CHAPTER III

PUBLIC LIBRARY

3.1 INTRODUCTION

A public library is a source of knowledge easily accessible to the public and may

be operated by civil servants. Public libraries exist in most nations of the world and are

essential for literate and educated people. Public libraries are different from other

libraries like research libraries, school libraries or other special libraries. Their purpose is

to serve the public and provide the information needed generally as well as providing

books, CDs etc for general entertainment and leisure purposes. They also serve as lending

libraries so that the reader can take books and other materials home temporarily. They

also have non-circulating collection. They also focus on popular materials like fiction and

movies, educational and non-fiction material of general public interest. Nowadays

computer and internet access is also offered.

3.2 CONCEPT OF PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEMS

The Indian public libraries have achieved its greatest development in large cities.

Some cities maintain service that not only comes up to but surpasses minimum standards.

Achieving standard library facilities presents special difficulties in small cities, scattered

suburbs, towns, villages, and rural areas. Even with substantial financial effort, he small

locality is often not able to raise enough money to buy the books needed and to employ

the requisite professional personnel. For these reasons the many smaller libraries in the

country have usually not approached the range and quality of service specified in national

standards.

Yet the need for and ability to use library service, in variety and quality, are no

less in the suburb and the country than in the city. The modern Indian, in large place or

small has wide interest and can use facts to improve his way of life. Similarly the benefits

to him and his children from the services of skilled librarians, who can anticipate and

locate what he wants and who can guide him in using and interpreting resources are no

less than the benefits to his city cousin. The problem is similar to that of the provision of

school and hospital facilities. Ways have been found to bring such facilities for rural and

small town people up to minimum standard. The organization of library resources,

however, has continued to depend on small isolated units that have very little connection

with more substantial resources in large places.

Two clear and significant characteristics of present day life open the way for a

solution to the problem: modern transportation and communication and cooperation

among units and levels of government. Even as modern transportation and

communication make it possible to bring people at a distance into good medical facilities

or to bring special medical facilities out to them, so it is possible to go to or to bring out

specialized library resources. Even as governmental units cooperative to improve school,

road, and other services by joint effort, so the same cooperation can apply to library

facilities. Libraries working together sharing their services and materials can meet the full

needs of their users. This cooperative approach on the part of libraries is most important

single recommendation of this document. Without joint action, most Indian libraries

probably will never be able to come up to the standard necessary to meet the needs of

their constituencies.

Libraries are there urged to band together formally or informally, in groups

called systems. In such systems, already well established and successful in large cities

and populous counties, large and small libraries in natural areas work together to make a

wide range of library materials and services readily available to all residents. The

systems, in turn, reach out to a wider world, drawing on even greater and more

specialized resources offered by state and federal agencies. In a well organized structure

of library service, the reader in smaller and more remote places will have access not only

to all books and materials in his region, but beyond that to the resources of the state and

nation.

The development of system of libraries does not weaken or eliminate the small

community library. On the country, it offers that library and its users greatly expanded

resources and services. Library materials and servicers that today may seem unattainable

could be available in each local community in the foreseeable future. The advantage is

similar to that gained by a small independent radio or television station that uses some of

the programs of a large network.

Library systems come into existence and are financed in a variety of ways. In

large cities with a single library serving the whole area, the central agency, the branches,

and other means of extension naturally form a legally unified structure of service. Almost

the same degree of unity is achieved where unserved district or district with small

libraries, decide to affiliate with a nearby center. Local library boards of trustees may be

created or retain in such plans, with certain defined powers remaining in the locality or

the local board may contract with the center for service. Joint action without any legal

change or contract is another possibility, if careful agreements are entered into by the

several legally separate libraries in a region to achieve the service characteristics of a

single system. In sparsely settled areas of considerable extent, without an existing city or

other library to serve as the center of the system, it may be more feasible and economical

to utilize some type of state-administered and financed center.

A constructive attitude on the part of those responsible for local libraries leads to

consideration of the various alternatives and selection of the most beneficial rather than

to rejection of cooperative action because some alternatives pose serious problems. Each

time officials of a small library fail to reach out to joint action with other libraries,

readers in the locality suffer. Backing up the library system and in close working relation

with it, are resources and agencies at the state level. Here, too, is a reservoir of

opportunity for the local information seeker. At this level also is the state organizations is

the state library agency. It is to be expressly understood that these standards, when

applicable, apply to the state library agency which is part of the total structure of public

library service.

3.3 PUBLIC LIBRARIES AND ICT

The continuous struggle between those who settle themselves firmly in the book

camp and those who settle themselves in the ICT camp is damaging for the time to come

of the service. It is interesting like that mindsets have long ago been cut away from

academic librarianship which has seen for most of an effect from ICTs than the public

library; to the advantage of all stakeholders. Book will every time be the staple of the

public library for most people use the library to issue books than for any other reason.

This does not makes it any most significant to the people who do so than accessing

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) or reading a newspaper for those

who select to undertake that activity instead. Access to the better should mean access to

the better books, multimedia, information, periodicals, staff and ICTs. (McMenemy

Davied 2009)

3.4 SERVICES OFFERED BY PUBLIC LIBRARIES

Public libraries provide printed books, periodicals, audio tapes, CDs, cassettes,

videotapes, DVDs and videogames. There may be a facility of the internet and inter

library transactions. Readers’ advisory is a public library service that suggests interested

fiction and nonfiction titles. They also provide services like community meeting rooms,

storytelling for children, educational programs, online and in person programs, language

learning, free lectures, cultural activities and community service programs. Public

libraries also provide summer reading programs for children, families and adults. In rural

areas, apart from main branch there can be mobile library services through furnished

buses proving the serving to the countryside people.

Public libraries provide services for other special groups like printed and Braille

materials, books on audio tapes and audio CDs or pen-drives for blind people. They also

provide materials like colourful books, periodicals, audio tapes, audio CDs, cassettes,

videotapes, DVDs, video games etc. for children in a separate section. Librarians also

provide help in research to the general public even on telephone. An online discussion on

social networking sites is possible through internet and email. Specialist librarians with

the knowledge of particular topic or subject are also available to answer queries. Authors

are also paid in some countries for their borrowed books. These are called as Public

Lending Rights programs. (BatraPreeti 2010)

3.5 OBJECTIVE AND FUNCTION OF PUBLIC LIBRARIES

The objective and function of public library as enumerated by Ranganathan are as

follows:

1. In common work for continued social wellbeing as the organization in charge of all

socialized though.

2. Help the lifelong self education of one and every one.

3. Preserve the literacy remains of humanity for future generations as vehicles of culture

and source materials for antiquarian research.

4. Distribute in an unbiased way all sources of recorded thoughts and reviews to one and

every one, and serve as a help in the discharge of their political responsibilities in

respect of local, international and national affairs.

5. Furnish up- to- date facts and information on all subject to one and every one.

6. Contribute to productive drive by information to management of the new trends in

diverse enterprises by plugging back in the minds of researchers, technologists and

designers, every piece of relevant latest though promptly.

7. Provide to one and every one worthy and elevating use of leisure.

American Library Association, in its publication entitled Public Library Services: A

Guide to Evaluation with Minimum Standards, points out the function of a public library

as follows:

1. To encourage wholesome pleasure and constructive use of free time.

2. To meet the information required of every one.

3. To enrich and further growth the subjects on which individuals are taking

conventional education.

4. To support the educational, culture and civic activities of organization and groups.

5. To facilitate informal education of every one people in the community.

Public Library Enquiry Committee United Kingdom presents the following functions:

1. To provide authentic information to the community.

2. To provide opportunities for self education to young people, children, women and

men.

3. To collect resources on order to promote an enlightened citizenship and enhance

personal life. (Thomas V.K 1997).

3.6 MULTI FACED ROLE OF PUBLIC LIBRARY

In the Indian conditions the public libraries have to play numerous roles. In the

words of ferocious the library is establishing itself within the community as an institution

committed to portion people to cope with the twenty-first-century world. We can assign 3

specific roles to the public libraries in the current context and in the particular context of

developing nations. They have to play continuing and supporting role to the educational

programme of the academic organization.

Formal education only makes a person self growth in the striving towards of

knowledge. It facilitates for continuation of education through self achievement not

available in the form of free public library services the procedure of further education is

retarded and what is worse the advantages of education to the society gets dissipated. In

India 50 to 75% of the student at the college and school levels fail to be eligible in their

examinations, drop out and are thrown back in the society half baked. This huge waste of

countries manpower can largely be redeemed if free public services and education are

made available to them for continuation of their education through self achievement.

