Public libraries in India

? Diametrically opposing views!

▪ Public libraries are becoming redundant

▪ Reading habit is declining

▪ Internet can give everything

▪ Digital libraries are the future

▪ ….why do we need public libraries at all ?

ICT –based services are good enough!

The internet Web 2.0 applications Free and Open Source Softwares e-resources Digital library Open access contents Mobile technology

……where is the place for public libraries?

Level of use is very low More “non-users” than “users” Not making the desired impact Unable to prove that libraries are making

impact Libraries are too expensive to maintain Libraries are not the exclusive source Libraries are getting closed Low profile institution

…….these are realities!

20 things to do before they (children) grow up

(Timeout Bangalore)

4.Sign up for a library

Register with Hippocampus or Easy Library or I-Cue for home delivery of books.

….did not mention public library!!

Lack of confidence in public librariesQuestionable competency levels of

public library staffLow profile of the public librariesApathy of library “bosses”Role and contributions not

appreciatedLow priority Not many takers for library services

…. these have to change!

In a knowledge economy, public libraries have an important role to play

The correlation between libraries and scholarship , education and literacy is well established

Citizens like public libraries

…any attempt to close down public libraries have met with anger and protests!

The vast majority of our population does not have access to institutional libraries, and for them the only source for accessing information and knowledge resources is public libraries.

…… don’t underestimate this role

As long as writing, publishing and thirst for knowledge continues, public libraries will continue!

Public libraries have an important role to

play in society

…. it is difficult to visualise a society without public libraries!!

“ We must reinvigorate knowledge sharing units like public libraries and create knowledge hubs in every village…”

Statements by the Prime Minister on 12 Jan 2005, while announcing the plan to set up National Knowledge Commission

 

“ Public libraries are an extremely important element of the foundation of a knowledge economy…”.

Statements by the Prime Minister on 2 Aug 2005, while launching the National Knowledge Commission

 

1911 the Baroda movement

1934 Ranganathan’s entry on the public library scene

1948 Enactment of the first library legislation

1951 Establishment of DPL

1972 Establishment of RRRLF

2005 Setting up of the National Knowledge Commission ( and its recommendations

on libraries)

Set up a National Commission on Libraries Prepare a National Census of all Libraries   Revamp Library and Information Science education,

training and research facilities   Re-assess staffing of libraries   Set up a Central Library Fund   Modernise Libraries   Encourage greater community participation in

library management   Promote Information communication technology

(ICT) applications in libraries   Facilitate donation and maintenance of private

collections   Encourage public-private partnership in

development of library and information services 

Strategy for implementing the recommendations …submitted in 2009.

 

First to set up a National Mission on Libraries

and later upgrade it to the National Commission on Libraries

Initial focus on public libraries

Eventually, all library systems

Restructure and strengthen RRRLF, to initiate implementation of the recommendations in the interim.

Restructured RRRLF

▪ New staffing structure and more staff

▪ Larger presence in Delhi

▪ More field offices

▪ More funding

Modernisation and ICT application in a phased way

Access to e-resources

Massive skill and competency development programme

Media campaign to promote public libraries and reading habit

Detailed survey of public libraries

Public libraries as Knowledge centres

….all these will be initiated this year or early next year

  Manpower to implement the changes?

Funding to sustain the initiative

Centre – state arrangement

Managing the change

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Challenges are many

Opportunity is great

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  Thank you

jayarajan45@gmail.com

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