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Activities of Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation
P- 13. Public Libraries *
By :C P Vashishth
1. INTRODUCTION
Twentieth century witnessed various milestones in the development of
public libraries in the world as well as in India. In India, various
developmental activities have been undertaken to promote and strengthen the
public library movement. Some states and Union territories are having
good public library system while some states do not have strong public library
system. India is a country of villages.
There are nearly 6 lacks villages in India.
These small towns and villages are in the dire need of library and
information centres.
Information has been considered as important basic resource like natural resources. Information reduces uncertainty. It is a weapon to fight against illiteracy, poverty and exploitation. Public libraries are catalytic agent for information; they disseminate information to the needy people. Strong public library system is needed to serve the people residing at geographically dispersed areas. To spread library movement in small towns and villages it was felt to establish a nodal agency, which will support and strengthen the public library movement in India.
Information has been considered as important basic resource like natural resources. Information reduces uncertainty. It is a weapon to fight against illiteracy, poverty and exploitation. Public libraries are catalytic agent for information; they disseminate information to the needy people. Strong public library system is needed to serve the people residing at geographically dispersed areas. To spread library movement in small towns and villages it was felt to establish a nodal agency, which will support and strengthen the public library movement in India.
2. RAJA RAMMOHUN ROY LIBRARY FOUNDATION
Government, Non-government
Organizations and corporate houses have taken various initiatives to promote
public library system in India. The year 1972 has been an important landmark in
the history of public libraries in India. In this year, India celebrated silver
jubilee of independence. Same year was the bicentenary year of the birth of Raja
Rammohun Roy (1772-1972), a great social and educational reformer who devoted his life to
modernize India. International Book Year was also celebrated in 1972 with the
slogan ‘Books for All’ as proclaimed by UNESCO.
2.1 Genesis
Raja Rammohun Roy Library
Foundation (RRRLF) was established in May, 1972 by the then Department of
Culture, Government of India. This is an autonomous organization and financially
supported by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. RRRLF is registered
under the West Bengal Societies Registration Act 1961. This Foundation is
devoted to public library development in India. It is working in the close and active
cooperation with the State Governments and Union Territory Administrations. The Foundation has taken an initiative to develop
District Youth Resource Centres (DYRCs) in collaboration with Nehru Yuvak
Kendra Sangathan.
2.2 Organizational Structure of Foundation
The
below given diagram clarifies the organizational structure of the RRRLF. The
Minister of Culture, Government of India or his nominee is the Chairman. Director
is the executive head and ex-officio Member Secretary of RRRLF.
(Source: http://rrrlf.nic.in/images/imageorgchart.htm)
RRRLF has various committees to perform the tasks. These
are:
- Foundation: It is a supreme policy-making body. It consists of
22 members. The members are nominated by the Government of India from the
eminent educationists, administrators,
librarians etc.
- State Library Committee (SLC): Foundation functions in each state and union
territories through State Library Committee.
- Administrative Committee: This committee looks after
the administrative and financial affairs of RRRLF. It has 11 members.
- Book Selection Committee: This committee is responsible to
select books from specimen copies. It consists of 16 members.
- Grants Committee: This committee is responsible to approve the grants. Presently it
consists of 8 members.
- Research Committee:
This committee advises the Foundation on issues of
research activities. Presently it has seven members.
Ø
Headquarter: RRRLF has five storied building located at Saltlake in Kolkata on a 12 cottah plot allotted by the West Bengal
Government.
Ø Zonal
Offices: RRRLF has four zonal
offices. Namely Eastern Zonal Office attached with headquarters at Kolkata.
Western Zonal Office at Mumbai, Northern
Zonal Office at New Delhi and Southern Zonal Office at Chennai. These zonal
offices started functioning from 1987 with four Assistant Field Officers.
2.2 Organizational Structure of Foundation
The
below given diagram clarifies the organizational structure of the RRRLF. The
Minister of Culture, Government of India or his nominee is the Chairman. Director
is the executive head and ex-officio Member Secretary of RRRLF.