(Naidu N. G. 1990)

3.7 PUBLIC LIBRARY GOVERNMENT

The practice of public library movement there has been and is a substantial

consensus in favors of setting up a library authority and advisory bodies at the national

and state levels. Library incorporate boards at the state central libraries and district

libraries have become necessary. The board form of government has become partly

inherited from the libraries previous corporate structure. Most of the private libraries

were registered under the society’s registration Act. Though they may not be strictly

called corporate bodies they enjoyed most of the benefits of a corporate body. This status

was prescribed in order to insulate it from partisan politics and devote it to its

disinterested cultural purposes. The library has always remained relatively aloof from

active and effective power groups in the community.

This form of government has been suggested by the Advisory Committee for

Libraries. All the states those have library laws, adopted it with slight variations. The

Andhra Pradesh review committee has also recommended it. There are some definite

advantages which this form of library government offers. The most frequently repeated

statement in the library literature and approvingly recorded by researchers is that the

board is an indispensible buffer against politics. Libraries would otherwise feel naked and

defenseless, if they have to go alone to government or even to the Director of Public

Libraries.

The board can make a plea for sufficient funds without appearing to be self-

seeking. Without the board the librarian would appear as a political claimant devoid of

the political skills or the potential to make an effective representation. Seen thus the

Board is not only a buffer against but also an instrument of political engineering. A

further dimension to this concern about political performance is the view that the library

board represents the community, perhaps the best in the community than the politicians

and a more powerful element than the librarians. That board is rated high which has as its

member’s people of prestige and substantial economic, social and perhaps inherently

political status in the community.

The board has a valuable function to perform as a lay critic of professional

administration. The boards not only represent the cause of the library before the

government, but also serve as a sounding board for the librarian. They help librarian to

think aloud. They bring to bear a range of experience and attitudes which of necessary is

inaccessible to specialized professional groups. They whet the mind of the librarian while

leaving full administrative freedom to the professional so long as they have confidence in

him.

Finally the lay board will customarily bring to the library specific expertise which

can be of direct value. It is to be noted that expect in the case of the State Central Library

Authority, which represents the whole state, all the district library authorities call them

boards or councils or authorities must consist of the same number of members which

ought not to be different for different districts. The distinction between the term of office

and tenure of office must be borne in mind and must be the same for both members and

the chairmen. The method of appointment has been found notably irrelevant to the tenure

of board members and the chairman.

There are usually three types of members which constitute the board. In addition

to appointive or elected members there are a few members who are ex-officio members.

In some cases some members and the chairman are continued for several terms while

others hold office for a single term. This is not based on any objective criteria. Quite

often nomination and re-nomination are done on political grounds. But in general,

casualness in selecting members is conspicuous. On very exceptional occasions a

member is nominated for his experience of public library affairs and his status in society.

It is in interesting and not without significance that no board has a wholly homogenous

membership certainly none towards either end of a social scale. There are very few

boards which have preponderance of eminent people. In spite of variation in selecting the

members of the board most of the boards are under the control of people drawn from the

middle class and upper middle class.

A conspicuous feature however, is that the active political parties do not have any

representation on these boards. There is little of partisan politics in the boards. It, is

however, true that since these boards do not offer any political advantage nor can they be

used for going up the political ladder, they have been comparatively free of partisan

politics. It does not, however, mean that the boards have no politics of their own. In a few

of them there are groups actively engaged in politicizing, although they do not owe

allegiance to any recognized political party.

Homogeneity exists in a large number of cases. Not all the members are active all

the time. Ex-officio and nominated members usually are uninterested and to the line of

the government. There are a few who take an active interest in the functioning of the

libraries. But a large number of them, though indifferent making. It cannot, however, be

denied that in a few cases the board has been operating for the achievement of a

particular political considerations and out of spite. However, it is significant that the

library boards have been, by and large, free of political interference.

3.8 LIBRARY MOVEMENT IN INDIA

In 1910, Maharaja of Baroda, His Highness Sayaji Rao Gaekwad III, pioneered

Public Library System in India. He started compulsory mass education for children in one

district in 1893, and extended it further in the entire State by 1907. He thought that if

universal education is to be given then free public libraries will be required. He thought

that use of libraries should not be limited to the English knowing readers but should reach

to the bottom of the society. He wanted that library should become the people’s

university. Keeping this noble idea in his mind he started free public libraries from 1910.

He established a separate Library Department and appointed Mr. W. A. Borden

as the first Director of State Libraries. He established a Central Library at Baroda with

the collection of 88,764 volumes which included his own collection of about 20,000

books. A full time Curator of Libraries and with 50 employees were appointed to manage

it. He also purchased a Photostat camera and a camera projector to facilitate on screen

viewing like silent films etc.

He appointed Shri J. S. Kodalkar as its first editor and launched a quarterly journal

“Library Miscellany” in English, Gujarati and Marathi. He established Library

Associations at Taluka level and Mitra Mandals (friendly groups in the libraries) in the

town and village libraries. To improve the functioning of libraries he organized regular

library conferences. Mobile library services were provided for the remote villages. He

also established an Oriental Institute and Library with 1,420 manuscripts and 6,846

printed books in Sanskrit, Gujarati and other languages. He initiated the publication of

Gaekwad’s Oriental Series in 1915.

This was the first well managed public library system in the country but the

successors of Gaekwad III had no interest, so due to lack of royal support, the great

public library system of Baroda gradually diminished. Later it picked up after the

legislation of Gujarat Public Libraries Act in 2001. (Khan Riyazuddin 2006)

3.9 THE ROLE OF CENTRAL GOVERNMENT IN PUBLIC LIBRAR Y

DEVELOPMENT

Today, there are 54,856 public libraries in India. The first library was established in

Chennai in 1661 by English Colony Library. These public libraries were run by voluntary

organizations but did not survive due to inadequate financial support from the public. So,

later on nearly 50 percent public libraries closed down. But the public libraries supported

by State Governments or public are running through continuous grant-in-aid. Before

1950, there were nearly 6000 public libraries in Andhra Pradesh run by Non Government

Organizations but now there are hardly 3000 libraries. Same may be the case in other

states also. (Vashishth C. P. 1994)

3.10 PUBLIC LIBRARY LEGISLATION IN INDIA

In India get freedom in 1947 and came to be a Republic in 1950. To facilitate

administrations, it now has a National Capital Region of Delhi, six Union Territories and

twenty eight States after Independence. Even before Independence, Kolhapur most

important State, in the Western India passed Public Libraries Act in 1945.

Sr. No. Act pass Year Name of State

1 1948 Tamilnadu

2 1960 Andhra Pradesh

3 1965 Karnataka

4 1967 Maharashtra

5 1979 West Bengal

6 1988 Manipur

7 1989 Haryana

8 1989 Kerala

9 1993 Mizoram

10 1993 Goa

11 2001 Odisha

12 2000 Gujarat

13 2005 Uttarakhand

14 2006 Rajasthan

15 2006 Uttar Pradesh

16 2007 Lakshadweep

17 2008 Bihar

18 2009 Chattisgarh

19 2009 Arunachal Pradesh

Until today 50 per cent of the States of India have passed the library legislation act.

In future there is a possibility of library laws being passed in the remaining States, among

them Paducherry is at front.

TAMIL NADU-

Madras was renamed as Tamil Nadu on 14th January 1969. There are thirty one

districts Chennai being the state capital. In 1925 Dr. S. R. Ranganathan who was the

librarian of the Madras University, thought of forming library legislation in India which

came into existence in 1948. It came into force from 1950 in the state of Madras. After

that Connemara Public Library was renamed and was called as State Central Library.

Then in each district, District Central Libraries were founded in each district along with

Branch Libraries at various places. The directorate of public libraries was appointed as a

full time Director to control the system.

ANDHRA PRADESH-

This state was introduced in 1953, consisting of Telugu speaking areas of the

former Madras State. Later in 1956 Andhra Pradesh State was formed by merging areas

of Andhra and Telangana. There are 23 districts and its capital is Hyderabad. There were

two different Library Acts in force when Andhra Pradesh state was formed one of them

was Madras Public Libraries Act of 1948 in Andhra area and second was Hyderabad

Public Libraries Act 1955 in Telangana area. As there were two different Acts there were

some operational difficulties in the administration. So, both the Acts were combined and

modified and were passed as Andhra Pradesh Public Libraries Act, 1960. It came into

force from 1st April 1960 for the new state of Andhra Pradesh. Under the Administrative

control of Hon’ble Minister of School Education of Primary section a separate directorate

was formed in 1961 which cntrols the Public Library system, State Central Library,

Regional Libraries, District central Libraries and its branches.

