IB Verma, a former librarian from Panjab University and Government College, Sector 11, has made it to the Limca Book of Records 2013 for his International Encyclopedia of Abbreviations, with 8,000 words.

"Even after retirement, I never gave up on my love for reading and writing. An earlier book of mine - International Dictionary of Abbreviations - comprising 80,000 words, was published in 2012," says Verma, whose encyclopedia has been cited as 'the first of its kind in the world', by compilers of the Limca Book of Records.

A mission undertaken out of self-motivation, it took him nearly six years to complete the book. The first edition of his encyclopedia was published 12 years ago by a publisher in New Delhi with 5,000 words. Now, the revised edition - with 3,000 more words and in two volumes - has won him accolades. "The two volumes of my work are unique because they contain not only the expanded forms of the abbreviations - which are already available in my dictionary -- but also very useful information about each of the commonly used national and international abbreviations," says Verma.

His interests have not been limited to self-growth. He has also been encouraging others to read. "My mission is to inculcate the habit of reading, particularly among schoolkids. I have served as the general secretary of Chandigarh Librarian Association for more than 15 years," added Verma, who has written two Hindi novels too.

Verma has brought cheers for other members of his fraternity who are elated at his achievement.

A book titled Young Librarian's Bible, which he wrote a few years ago, is a useful guide to young librarians on managing the system in a library.

About his new book, he says: "The information in my encyclopedia will not just be useful to students preparing for competitions and examinations, but even the general reader will find the book interesting."

Source: http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-04-27/chandigarh/3...