(Source: http://rrrlf.nic.in/images/imageorgchart.htm)
RRRLF has various committees to perform the tasks. These
are:
- Foundation: It is a supreme policy-making body. It consists of
22 members. The members are nominated by the Government of India from the
eminent educationists, administrators,
librarians etc.
- State Library Committee (SLC): Foundation functions in each state and union
territories through State Library Committee.
- Administrative Committee: This committee looks after
the administrative and financial affairs of RRRLF. It has 11 members.
- Book Selection Committee: This committee is responsible to
select books from specimen copies. It consists of 16 members.
- Grants Committee: This committee is responsible to approve the grants. Presently it
consists of 8 members.
- Research Committee:
This committee advises the Foundation on issues of
research activities. Presently it has seven members.
Ø
Headquarter: RRRLF has five storied building located at Saltlake in Kolkata on a 12 cottah plot allotted by the West Bengal
Government.
Ø Zonal
Offices: RRRLF has four zonal
offices. Namely Eastern Zonal Office attached with headquarters at Kolkata.
Western Zonal Office at Mumbai, Northern
Zonal Office at New Delhi and Southern Zonal Office at Chennai. These zonal
offices started functioning from 1987 with four Assistant Field Officers.
(Source: http://rrrlf.nic.in/alphotofrm.htm)
2.3 Objectives
The main objective of RRRLF is to function “as a
promotional agency, an advisory and consultancy organization, a funding body of
public library development in India”. Other objectives are:
Ø To promote library movement in the country;
Ø To enunciate a national library policy and to help build up a national
library system;
Ø To provide financial and technical assistance to organizations -
regional or national - engaged in promotion of library development;
Ø To publish appropriate literature and to act as a clearing house of
ideas and information on library development in India and abroad;
Ø To promote research in problems of library development;
Ø To advise the government on all matters
pertaining to the library development in the country.” (Source: rrrlf.nic.in/objecfrm.htm –accessed
on 14.11.2012)
The main objective of RRRLF is to function “as a
promotional agency, an advisory and consultancy organization, a funding body of
public library development in India”. Other objectives are:
Ø To promote library movement in the country;Ø To enunciate a national library policy and to help build up a national library system;
Ø To provide financial and technical assistance to organizations - regional or national - engaged in promotion of library development;
Ø To publish appropriate literature and to act as a clearing house of ideas and information on library development in India and abroad;
Ø To promote research in problems of library development;
Ø To advise the government on all matters pertaining to the library development in the country.” (Source: rrrlf.nic.in/objecfrm.htm –accessed on 14.11.2012)
3. Activities of Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation
3.1 Assistance Programme
RRRLF promotes various public library services. It
also provides financial assistance to the public libraries. There are various
schemes, such as:
3.1.1 Matching:
Under this scheme assistance is given to following purposes:
1 . Assistance towards building up of
adequate stock of books and reading materials.
2. Assistance
towards development of Rural Book Deposit Centres and Mobile Library Services.
3. Assistance towards organization of seminars,
workshops, training courses, book exhibitions and library awareness programmes.
4. Assistance towards purchase of
storage materials, Reading Room furniture and library equipment.
5. Assistance to Public Libraries
towards increasing accommodation.
6. Assistance to Public Libraries to
acquire computer with accessories.
( Source : http://rrrlf.nic.in/alphotofrm.htm)
Matching
schemes are implemented with the contribution made by the state governments and
union territories with similar matching grant from RRRLF. For developed states the
ratio is 50:50. For developing states it
is 40: 60 i.e. forty per cent state
contribution and 60 per cent matching
share of RRRLF. For North-Eastern state
it is 10: 90 i.e. 10 per cent state contribution and 90 percent matching share
of RRRLF. During the Financial year 2010-11 assistance worth Rs. 4500 lakhs (approx)
to 1300 libraries was given by the Foundation under matching and non- matching
schemes. During financial year 2011-12, assistance worth of Rs. 4190 lakh
(approx) to 1200 libraries was given under matching and non-matching schemes.
1 . Assistance towards building up of adequate stock of books and reading materials.