KARNATAKA-

The Mysore State formed in 1956 was renamed as Karnataka State on 1st

November 1973. Dr S R Ranganathan the resident of Bengaluru initiated the formation of

the Mysore Library Association. This Association passed a resolution to form a library

legislation in the. The Association succeeded in passing the bill on 22nd April 1965.

Karnataka has a separate Public Technical Library in Peenya. It also has State Central

Library, 26 City Central Libraries, 27 District Central Libraries, Mobile Libraries and

other libraries in large numbers.

MAHARASHTRA-

The state of Bombay Province was divided into two states viz. Maharashtra and

Gujrat. Thus Maharashtra came into existence on 1st May 1960. Its capital is Mumbai and

it has 36 districts. In 1939, the Government of Bombay formed a Committee under the

Chairmanship of Shri Fyzee to study library Legislation. The committee’s report was

implemented late in 1971 due to the World War II (1939-1945). Earlier Government of

Bombay had appointed the Asiatic Society of Bombay to play a role of State Central

Library under which 3 regional libraries were established at Pune, Dharwar and

Ahmedabad.

But later Dharwar was transferred to Karnataka State after its formation in 1960

and Ahmedabad to new Gujarat State. The new Public Libraries Bill of Government of

Maharashtra was drafted and passed in the Legislative Assembly on 17th November,

1967. Accordingly the Central Library became the State Central Library. District

Libraries run under private managements are merged into the Public Library System.

Now there is one State Central Library with 6 divisional Libraries, one reference library

and 35 district libraries. In addition to this there are 10730 Aided Libraries controlled by

Directorate of Public Libraries.

WEST BENGAL-

The present State of West Bengal came into existence in 1956. It has 18 districts

and its capital is Kolkata. Mr. Kumar Munindra Deb Roy Mahasay of Bansberia Raj, the

pioneer of the Indian Library movement modified the Model Act drafted by Dr S R

Ranganathan to suit Bengal state and introduced it in the Assembly but due to clauses

relating to finance he could not succeed in getting the approval. The Bengal Library

Association had a State Conference in 1930 at Nabadwip where Dr. Ranganathan again

appended and tried for approval but could not succeed. When the Left Front came to

power in West Bengal in 1977 the Bengal Public Libraries Act was passed in the

Assembly on 12th September 1979. At present there is a State Central Library, District

Libraries and other libraries at a lower level controlled by the Directorate of Libraries.

MANIPUR-

Earlier it was a Princely State. Now it is a separate Indian state having Imphal as

its state capital. It has nine districts. The Imphal Public Library was established in 1938

and some more libraries have been providing services in the state. The Manipur Library

Association established in 1987 created library awareness among the people in the state.

Manipur Public Libraries Bill was introduced in the Legislative Assembly on 1st August

1988, which was passed unanimously with some minor changes. Now it has one State

Library and district libraries in each district. Also 120 NGOs run Club Libraries in the

state.

HARYANA-

The State of Haryana was formed from the part of the State of Punjab in 1966. It is

having 20 districts forming an area of 44,212 sq. km. In 1967 the Government of Haryana

started the State Central Library, district libraries and municipal libraries through

executive orders even before the legislation. All these libraries are controlled by Director

of Higher Education. Later the public Library Act was passed in 1989.

KERALA-

The state of Kerala was created in 1956. It is one of the smallest States of India

having 13 districts. It has highest rate of literacy in India. The public libraries were

established by young persons interested in social service in the middle of the 19th

century. Most of these libraries could not survive due to lack of inadequate financial

support. Out of them, only a few are functioning today. Colonel Edward Condgon, a

British Resident of Tranvancore (the grandson of Sir Hans Sloane, founder of the British

Museum) started the Trivandrum Public Library in 1829, during the period of Maharaja

of Travancore Shri Swaty Tirunal. The Kottayam Public Library (1858), Ernakulam

Public Library (1870) and public libraries at Sugunaposhini Vayanasala and Vanchiyoor

(1884) are in operation there.

The social organization, Kerala Granthasala Sangham founded in 1945 was

involved in big cultural, social and educational activities in the State having about 4000

libraries. It used to receive grant from the Government for the public libraries even before

Library Legislation. The Kerala Public Library Bill was passed in February 1989. After

that Trivandrum Public Library was changed to State Central Library. A State Library

Council was formed to control the system and release the grants to libraries.

MIZORAM-

It is one of the smallest States of India. Mizoram with eight districts became the

Union Territory in 1972 and it became a full-fledged state in 1987. A sub-divisional

library started at Aizwal in 1964 by the Government of Assam. The State library at

Aizwal and two district libraries at Lunglei and Siha were established after the formation

of Mizoram. The Young Mizo Association (YMA) and some social organizations started

the village libraries which were supported by government through supply of books. The

State Library prepared the draft of Mizoram Public Library Bill in 1980 and submitted it

to the Government which was passed in 1993, but it is yet to be implemented in the state.

Presently there is 1 State Library, 5 District Libraries and 434 YMA Libraries in the state.

GOA-

Earlier Goa was a Portuguese colony which was liberated in 1961 and a Union

Territory was formed together with Daman and Diu. Later Goa became a separate state in

1987. There are two districts and Panaji is the state capital.. The first public library

“Publican Libraia” was started in 1932 which was converted into the Central Library

after liberation. It opened Five Taluka and 56 village libraries. The Government

supported the libraries run by social organizations like Saraswat Vidyapeeth, Panaji,

Gomat Vidya Niketan Library, Margao City, and JanataVechanalaya, Vasco-da-Gama.

State Library Advisory Board was formed by the Government in 1983 which had a

subcommittee for drafting the Library Bill and submitting it to the Government. The

Library Bill was introduced in the Assembly in 1993 by Shri Donvick Fernandes. It was

passed on 26th November 1993 and got the approval of the Governor on 29th July 1995.

ODISHA-

This state has a historical background from the era of the king Kalinga. In 1936

it became a province during British rule. After India’s Independence the Princely states in

and around were merged into Odisha. Now it has 30 districts and the capital is

Bhubaneswar. Since long time there were libraries in Odisha. In the fifth five-year Plan,

the Government started district libraries in all the districts. A separate building called as

Hare Krishna Mehatab was constructed at Bhubaneswar for the State Central Library.

During the seventh Five-Year Plan it is proposed to set up subdivisional libraries and

local libraries. The Utkal Library Association which was formed in 1944, played a great

role in forming a library legislation in Odisha.. A draft of the Library Act has been

submitted by the association to the Odisha Government. It was introduced in the House in

1988.

GUJARAT-

On 1st May 1960 the State of Gujarat was formed by joining some part of the old

Bombay State and the adjoining northern and eastern Gujarati speaking parts. The state

has international border with Pakistan and national borders with Maharashtra, Rajasthan

and Madhya Pradesh. Its capital is Gandhinagar and there are 25 districts. Around 1910,

Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad of Baroda State initiated the Public Library Movement in

India. The Chairman of State Library Advisory Committee Shri Monoharsinhji Jadeja

drafted the Public Library Bill and submitted it to the Government. It was put up in the

Assembly which was passed and implemented in the year 2001. Now there are 2 State

Central Libraries and 263 Govt. Libraries, 4534 Grant-in-Aid libraries controlled by the

Directorate of Libraries.

UTTARAKHAND-

There was a public demand for this separate State right from the Karachi

Congress held in 1928. Thus the hilly area of the state of Uttar Pradesh was separated to

form this state. It covers an area of 55845 sq. km. and has 13 districts. The Government

introduced Library Legislative Act in 2005.

RAJASTHAN-

The state Rajasthan was formed in 1956 by joining number of Princely States in

the region. It has 32 districts and its capital is Jaipur. The Maharaja’s Public Library

came into existence in 1866 at Jaipur which was managed by a British librarian Sir Frank

Alexander for 6 years. The Rajasthan Library Association, under the guidance of

Professor S. Bashiruddin, was formed in 1962. It drafted a Library Bill and sent it to the

Government in 1965 for the approval. The Rajasthan Public Libraries Act was passed in

2006. Now the state has one State Central Library, 7 Divisional Libraries, 33 District

Libraries, 9 Tehsil Libraries and 228 Block level libraries.

