditional custodians of knowledge, are pivotal in digitizing these resources to align them with technology-enhanced teaching practices. This paper investigates the multifaceted role of libraries in preserving, curating, and disseminating IKS for teacher education, emphasizing their potential to bridge cultural heritage and digital innovation. Through a qualitative analysis of existing literature and case studies like the National Digital Library of India (NDLI), it identifies key challenges—such as funding, accessibility, and cultural sensitivity—and proposes strategies like collaborative partnerships and open-access platforms. The study highlights how digitized IKS can empower educators to create culturally resonant, technology-driven curricula, aligning with India’s educational goals. KEYWORDS: Indian Knowledge System, libraries, digitization, teacher education, technology,NDLI.