2. Assistance towards development of Rural Book Deposit Centres and Mobile Library Services.
3. Assistance towards organization of seminars, workshops, training courses, book exhibitions and library awareness programmes.
4. Assistance towards purchase of storage materials, Reading Room furniture and library equipment.
5. Assistance to Public Libraries towards increasing accommodation.
6. Assistance to Public Libraries to acquire computer with accessories.
( Source : http://rrrlf.nic.in/alphotofrm.htm)
Matching schemes are implemented with the contribution made by the state governments and union territories with similar matching grant from RRRLF. For developed states the ratio is 50:50. For developing states it is 40: 60 i.e. forty per cent state contribution and 60 per cent matching share of RRRLF. For North-Eastern state it is 10: 90 i.e. 10 per cent state contribution and 90 percent matching share of RRRLF. During the Financial year 2010-11 assistance worth Rs. 4500 lakhs (approx) to 1300 libraries was given by the Foundation under matching and non- matching schemes. During financial year 2011-12, assistance worth of Rs. 4190 lakh (approx) to 1200 libraries was given under matching and non-matching schemes.
3.1.2 Non-matching
Under this scheme assistance is given to following purposes:
1. Assistance
towards building up adequate stock of books through central selection;
2. Assistance
to voluntary organizations (NGOs) for providing public library services;
3. Assistance
to children’s libraries;
4. Assistance to public libraries towards
celebration of 50/60/75/100/125/150 years and the like;
5. Assistance towards organization of
seminar/ conference by professional organizations, local bodies, NGOs engaged
in public library development/ library movement and development
of library services;
6. Assistance towards collection and
compilation of library statistics through official and non-official agencies;
7. Assistance
to centrally sponsored libraries; and
8. Assistance towards establishment of
RRRLF children corner.
1. Assistance towards building up adequate stock of books through central selection;
2. Assistance to voluntary organizations (NGOs) for providing public library services;
3. Assistance to children’s libraries;
4. Assistance to public libraries towards celebration of 50/60/75/100/125/150 years and the like;
5. Assistance towards organization of seminar/ conference by professional organizations, local bodies, NGOs engaged in public library development/ library movement and development of library services;
6. Assistance towards collection and compilation of library statistics through official and non-official agencies;
7. Assistance to centrally sponsored libraries; and
8. Assistance towards establishment of RRRLF children corner.
3.2 Promotional Activities
RRRLF has taken keen interest in development of
library services and undertaken various activities, such as – organization of
seminars, issuance of guidelines on public library systems and services. It conducts
Raja Rammohun Roy Memorial Lecture, interacts with national and international
professional associations. RRRLF also gives seven awards annually and “RRRLF
Fellowship” to five eminent personalities in the field of library services.
(Source: http://rrrlf.nic.in)
During 2010-11, following conferences, seminars and
workshops were organized:
·
13th Convener’s Conference was organized
at India International Centre, New Delhi on May 21, 2010. It was followed by a
National Seminar on the theme ‘Future of Books in the Twenty-First Century` on May 22, 2010.
·
An International Conference on Digital Library
Management (ICDLM 2011) was organized at Science City, Kolkata during January
11-13, 2011.
·
The Foundation also financially supported organization
of seminars by various professional organizations, such as: ILA, Professor
Kaula Endowment for Library and Information Science, IASLIC, DELNET, North Eastern Hill University, Mizoram
University, West Bengal Public Library Association and Tamil Nadu Public
Library Association.
·
The Foundation also extended its financial support to
organize the Librarian’s Day on August 12.
During 2011-12, following conferences seminars and
workshops were organized:
·
Organized an International conference on Tagore’s Universalism:
Individual and Universe, at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi during May 7-8, 2011.
· Two
workshops were organized on “Public Library of the Future: Strategic planning”
in New Delhi and at Hyderabad during 2012.
(Source: http://rrrlf.nic.in)
During 2010-11, following conferences, seminars and workshops were organized:
· 13th Convener’s Conference was organized at India International Centre, New Delhi on May 21, 2010. It was followed by a National Seminar on the theme ‘Future of Books in the Twenty-First Century` on May 22, 2010.