UTTAR PRADESH-

This state was founded in 1956. The capital is Lucknow and it has 70 districts.

There are manuscript libraries in the state. The Allahabad Public Library was set up in

1864, Carmicheal Library of Benaras in 1872, Lyall Library and Reading Rooms in

Meerut in 1866. A number of public libraries were started social organizations. The Uttar

Pradesh Library Association was established in 1949 which runs Hospital Library service

at Lucknow and Kanpur. Dr S R Ranganathan drafted and published the Uttar Pradesh

Public Libraries Bill in 1949 in the form of a book "Library Development Plan. The Bill

was sent to the Government for the approval but is not yet passed. Meantime the

Government has issued an ordinance in 2006 for Library Legislation.

LAKSHADWEEP-

Lakshadweep became a Union Territory in 1956. Even though the Central

Library of Lakshadweep was located in the Secretariat, its sprouts were extended in

almost all islands as reading rooms-cum-libraries. Afterwards the Central Library was

shifted to Kavaratti. Now there are public Library services in every part of the territory.

The Social Welfare department of the Government manages the Public Libraries. There is

a Central Library Committee of Governmental Officials working as advisory.

BIHAR-

This state was created in 1936 from the part of former Bihar and Orissa provinces.

The Bihar Library Association was established in 1936 which organized the Bihar

Library Conference in 1937. A Draft scheme of libraries was prepared by the Association

which was submitted to the Government for approval. With the help of renowned Library

professionals of the State, Bihar Government passed the Public Libraries Act in 2008.

Bihar now has a State Library at Patna and District Libraries in every district.

CHATTISGARH-

Chattisgarh means 36 forts. There was a demand for a separate State from 1964

which was finally fulfilled in 2000. Chattisgarh was formed from the part of Madhya

Pradesh State. It has 16 districts and its capital is Raipur. The major part of the state is

backward so needs development. There are District libraries set up in all the districts by

the former Madhya Pradesh State Government. The Public Libraries Act in already

passed in 2008 but it is not yet implemented.

ARUNACHAL PRADESH-

In 1987 part of the North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA) was reconstructed to

form the Arunachal Pradesh State. Its capital is Itanagar. It has 13 districts. Its population

is mostly tribal. There is one State Central Library with its two branches and there are 16

District Libraries, 3 Divisional Libraries, 13 Sub-divisional Libraries, 26 Block Libraries

and 30 Circle Libraries. Mobile library service is also introduced in the capital city

through automobile vans. There is no Public Library Act yet.

ASSAM-

This state is situated in the north-east of India. Its capital in Dispur, Guwahati and

it has 23 districts. The eighth All Assam Library Conference was held at Guwahati in

1964, and Dr S. R. Ranganathan was invited to the conference who prepared a draft of

Public Library. The request was sent to the Government of Assam to pass the Public

Library Act in order to integrate the library services already available in the State, and to

develop and implement a public library system in the State but nothing has come out of it

yet. There is a State Library in Guwahati and a District Library in each district.

DELHI-

The old Delhi State is now called as National Capital Region of Delhi. There are

number of public libraries organized by social organizations. Since 1862 there was a

Haridayal Municipal Library in the state which was renamed as Haridayal Public Library

in 1970. There are other libraries like Marwari Public Library and Raghumal Vedic

Library founded in 1915, Fathepur Muslim Library in 1928 and Ramakrishna Mission

free library in 1934. UNESCO assisted the Ministry of Education, Government of India

to start the Delhi Public Library In 1951. Now Delhi Library Board is taking care of it.

Since 1954 efforts are being taken for Library legislation. In that connection a Seminar

was arranged by ILA and Ranganathan Research Circle (RRC) in New Delhi on the

birthday celebration of Dr Ranganathan on 11th August 1996. During the seminar Dr V.

Venkatappaiah presented model papers on “Delhi Public Library and Information

Services Act” which were modified by Professor Krishna Kumar and others. The Model

Act was sent to the Chief Minister of Delhi, by Professor P. N. Kaula. The Chief Minister

has promised to do the needful and the action is awaited.

MADHYA PRADESH-

This state was created on 1st November 1956 with 48 districts and Bhopal as a

capital. Regional and District Libraries are maintained by the Government of Madhya

Pradesh. It also maintains the libraries at the Gram Panchayat level. Some libraries are

also maintained by the voluntary organizations since long time. Dr Ranganathan prepared

the draft of Library Bill which was submitted to the Education Minister in 1946 but no

action was taken. The matter of Library Bill was discussed in Seventeenth All India

Library Conference organized at Indore in 1968 and Madhya Pradesh Library

Association was authorized to take up the issue of library legislation. Accordingly Dr G.

D. Bhargava and Shri V.S. Moghe prepared the Bill and presented it to the Education

Minister, Shri Jagadishnarain Avasthi through the association but still it is pending. The

Association is still trying for approval..

CHANDIGARH-

The well planned city of Chandigarh was constructed as the capital of the two

States, Punjab and Haryana. It was reorganized as the State on 1st November 1966. Now

it’s a Union territory and also the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana states. There is

huge Library in Chandigarh. Library Legislation bill not in existence.

JHARKHAND-

Jharkhand State is created from the parts of Bihar State on 15th November 2000.

Ranchi as its capital and there are 24 districts. There are District Libraries in all the

districts. Library Legislation is yet to be made.

PUNJAB-

The Punjab state was created by merging adjoining Princely States on 1st

November 1956. There are five rivers passing through the state and it is considered to be

the most prosperous and rich state of India having the highest per capita income. It has 17

districts and the capital is Chandigarh. The Public Libraries started in Lahore, the former

capital of Punjab province. Some other libraries started in the early part of the last

century were, Municipal Public Library, Patiala (1897), Motilal Nehru Public Library,

Amritsar (1900) and Municipal Public Library, Kapurthala (1904).

After Independence the Honorary Secretary, Shri G. L. Trehan of Punjab Library

Association, submitted a memorandum to the Government for Public Library Legislation.

The local Government Department of Punjab drafted a Public Library Bill and submitted

it to the Law Department for the approval which was sent to the Central Library

Committee of the Punjab government for further action. The action is still pending.

SIKKIM-

Earlier Sikkim was a Princely State ruled by the Chogyal (King). It shares a

common border with Tibet in the north, Bhutan in the east and West Bengal in the south.

After merging with the Indian Union on 26th April 1975, it became the 22nd State as per

the 38th Amendment of the Constitution of India. Its capital is Gangtok. There are four

districts in the state each one having District libraries. Library legislation is yet to be

made.

HIMACHAL PRADESH-

Himachal Pradesh is situated in northern India. It is surrounded by steep hills. It

became a full-fledged State on 23rd January 1971 with Shimla as the capital. There are 12

districts in the state. The first State Central Library at Solan. Then 11 district libraries

were established. The draft Library Bill was prepared including academic libraries in the

library system. The action by the Government of Himachal Pradesh is unknown.

TRIPURA-

The former Princely State of Tripura was included in the Indian Union on

15thOctober 1949. Before making the full-fledged State on 21stJanuary 1972 it was a

Union Territory. It has one State Central Library viz. Birchandra State Central Library

which is housed in old Secretariat Building. There are 4 District Libraries, 10 Sub-

divisional Libraries, 7 Block Libraries and 2 Rural Libraries in the state.

NAGALAND-

The State of Nagaland is the former Naga Hills Districts of Assam joined with

Tuensang Frontier Division of (in the era of British rule) North East Frontier Agency. It

was made a Union Territory in January 1961 and a state of India on 1st December 1963.

It has Myanmar in the east, Manipur in the south, Arunachal Pradesh in the north-east

and Assam in the north and west. There is a State Library at capital Kohima. It has eight

districts each one having a District library. Library Legislation is not yet formed.

MEGHALAYA-

This state was formed by separating some parts of Assam state. It became a full-

fledged State on 21st January 1972. Shillong is the capital and there are seven districts.

The Government of Meghalaya got the State Central Library in its share during

separation from Assam. In order to have development of the region, the North Eastern

Council was formed in 1972 Advisory Committee on Libraries is formed by the council

for the betterment of the library services in the region. Formation of library legislation is

to be done about which Government is yet to decide.

