In a world brimming with information, few individuals dare to not only navigate its chaos but also make meaningful sense of it—bridging the technical with the philosophical, the empirical with the spiritual. One such visionary is Dr. Naresh Agarwal, an inspiring and influential global scholar, educator, and leader in information science and knowledge management.
Born in the Himalayan town of Sikkim, India, and now a respected Professor and Director of the Information Science & Technology Concentration at Simmons University, Dr. Agarwal’s life story is an extraordinary example of how passion, intellect, and purpose can intertwine to create global impact.
Naresh Agarwal: From the Hills of Sikkim to the Hallways of Global Academia
Naresh Agarwal’s journey is far from linear—it’s a narrative rooted in intellectual curiosity and enriched by human empathy. Earning his Ph.D. from the National University of Singapore (NUS), he explored the evolving domain of information behavior—the study of how people seek, avoid, encounter, and use information. His research is not just academic; it touches the core of how humans make sense of the world around them.
Before academia, Agarwal spent six years in various technology roles, from voice-over-IP systems to digital cinema. This real-world tech foundation later enriched his scholarly insights and teachings. But what makes Dr. Agarwal truly unique is how he harmonizes technology and human purpose—a rare blend in today’s often fragmented digital landscape.
Information Behavior with a Human Soul
His research explores complex questions: Why do people search for information the way they do? What makes us stumble upon life-changing data by chance—or serendipity? What factors influence our interaction with knowledge in an age dominated by screens and scrolling?
Dr. Agarwal’s work extends far beyond textbook definitions. His first book, Exploring Context in Information Behavior: Seeker, Situation, Surroundings, and Shared Identities, dives deep into the psychological, cultural, and contextual factors influencing how people find and use information. His second book, Engineering to Ikigai, encapsulates 25 real-life journeys toward purpose—underscoring that information isn’t just power, but also path.
In every research paper, lecture, and keynote address, Dr. Agarwal emphasizes that information behavior is ultimately human behavior. His insights into serendipitous encounters, non-response behaviors on smartphones, and the emotional landscape of digital interactions continue to shape academic thought across disciplines.
Naresh Agarwal: A Global Voice of Knowledge and Kindness
As President of the Association for Information Science & Technology (ASIS&T) in 2022-23, Dr. Agarwal led with compassion, curiosity, and clarity. He introduced inclusive initiatives—translating ASIS&T content into 28 languages, launching a mentorship program, and prioritizing member voices through direct interactions. His leadership resulted in a period of financial stability, international expansion, and strategic innovation.
His service was recognized with multiple honors, including the prestigious 2024 Watson Davis Award for Service and the James M. Cretsos Leadership Award in 2012. Today, he stands as a Distinguished and Lifetime Member of ASIS&T, a title bestowed on only the most devoted contributors to the profession.
Colleagues across the globe, from Bangladesh to the United States, describe Dr. Agarwal not just as a scholar, but as a mentor, role model, and beacon of empathy. He doesn’t merely guide minds—he uplifts spirits.
Teaching Technology, Inspiring Transformation
At Simmons University, Dr. Agarwal teaches a wide spectrum of courses—ranging from Web Development and Information Architecture to Knowledge Management and Theories of Information Science. His teaching is known for integrating real-life applications with philosophical depth, fostering not only skilled professionals but also thoughtful global citizens.
He invites students into a world where technology is not just about tools, but about transformation. His course, LIS 488 Technology for Information Professionals, is not just about mastering systems but about understanding their impact on society. Whether it’s evaluating information services or exploring the soul of information theory, he instills a sense of purpose in every lesson.
Gathering Stories, Creating Oneness
In 2018, Dr. Agarwal initiated a deeply personal and global project: ProjectOnenessWorld.com. Through interviews and human stories, he seeks to illuminate paths to connection, purpose, and shared humanity. This initiative underscores his belief that our stories are not just data points, but guiding lights for others.
This project is a natural extension of his scholarly work—it’s research as relationship, data as dialogue. It reflects his core message: “I am, because you all are.”
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