· An International Conference on Digital Library Management (ICDLM 2011) was organized at Science City, Kolkata during January 11-13, 2011.
· The Foundation also financially supported organization of seminars by various professional organizations, such as: ILA, Professor Kaula Endowment for Library and Information Science, IASLIC, DELNET, North Eastern Hill University, Mizoram University, West Bengal Public Library Association and Tamil Nadu Public Library Association.
· The Foundation also extended its financial support to organize the Librarian’s Day on August 12.
During 2011-12, following conferences seminars and workshops were organized:
· Organized an International conference on Tagore’s Universalism: Individual and Universe, at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi during May 7-8, 2011.
· Two workshops were organized on “Public Library of the Future: Strategic planning” in New Delhi and at Hyderabad during 2012.
3.3 Research Projects
A research cell has been established with special
library on library and information science. It is engaged in research projects
on public libraries .This cell also provides advisory and consultancy services.
3.4 Publications
RRRLF has brought out various publications for
diffusion of library and information science related contents. These are:
(Source: http://rrrlf.nic.in/alphotofrm.htm)
Ø Indian Libraries: Trends and Perspectives
Ø Raja Rammohun Roy and the New Learning
Ø Directory of Indian Public Libraries
Ø Granthana - Indian Journal of Library studies (bi-annual)
Ø RRRLF Newsletter (bi-monthly)
Ø Annual Reports
Ø Books
§ Books for the millions at their doorsteps (Information Manual). Ed 4. Calcutta:
RRRLF, 1988.p.86.
§ National Policy on Library and Information system: A draft policy
statement. Calcutta: RRRLF, 1986.
Ø Web bibliography on and by
Tagore. It is an
initiative taken by RRRLF commemorating the 150th birth anniversary of Gurudev
Rabindranath Tagore (1861-1941). This bibliography lists 9000 books published
in 42 languages. This can be accessed on www.rrrlf.gov.in.
A book can be searched by its title, author, editor, language and keyword. It
also provides the location of a particular publication. The portal is a ready-
rackoner for scholars on Tagore.
Ø Catalogue –in-Publication Project
(Source: http://rrrlf.nic.in/alphotofrm.htm)
Ø Indian Libraries: Trends and Perspectives
Ø Raja Rammohun Roy and the New Learning
Ø Directory of Indian Public Libraries
Ø Granthana - Indian Journal of Library studies (bi-annual)
Ø RRRLF Newsletter (bi-monthly)
Ø Annual Reports
Ø Books
§ Books for the millions at their doorsteps (Information Manual). Ed 4. Calcutta: RRRLF, 1988.p.86.
§ National Policy on Library and Information system: A draft policy statement. Calcutta: RRRLF, 1986.
Ø Web bibliography on and by Tagore. It is an initiative taken by RRRLF commemorating the 150th birth anniversary of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore (1861-1941). This bibliography lists 9000 books published in 42 languages. This can be accessed on www.rrrlf.gov.in. A book can be searched by its title, author, editor, language and keyword. It also provides the location of a particular publication. The portal is a ready- rackoner for scholars on Tagore.
Ø Catalogue –in-Publication Project
3.5 Modernization Programme
4. Achievements
The Foundation has covered
more than thirty one thousand libraries at different levels
Level
of Libraries
No.
of Libraries
State
Central Libraries
28
Divisional
and District Libraries
451
Sub-Divisional
/Taluka /Tehsil Libraries
504
Town
and Rural Libraries
30134
Nehru
Yuvak Kendras
272
Jawahar
Bal Bhavans
49
Others
128
Total
31563
(Source:
http://rrrlf.nic.in/achivfrm.htm)
During financial year 2011-12 a sum of Rs. 55 lakhs
was released for the establishing of physically challenged corner to several
libraries.