JAMMU AND KASHMIR-

This beautiful state has spread over 14 districts. There used to be two libraries

one of them was Shri Pratap Singh Library at Srinagar and another was Shri Rampur

Singh Library at Jammu. Now there are 14 district libraries and Tahsil libraries. In 1950,

Professor P. N. Kaula drafted a Public Library Bill and presented it to Sheikh Muhammad

Abdullah, the then Chief Minister of Kashmir but no decision was taken. Later

Government appointed a Committee to study the Public Library Act in the State under the

Chairmanship of ex Vice-Chancellor of Punjab Agricultural University Dr M. S.

Randhava in 1975. A bill was drafted by the committee which was submitted to the

Government, the action of which is yet to be taken.

ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR ISLANDS-

Andaman and Nicobar Islands were made a Union Territory on 1st November

1956. Earlier these islands served as prisons for life sentence prisoners, political prisoners

and exiles during the British regime. These islands are located in the Bay of Bengal. The

Hindu Library at Port Blair which was started in 1959 became the State Library in 1974.

The capital, Port Blair, has two districts. The two districts are divided into seven

educational zones. The district library was started in Car Nicobar. There are 13 zonal

libraries, managed by professionals.

The Mobile Library Service was introduced in September 2002. The blue print

for a public library system for the state was prepared by the Andaman and Nicobar

Library Association. It was submitted it to the Government for approval. Consequently in

1978 the government formed the Andaman and Nicobar library Planning Committee. The

Association is trying to get approval of library legislation.

DADRA AND NAGAR HAVELI-

Dadra and Nagar Haveli are situated on the west coast of India having the

common border with Gujarat and Maharashtra. Before the India’s independence, these

areas were ruled by Portuguese. The Portuguese were expelled and the areas came under

the control of Union of India. It became Union Territory on 11th August 1961. Its total

area is 491 sq km and the capital is Silvassa. Action for forming Library Legislation is

unknown.

DAMAN AND DIU-

Daman and Diu were controlled by Portuguese at the time of India’s

independence. After liberation in 1961 they were attached to Goa under the 12th

Amendment Act 1962. They were separated from Goa and declared a Union Territory

under the 57th Constitutional Amendment in 1987. Daman is the capital and there are two

districts each one having a library. Situation of forming Library Legislation is unknown.

PUDUCHERRY-

Puducherry was ruled by the French Government for more than three centuries.

After liberation Puducherry became Union Territory. It has a Legislative Assembly and a

Council of Ministers. It has four districts and its capital is Puducherry. The first library

‘Bibilotheque Publique’, started in 1827, is now renamed as Rolland Library. It was

shifted to a new building in 1974. Apart from this public libraries at Kariakal and Mahe

were set up in 1890. There are 64 Branch Libraries in rural areas managed by Education

Department. There are two mobile libraries functioning at Puducherry and Karaikal areas.

The draft bill on Puducherry Public Library Act was prepared in the National Seminar on

Library Legislation which was held in March 2010 was sent to the Government for

consideration

3.11 ROLE OF RAJA RAM MOHUN ROY LIBRARY FOUNDATION (RRRLF)

The role of Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation is well known to the

library professionals. Since its inception in 1972 the foundation has been supporting the

public libraries at different levels under a programme of matching and non-matching

assistance for construction of library building, purchase of furniture and equipments,

augmenting the book stock and finally for the acquisition of audio-visual materials. It is

also providing assistance for seminars, workshops and training courses. The foundation

has undertaken a project for strengthening children’s libraries or children’s section of

public libraries and it has a plan to develop text book selection in public libraries in the

near future. It is also assisting the voluntary organizations engaged in library services.

The RRRLF is thus rendering assistance to all types libraries whether set up

under an act, sponsored by the State, aided by the Government or run by voluntary

organizations. According to our concept a public library is one which renders library

services to the population of a community free or with nominal charge. It conforms to the

latest definition of UNESCO adopted for the purpose of collecting statistics of public

libraries from different parts of the world.

This is more realistic than the former idealistic definition. It is practicable to

organize a good public library system by administrative measure provided adequate

resources are made available. What is needed is a consciousness among our political and

administrative authorities to regard public library not as essential as the minimum needs

of food, cloth, shelter, drinking water and health-care. Provision of free library service to

all, obviously gets less priority in a developing country like India. Under the

circumstances we have to continue with the mixed pattern of library development for

many years to come

Some important objectives of RRRFL are:

1. To advise the government on all issues pertaining to the library growth in the India.

2. To encourage library movement in the India.

3. To provide technical assistance and financial to libraries.

4. To pronounce a national library policy and to support build up a national library

system.

5. To publish suitable literature and to act as a clearing house of concepts and

information on library growth in India.

6. To upgrade research in problems of library growth.

7. To allot financial assistance to organizations, national or regional, engaged in the

promotion of library growth.(Vashishth C. P. 1994)

3.12 LIBRARY ASSOCIATIONS IN INDIA

3.12.1 National Level Library Associations

There are various library associations at the national level. The major objectives of

these national level library associations are to maintain and develop library services in

their field of operations. Some of the national level library associations are;

Sr. No. Year of Establishment Name of Library Association

1 1919 All India Public Library Association

2 1933 Indian Library Association

3 1933 Government of India Library Association

4 1933 All India Rural Library Service Association

5 1944 All India Manuscript Library Association

6 1951 Library Field Worker Association

3.12.2 State Level Library Associations

Library associations found in most of the union territories and states of India

State level library associations are extremely active in public library growth in their

respective states. Some library associations also run diploma and certificate courses in

library science that support the learners get into the profession. A couple of library

associations also organize refresher courses for the in-service public libraries, mainly in

the field of library automation, ICT application in library and other modern issues.

Most of library associations remark library Day and Dr. Ranganathans birthday.

On those function they arrange one day lectures or seminars/ conference. These way

public libraries get informed about the public library movement in India and recent

development in the librarianship. Some library associations published their bulletins and

newsletter for their member, librarians and disseminate different professional

information. Many library associations take up the matter of information literacy

capability for the library users and librarians. Some of the state level library associations

are: (Trivedi Priya Ranjan, Singh Uttam Kumar 2010)

Sr. No. Year of Establishment Name of Library Association

1 1914 Andhra Pradesh Library Association

2 1921 Maharashtra Library Association

3 1925 Bengal Library Association

4 1928 Madras Library Association

5 1929 Karnataka Library Association

6 1929 Punjab Library Association

7 1931 Samastha Kerala Pustakalaya Samiti

8 1936 Bihar Library Association

9 1938 Assam Library Association

10 1944 Utkal Library Association

11 1945 Kerala Library Association

12 1951 Hyderabad Library Association

13 1951 U.P. Library Association

14 1953 Delhi Library Association

15 1953 Gujarat library Association

16 1957 Madhya Bharat Library Association

17 1961 Gomantak Library Association

18 1962 Rajasthan Library Association

19 1966 Jammu & Kashmir Library Association

20 1967 Tripura Library Association

21 1987 Manipur Library Association

22 1987 Mizoram Library Association

23 1994 Meghalaya Library Association

24 1996 Nagaland Library Association

3.12.3 Maharashtra library association

The Director is authorized to approve One State Library Association for the whole

State. Director is also approve, one Divisional Library Association for each division and

one District Library Association for each district. The State Library Association,

Divisional Library Associations, District Library Association and Research Institutes are

eligible for every year grant. Publication grant to Library Associations are also

sanctioned if they applied

Grant- in-Aid Library Associations and Research Institutes in Maharashtra

As per Maharashtra Public Library Association Rules, 1971 (Amendment 1983)

(Recognition for Grant-in-Aid) and Maharashtra Libraries Rules, 1974 (Libraries of

Research & Literary Institutions Recognition for Grant-in-aid) a provision has been

made to sanction grant-in-aid to the recognized State Library Association, Divisional

Library Associations, District Library Association and Research Institutes. Rates of

grant-in-aid are revised vide Government Resolution.

Sr. No. Name of Association Revised rate of Grant-in-aid (Rs.)

1 State Library Association 1,50,000/-

2 Divisional Library Association 50,000/-

3 District Library Association 25,000/-

4 Research Institutes 15,000/-

At present India has turn into one of the most progressing countries in the world.

It disseminates its resources and circulates different fields of knowledge to the world. It

has also started community information centers and public libraries to give and help local

community to obtain information from different agencies. Public library services have

been developed to serve the local people, but after sixty years of independence India,

public libraries could not be managed and administered with the clear mandate of law in

most of states of India.

3.13 PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM IN INDIA

Indian public libraries of the present condition are observe by some people is as

follows: Public library system in India is implicated to live it is the actual information

required of them asses for the peripheral disadvantaged state and a fun little more than a

storehouse as the United States (US). Library of social work all knowledge is made

available to the community. Reading material available in the mostly of regional

language. They work for as regional centers education and information. Create and use

knowledge capital as a country to determine its ability to ability to authorize. The

challenge and the moment are use to develop the potential in to energetic resource. The

public libraries make their role in economic growth through their informative work which

leads knowledge society. Responsibility of information provider to the community has

been to the resulting solution of the difficulties.

There are most views depending on a public library can provide towards

economic growth. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is increasingly significant

activities to businesses internationally and nationally. The CSR also called corporate

citizenship, corporate conscience, social performance or sustainable business is a form of

corporate self order integrated into a business model. The term CSR came in to common

use in the late in the year1960 and early in the year 1970. As libraries knowledge centre,

the corporate world and government have to exceptional consideration by funding them.

India has most developing countries in the world. It is extend in different field

of knowledge it has also started community centers and public libraries. Public library

services have been serving the local community. Public libraries could not administrate

with the clear mandate of low in majority state of India. There is every required to

strengthen this system by using corporate social responsibility better and more

management techniques.

Public Libraries development in India – Historical Perspective

Research studies mention that programs in library history in India were not

specified more attention, and even on the doctoral level, majority of the dissertations that

appeared have been done in other overseas or department. However, advantageous

amount of information is available into current public library scene, pre-independence

and post-independence

1) Pre-Independence Period

The traditional learning has been strong in India, since ancient times and

libraries have every time been necessary attachment to learning. The libraries, however,

important as they did not form a part of public library structure of the nation. The first

important year in the growth of the public libraries in India is year1808 when the

Bombay government introduces a proposal to register libraries. Proposal was to be given

copies of books published from the finance for the support of literature. In the middle of

the 19th Century, the 3 presidency cities of Madras, Bombay and Calcutta had their

public libraries, founded mainly with the active support and resourcefulness of the

Europeans in those cities.

The Public libraries are not in the full sense of the term. Founded in emulation

of their Western counterparts, the use of those public libraries was confined to a weak

upper layer of the society. As well as, they were started libraries and not free libraries

which alone can presently, lay claim to the small of public libraries.

The legislation spread to the backwoods beyond the metropolises and develop

particularly strong in the 19th Century. By the end of the century, all the stats capitals and

even majority of the district towns, at last in the tree Presidencies, had their public

libraries. Even some of the magnificent states, like Travancore- Cochin and Indore, had

the 70 per cent of having public libraries in their above capitals. The deficiency of the

public libraries in the metropolises, mentioned above, applied less or more to the

regional and suburban libraries as well. As a result to indifference and the prevailing

illiteracy in the India, the people were not ready to take advantage of these mentioned

above capitals.

In year1867, the government make law the press and Registration of books Act

under the printer of a books laws to take free to the Interim Government concerned a

copy of the books one or two more, if the Interim Government so desired. With the

throwing open, in the year 1900, of the reading room of the Calcutta Library after

changing name as the imperial Library and now as the national Library, and with the

realization of the vision of the Punjab Public Library to act as the central library for

municipal and district libraries in the province, a new stage of public libraries started

along with the Indian intelligent people taking up the cause of libraries.

The best of this period was, obviously, the library movement in Baroda. From the

year1906 to 1911, SayajiRaoGaekwad3rd, the ruler of that State development an

elaborate library system self-controlled of the central library, travelling libraries and

village libraries which for many years to come encouraged the imagination of Indian

librarians and served as a gesture light to fans of libraries all over the India. Other

founder worthy of mention during this time were Amin Sahib in Baroda itself who work

hard to make libraries favored in the Gujarathi speaking region and the great Manindra

DevRai of Bengal who established the Bengal Library Association(BLA) in year1927,

and who work hard to give Bengal a library act. Remember are still cherished by

majority living librarians. Earlier, the founded, in year1914, of the Andhra Provincial

Library Association was the benefit of many such developer workers who gave a

motivation to develop of libraries in Andhra. There were, once more, in all the most

regions and states in India, librarians and public men who faithful themselves whole

heartedly to the reason of libraries in their own regions.

A remarkable event of this period was the starting of the Indian library

Association in the year 1933 as a result, mostly of the efforts of Khan Bahadur

Asadullah. The Association provides the library workers in India, for first time, a status

and a voice, which inadequate as it was at first, was in due course limit to be heard by

governments and political leaders. Many states had established their library associations

in the letter part of this period. Some of the library association also progress to produce

literature for librarians.

Another critical moment of the library movement began in the year1937 when

the congress comes to the government in many states. This period was really a synthesis

of the previous two periods. For, in this period, as in the first periods, government played

important role in setting up libraries for which there was a powerful popular demand.

Though the major trend of this period, the setting up of village libraries by way of

governmental effort, was expected in some places i.e.in Travancore, where the state

education department had started eighty rural libraries in year1955 it was in this period,

and especially during in year1937 to 1942 that it improved into a vigorous movement.

Cochin, Mumbai, Bihar, Orissa, Assam, Punjab, and other states and provinces set up

village libraries and, in some cases, even travelling libraries. It is started that in year1942

there were thirteen thousand village libraries in India.

The inspiration for village libraries continued after 1942 though not with the

same degree of eagerness as before. These libraries ware the present of the Indian adult

education movement which moved the nation at the time. This was imported by the

suggestion of the central Advisory Board of Education in year1940 that libraries were

necessary to the development of adult education in the India.

The movement of library literature which, starting in the after of the 20th

Century, improved in substance and volume during this period. The name of Dr. S. R.

Raganathan, at the main librarian of Madras university library, shone in its special

lusture. Most of universities and library associations started training for librarians and the

Indian Library Association develops both in prestige and influence.

A significant landmark of this period is the outline of the Library Development

Committee, Bombay during in year 1939-40, headed by A. Fyzee. Though the phrases of

reference of the committee were limited to questions relating to the setting up of the

regional and central library’s only, the committee contentedly felt no doubt in ranging

over a large filed. It put out a scheme of developing libraries in the region in following 6

stages.

1. The setting up of the3 regional and one central library.

2. Started fifteen district libraries.

3. Established 167 taluka libraries and hundred libraries in towns of the vastness of the

taluka towns.

4. Established979 libraries for villages of population two thousand and more.

5. Established2696 libraries for villages of one hundred.

6. Established17753 libraries for villages below one hundred populations.

The government of Bombay normally fought diffident of the financial

implications of the scheme requiring an annual budget of a little less than 15 lakhs at the

final stage. The final four stages were, therefore, implemented only partially.

2) Post Independence Period

After Pre-Independence Period two milestones in the annals in the improvement

of public libraries in India which heralded a phase of combination. The 1st is the library

Act of Madras in tear1948. This was the 1stlegislation of its kind in India. While a hardly

any other states also played with the concept if library legislation, only Hyderabad dared

follow legal action after a lapse of 8 long years. Even in Madras, the Act was practically

still born up to the Union Education Ministry started giving funds for development of

library service in year1952-1953. The 2ndmilestone is the inclusion of the scheme of

development of library service in the 1stfive year’s plan of education Improvement in

year1951-1956. With this the age of five year plan commenced and public library growth

plans were tagged with the five year plans.

After independence the growth of libraries in general has been remarkable. But if

we take into consideration the development of public libraries along, it can be observed

that the growth is not as remarkable as that of academic and special libraries. At the time

of independence India had to take into consideration several constraints. In 1947 the

number of books published in India was only 6450.58 out of every 100 persons were

illiterates. Roads and vehicular transport were poor and the facilities for mass media

communications were nominal. Even then, the public library scene in India improved

considerably during the post independence period. But a review of the progress will

reveal that public libraries in India have not conceived the international concept of public

libraries. To compare our public libraries with those of the developed nations in equal

footing we have to go a long way. Still the achievements are not negligible.

The establishment of the Delhi Public Library, involvement of the Union

Government in public library movement and enactment of public library laws are the

main factors which contributed towards the improvement of public libraries after

independence. The most significant development after the Baroda Public Library

movement was the establishment of the Delhi Public Library. The public library was

started in1951 as the first UNESCO public library pilot project under the joint auspices of

UNESCO and the Government of India. The purpose of this library was to adopt modern

techniques to Indian conditions and to serve as a model public library foe Asia.