Plan
Total Plan Grant
Annual Plan Grant
State contribution
8 th Five Year Plan
1175.70 lakh
646.60 lakh
645.97lakh
9 th Five Year Plan
3233.00 lakh
701.20 lakh
1977.00
|
Level
of Libraries |
No.
of Libraries |
|
State
Central Libraries |
28 |
|
Divisional
and District Libraries |
451 |
|
Sub-Divisional
/Taluka /Tehsil Libraries |
504 |
|
Town
and Rural Libraries |
30134 |
|
Nehru
Yuvak Kendras |
272 |
|
Jawahar
Bal Bhavans |
49 |
|
Others
|
128 |
|
Total |
31563 |
During financial year 2011-12 a sum of Rs. 55 lakhs was released for the establishing of physically challenged corner to several libraries.
|
Plan |
Total Plan Grant |
Annual Plan Grant |
State contribution |
|
8 th Five Year Plan |
1175.70 lakh |
646.60 lakh |
645.97lakh |
|
9 th Five Year Plan |
3233.00 lakh |
701.20 lakh |
1977.00 |
| |
5. Anniversary Celebrations
RRRLF organized a function in the auditorium of
National Library, Kolkata on October 18, 1982 to celebrate its 10th
anniversary. In the function Prof. S. Nurul Hasan, Vice-Chairman, CSIR delivered
a lecture on the theme ‘the Islamic Background of Raja Rammohun Roy’s thoughts’.
On completion of two decades of the Foundation, the
celebration was inaugurated by Hon’ble Minister Mr. Arjun Singh, Minister of
Human Resource Development, Government of India on 12 March 1993 at
Kolkata. The function was presided over
by Mr. S.S. Chakravarty, Minister of Higher Education, Govt. of West Bengal.
Chairman of Foundation Prof. Namvar Singh gave the introductory speech and B.P.
Barua; Director of Foundation gave a vote of thanks.
RRRLF
celebrated its Silver Jubilee in 1997-98. The celebration commenced with a yearlong
programme on 22 May (the birth date of Raja Rammohun Roy) 1997.
RRRLF organized a function in the auditorium of
National Library, Kolkata on October 18, 1982 to celebrate its 10th
anniversary. In the function Prof. S. Nurul Hasan, Vice-Chairman, CSIR delivered
a lecture on the theme ‘the Islamic Background of Raja Rammohun Roy’s thoughts’.
On completion of two decades of the Foundation, the celebration was inaugurated by Hon’ble Minister Mr. Arjun Singh, Minister of Human Resource Development, Government of India on 12 March 1993 at Kolkata. The function was presided over by Mr. S.S. Chakravarty, Minister of Higher Education, Govt. of West Bengal. Chairman of Foundation Prof. Namvar Singh gave the introductory speech and B.P. Barua; Director of Foundation gave a vote of thanks.
RRRLF celebrated its Silver Jubilee in 1997-98. The celebration commenced with a yearlong programme on 22 May (the birth date of Raja Rammohun Roy) 1997.
On completion of two decades of the Foundation, the celebration was inaugurated by Hon’ble Minister Mr. Arjun Singh, Minister of Human Resource Development, Government of India on 12 March 1993 at Kolkata. The function was presided over by Mr. S.S. Chakravarty, Minister of Higher Education, Govt. of West Bengal. Chairman of Foundation Prof. Namvar Singh gave the introductory speech and B.P. Barua; Director of Foundation gave a vote of thanks.
RRRLF celebrated its Silver Jubilee in 1997-98. The celebration commenced with a yearlong programme on 22 May (the birth date of Raja Rammohun Roy) 1997.
6. Conclusion
RRRLF with its various activities has promoted the
concept of public libraries and made efforts to reach the library services to
the larger number of people. In India, there is an urgent need to strengthen
the public library system in more cooperative way. The states have low priority
in this regard. RRRLF in its journey of 40 years has done a little in making
real public libraries in India. The
Foundation can play a vital role in the establishment and development of public
libraries in India. Its schemes should focus on the communities residing at
distant places. Programmes and activities should pay attention on inclusive
development and upliftment of information poor areas. Monitoring and social
auditing should be done of programmes/ activities of the Foundation. New
programmes and activities should be incorporated to attract the new generation.
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