The Delhi Public Library provides completely free services to all taking into

consideration the modern concept of public library service. Like the Baroda Public

Library movement the success of the Delhi Public Library service is possible only with

adequate finance trained personnel and government patronage. But it is a pity that our

authorities have not learned this lesson so far. The Delhi public Library system stands out

only as a stray incident in the poorly developed public library scene of India.

The Government of India took interest in the public library development of the

country in 1957 by appointing an advisory committee for libraries under the

chairmanship of K.P. Sinha. This committee was appointed to enquire into the reading

needs of the people and to the recommended on the future library structure in India.

According to the report there were 32000 large and small libraries in India with a little

over 7100000 books as on 1954 and a total circulation of 37700000 the report held that

true form of public library service was a rarity and public library service throughout the

country was unsatisfactory. The committee recommended the organization of State

Library networks based on uniform library legislations. The only action taken on this

report by the union Government was the appointment of another committee to draft a

model public library bill. The draft bill was circulated to professional Associations and

State governments. But no further action has been found initiated so far.

Although the Government of India allotted funds in the five years plan for the

development of public libraries it was not on basis of the public library requirements of

the country. The first five year plan 1951-1956 included a scheme of improvement of

library service. This scheme envisaged establishment of central library for each state and

union territory with district central libraries and circulating libraries in each district. A

sum of Rs. 14 million was allotted in the second five year plan 1956-1961for the

improvement of the public libraries. But public libraries did not receive any significant

assistance during the third plane 1961-1966. During the fourth five year plan 1969-1974

commission appointed a working group on libraries to prepare a guideline for the

planners.

The working group recommended a sum of Rs. 810 million for the development

of public libraries in India. But the amount spends on public libraries during the fourth

five year plan period only Rs. 20 million. During the fifth five year plan 1974-1979 West

Bengal state passed the public library law in year1970. Sixth five year plan 1980-1985 in

this plan period RRRLF provided Rs twenty five crores to assist 15000 rural libraries. As

a result the status of literacy increased to 43.56 per cent in 1981. Seventh five year plan

1985-1990 during this plan period three states passed library acts Manipur 1988, Kerala

1989 and Haryana 1989. This plan stressed requires establishing strong links between a

primary school and village’s community library. In this plan period RRRLF started a

database of public libraries in the country. Eight five year plan 1992-1997 In this plan

period Book promotion was also emphasized and to be promoted by the organization of

National Center for Children’s literature which should produce three thousand titles

annually. (Thomas V.K (1997)

3.14 PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM IN MAHARASHTRA

The recommendations of A. A. A. Fyzee committee it is beneficial to the library

development in Maharashtra state. Appointed by the provincial government for the

growth of Bombay libraries in Maharashtra. In year1939, the committee has been formed

and it reported total membership of the school in year1940. 1947 on the suggestion of the

committee could not be performed due to the 2nd world war. The Bombay province

government for the improvement of public libraries has as per Fyzee committee. The

government should support local initiatives by private accreditation libraries, and to

provide them financial support.

Public library allows reading material and books free to use for non-paying

members. Library committee also suggested that Mumbai has been established at the

regional library Pune and state central library in year1947, one of Bombay Asiatic

Society. The Fyzee committee has suggested to the central library function. The trust

executed between the Bombay provincial in year1950 the Asiatic society and government

of Bombay. In this period, regional library was also started at Pune and every District and

Taluka Library will recognize the place. These libraries are determined the financial

support. The classification are based on the public library and satisfactory to limit consult

the foregoing year spent by the library. Supervision and inspection by the curator of the

libraries. Who were working under the supervision of the Directorate of Education? The

state library association was considered by political leaders and library staff.

3.14.1 THE MHARASHTRA PUBLIC LIBRARIES ACT 1967

The Maharashtra public library Act1967 resembles the Karnataka Act in some

respects. Act provides a library council and director of libraries who has to be

professional librarian and who is a member secretary of the council. A separate

department of libraries is started and this department is organized the state library service.

The salaries of those department staff to it are paid from the state funded. In other

respects it varies from the foregoing enactments.

A unusual feature is that although the Act anticipates the started of state library

and divisional library for each region, facilities for library service in a local area can only

provide the director is satisfied that no local administration, trust or society is competent

or willing to provide public library service. A critical objection to such an organization is

that it comes in the way of starting a state library system. The district which has both

urban and rural population will carry on to be served by libraries which are not

deliberated to be integrated into the state library system if like a system is deliberated to

be established.

The Maharashtra public library Act 1967gives no power of taxation. The library fund

consists of official funds. The common state grant is to be not less than Rs. twenty five

lakhs which indeed is not adequate to meet the required of the entire state.

The Act 1967 make available for the appointment of qualified professional staff.

The Act very unsatisfactory and it is hard to envisage any flourishing establishment of a

state library system. If tested on the criterion of the principles for draft of a modern

library law the Act fails in more respects such as the following:

1. The public library definition is inconsistent with the world accepted definition as it

does not identify that the library services shall be without charge and open to all on

the basis of similarity. The provisions can hardly allow the basis of equality. The

provisions can hardly allow the libraries to be united together into a state wide library

system.

2. The Maharashtra public library Act 1967gives preference to libraries started by a

local authority, trust or society as though they had a basic right to be independent of a

library system. Far from providing for the combination of such unaided or aided

libraries it permitted them to continue outside the system. It is unusual that no library

can be started by the department without their consent. Thus a similar library service

is statutorily recognized.

3. The supplying for finances is insufficient to meet the needs of any library system. No

power to levy cess or tax is made available as in other legislations. In aspect of the

fact that there is a huge increase in the cost of reading and other material the financial

provision is totally insufficient to meet the requirements of a huge populous like that

Maharashtra. It does not take into account the continuing expansion of library service

as no mode is developed to increase the amount of grant in amount to the expansion.

No improvement is made possible by limiting the amount and leaving it to the

circumspection of the government.

4. The Act does not recommend any state central library authority. It only mention for

the establishment of a state library council. The formation of a state library council.

The formation is neither democratic nor wide based. Of the sixteen members

constituting it only 3 are elected and all others members are nominated by the

government or either ex-officio members are. It is unusual that the Act ostensibly

deliberate to provide a library does not provide certa in kinds of libraries and

representation for librarians.

5. The works of the director are inclusive but the technical functions which have to be

centralized such as preparation of state bibliography, cataloguing and classification

are not provided. In this Act no provision for centralized purchase. It is not sure that

expenditure for these purposes can be met out of the library grand.

6. The main drawback of the Act seems to be that it is permissive and not compulsory

even in necessary respects. Even for the district libraries at the district level and

establishment of a central library at Bombay the capital of the state the provision are

only permissive. There is no provision for the establishment of branch libraries in

rural areas and urban, city libraries and district central libraries. It distinctive shows

that the Act does not plan at establishing any infrastructures for a well- unite and

interlinked state library service. This Act seems to provide no instruction at all in

necessary matters. This is a serious exclusion. It is undesirable that the state has not

paid sufficient attention to how the library Acts enacted by some of the main states in

the south have made and to the model bill circulated by the central government.

7. The Act however specifies that all districts shall have a library and that state

government shall formulated a district library committee under the chairmanship of

the president of Zillaparishad. As the chairman of such a committee which stand for a

curious combination. This committee is packed with nominated members who will

control it. It is a consultative body and its function is restricted to advising the

government in subject relating to the growth of library services in the grater Bombay

or the districts where such a committee is also established. Strangely this advisory

body is asked to confirm that the recommended functions of the public libraries are

satisfactorily performed. With no power to work out it is not clear how the advisory

committee can function effectively for this intention. The secretary of grater Bombay

for Bombay city committee and all district committee is the district education officer

of zillaparishad. This goes opposed to the general trend of marking the management

of the public libraries the education department or independent of the local

government.

The Act provides:-

1. Special grants whenever essential.

2. No provision of any tax.

3. Establishment of department of libraries.

4. For donation and gift from the public.

5. Government grant of Rs. thirty five lakh year for library development.

6. Formation of the post of director of libraries.

7. Director as head for maintaining, organization, planning and developing public

libraries in the state.

8. Charter of state library. (Baruha Arunima, 2004).

3.14.2 GRANT-IN-AID TO PUBLIC LIBRARIES IN MAHARASH TRA

Public Libraries are approve and paid grant-in-aid by the Directorate of Libraries

according to the recognition for Grant-in-Aid and Equipment Grants and Building

(Maharashtra Public Libraries Rules, 1970) formulated by the government under the

provisions of Maharashtra Public Libraries Act 1967. Public libraries are classified in A,

B, C, and D classifies according to their users, periodicals and book stock as follows:-

Class No. of Books No. of Periodicals No. of Newspapers No. of Members

A 15001 51 16 301

B 5001 16 6 101

C 1001 6 4 51

D 301 6 4 26

The required number of periodicals, members and newspapers for approved

public libraries have been extended vide G.R. 21st February, 2012. But the declared

condition will be implemented after duly incorporated in the rules. While approving these

libraries, the library is essential to be registered under the Society’s Registration Act,

1860 or Public Trust Act, 1950. The highest maintenance grant paid to a library is more

than 90per sent of the valid expenditure incurred by a library in the last year or to a

highest of grant specified to the category (A, B, C, and D) of a library, whichever is less.

Since the utilization of the Act the public libraries are making stronger to a great area as

they are now getting sufficient grants. The cost of maintenance funds were made dual in

the years 1979, 1989, 1995, 1998, in 2004 and increased 50 per set from 2012 onwards.

Year wise details of grants increased

(Figures in Rs.)

Grade/Class

of Library 1970 1979-80 1989-90 1995-96 1998-99 2004-05 2012-13

District A 15000 30000 60000 120000 240000 480000 720000

Taluka A 8000 16000 32000 64000 128000 256000 384000

Other A 6000 12000 24000 48000 96000 192000 288000

District B 8000 16000 32000 64000 128000 256000 384000

Taluka B 6000 12000 24000 48000 96000 192000 288000

Other B 4000 8000 16000 32000 64000 128000 192000

Taluka C 3000 6000 12000 24000 48000 96000 144000

Other C 2000 4000 8000 16000 32000 64000 96000

Class D 500 1000 2000 5000 10000 20000 30000

Each and every year new public libraries are being established according to the

funds made obtainable by the District Planning Committee (DPC) in the related district.

Prominence being given on the enlargement of the Library Service in the rural region by

starting village libraries and apply Inter-Library loan (ILL) System in the State. The task

of providing ILL System is entrusted on the Taluka and District Libraries who in

providing reading material to other public libraries. Public involvement during the last

forty years in the improvement of library movement and the library service is adequate.

Books and other reading materials exhibitions are also being arranged at different places

and students are particularly persuaded to See and Read new books. Now the approved

libraries have been moved to organize reading workshop for the benefit of the illiterates.

Sub centre library under A and B categories is paid eight thousand rupees for each center

to a maximum of thirty two thousand rupees (for four centres).

The other benefits extended to these recognized public libraries are furniture and

equipment Grants-up to highest limit of the maintenance grants allowed to the public

library; inducement grants-for reaching the top category, which is paid on purchase of

additional books and for growth the subscribers; Building grants are expend for erecting

use of library building. These grants are paid to a maximum of as follows:

Sr. No. Library Class Grants in Rs.

1 A Class 75,000

2 B Class 48,000

3 C Class 24,000

On the suggestions of the State Library Council Celebration grants are paid and

this amount not exceeding ten thousand rupees is being paid for the momentous functions

and for celebrating momentous times, such as Centenary, Golden and Silver year

celebrations.

3.14.3 MAHARASHTRA STATE LIBRARY COUNCIL

The Maharashtra public library Act 1967 relating to public libraries and public

library growth in relation to the State Government to suggest on all matters concerning to

the state "State Library Council" is founded. This council is under the chairmanship of

Minister of higher and technical education ex-officio, vice-president this council are state

minister of state for higher and technical ex-officio and ex-officio secretary to the council

of state and the department of library association or the Director of the library, librarian

specialists, social sector and academic organizations who constitute the Board was

provided. The public library process of the government to boost develops and give

direction to the council is expected to provide proper advice. The council then arranged

the 1st meeting of the term is for 3 years.

3.14.4 STATE LIBRARY PLANNING COMMITTEE

The RRRLF suggests establishment and suggestions of schemes of work in

conditions of facilities should be properly applied and controls for RRRLF, the Library

Planning Committee is appointed Chairman of the Committee, ex-officio Secretary of the

Department of Higher and Technical Education. This request to attend is ex-officio

Director of the Library. Chairman of the State Library, and experts or other team

members appointed by the government are involved in the committee.

3.14.5 DISTRICT LIBRARY COMMITTEES

The State Library Council established District Library Committees in state and

each district level. The District Library Committee is to provide for district or public

library system for the improvement of its work. It is under provision of the Government

to execute the committees. Growth of public library service in the district libraries been

entrusted tasks to make sure the proper play, or in respect of any mistakes and

developments required to observe with the State Government to suggest if the work was

entrusted to the Committee.

3.14.6 ROLE OF DISTRICT CENTRAL LIBRARIES

The District Central Libraries (DCL) as the main and top libraries of the districts.

DCL can play important role in respective library and non-library activities like that

promotion of literacy, improving the reading habits among the people and in preserving

the district’s cultural heritage and tradition which may eventually lead to the improving

use of public libraries in district. The following are the major functions of DCL.

(a) Preserving the Cultural Heritage of the State

All districts are distinctive in some way. The common public living in a district

shall usually feel proud in preserving their cultural heritage, customs and traditions. The

district central library can improve a special collection of books and other reading

material. It may also conduct competitions and exhibitions on the multitude cultural

aspects of the State.

(b) Developing the Reading Habit

While among the literate community, the reading habit is diminishing. The lack of

ability of the individuals to allot adequate time for reading and the absence of motive for

reading is there. Thus, the District Central Library can play affirmative role inculcating

the reading habits between the literate communities of the district by adopting several

methods.

(c) Promoting Literacy

Illiteracy is a main barrier for the successful use of library by all the communities.

The State and Central Governments are giving substantial priority for the erase of

illiteracy which stands at 34.62 %. The usage of public libraries shall certainly improve

manifold if the literacy level improves. Thus, the District Central Libraries should

develop in the promotion of literacy among the community.

3.15 NATIONAL MISSION ON LIBRARIES

The high level committee of Ministry of Culture, Government of India has been

set up The National Mission on Libraries (NML) in May, 2012 in pursuance of National

Knowledge Commission (NKC) suggestions for sustained attention for growth of

Libraries and Information Science area. National Mission on Libraries (NML) started 4

working groups and after intentional on the suggestions of the working groups started the

scheme National Mission on Libraries development of libraries providing service to the

community. The scheme consists of 4 parts.

A) Capability Building.

B) Setting up of National Mission on Libraries (NML) Model Libraries.

C) Establishment of National Virtual Library of India.

D) Qualitative and Quantitative survey of Libraries.

The determination of National Virtual Library of India (NVLI) is to make easy a

inclusive database on digital resources on information generated in India, in an open

access domain. The setting up on National Mission on Libraries Model Libraries would

start thirty five District Libraries, thirty five State Central Libraries and six Libraries

under Ministry of Culture with specific prominence on economically backward districts,

as model Libraries. Additionally, six thundered twenty nine district libraries all over the

states would be provided network connectivity. The Qualitative and Quantitative survey

of libraries would be undertaken to make a baseline data of libraries in India through a

survey of five thousand libraries. The Capability Building would be undertaken to

increase the professional capability of library personnel.

REFERENCES

1. Baruha, Arunima., (2004), Library science prospects in 21st century, kilaso books,

New Delhi. p. 271.

2. Batra, Preeti., (2010), Text Book of Library Science, Mohit Publication. New Delhi.

p.105.

3. Khan Riyazuddin., (2006), Introduction to Library science, SBS Publication and

distributors Pvt, Ltd. New Delhi. p. 251.

4. McMenemy Davied., (2009), The Public Library, Faced Publishing, London. p. 203.

5. Naidu N. G., (1990), Public library finances, Ess Ess publication, New Delhi. p. 91.

6. Thomas V. K., (1997), Public Libraries in India Development and Finance, Vikas

Publishing House Pvt. Ltd. Delhi. p. 4.

7. Ibid, Thomas V.K., p. 24.

8. Trivedi Priya Ranjan, Singh Uttam Kumar., (2010), Public Library systems and

services, Jnanada Prakashan, Nalanda, India. p. 118.

9. Vashishth C. P., (1994), Library Movement and Library Development in India, Indian

Library Association, Delhi. p. 139.

10. Ibid, Vashishth C. P., p. 136.