Functions of Public Library P- 13. Public Libraries * By :C P Vashishth

इस ब्लॉग्स को सृजन करने में आप सभी से सादर सुझाव आमंत्रित हैं , कृपया अपने सुझाव और प्रविष्टियाँ प्रेषित करे , इसका संपूर्ण कार्य क्षेत्र विश्व ज्ञान समुदाय हैं , जो सभी प्रतियोगियों के कॅरिअर निर्माण महत्त्वपूर्ण योगदान देगा ,आप अपने सुझाव इस मेल पत्ते पर भेज सकते हैं - chandrashekhar.malav@yahoo.com

Functions of Public Library

P- 13. Public Libraries *

By :C P Vashishth

3. INTRODUCTION

Public Library, from time immemorial, has been considered as social institution based on the democratic principle of, “for the people, by the people and of the people”.   It is the most popular of all types of libraries because of its functions and services across the society.  It is regarded as a gateway to knowledge for the community.  It is a local centre of information, making all kinds of knowledge and information readily available to its users.

Public library has a wider impact on societal as well as national development. As “People’s University” it plays an important role in bringing all round development in a society and nation.  It functions as an intellectual power house, aspiring to meet the intellectual, educational, recreational, informational and cultural requirements of the people.  It makes provisions of not only recreational materials for leisure reading but also of economic, social, cultural and political materials to make the public aware of the developments around them.  This is the only institution, which caters all categories of users irrespective of age, race, sex, colour, creed and religion. Public libraries serve as a catalyst for socio- cultural and educational development by providing access to information and knowledge.

Many individuals and institutions have deliberated on and defined the objectives and functions of the public libraries. In the preceding modules you will find some important deliberations and observations on objectives and functions of public libraries.

According to IFLA/UNESCO guideline for development-2001, the purpose of the public library is to, “provide resources and services in a variety of media to meet the needs of individuals and groups for education, information and personal development including recreation and leisure.  They have an important role in the development and maintenance of a democratic society by giving the individual access to a wide and varied range of knowledge, ideas and opinions” (1). Thus public libraries make provisions of a wide and varied collection in different media to meet the varied information needs of the society at large.

The objectives and functions of public library as enumerated by Dr. S.R.  Ranganathan are as follows:

1. Help the life-long self- education of one and all.
2. Furnish  up-to-date  facts and information on all subjects to one and all;
3. Distribute in unbiased and balanced way sources of recorded reviews and thoughts to one and all, and serve as a help in the discharge of their political responsibilities in respect of local, national and international affairs.
4. Contribute to productive drive by information to management of the latest trends in diverse enterprises by ploughing back in the minds of researchers, designers and technologists every piece of relevant new thought promptly;
5. Preserve the literary remains of humanity for posterity as vehicles of culture  and source materials for antiquarian research;
6. Provide to one and all worthy and elevating use of leisure; and
7. In general work for continued social well being as the agency in charge of all socialised thought.  (2)

The objectives and functions enumerated by Dr. Ranganathan are quite comprehensive. They assimilates all the functions, an ideal public library should perform.

The Public Library Research Group of the London and Home countries branch of the Library Association of United Kingdom set out in 1971 outlines under the heading of education, information, culture and leisure the following objectives for Public Library Services.

Education : to foster and provide means for self-development of the individual or group at whatever stage of education, closing the gap between the individual and recorded knowledge.

Information : to bring to the individual or group accurate information quickly and in depth, particularly on topics of current concern.

Culture : To be one of the principal centers of cultural life and promote a keener participation, enjoyment and appreciation of all arts.

Leisure : To play a part in encouraging the positive use of leisure and providing materials for change and relaxation. (3)

You may consider these objectives as fundamental objectives to set up a public library. These objectives, when translated into action will make a proper public library.

American Library Association, in its publication entitled Public Library Services: A Guide to Evaluation with Minimum Standards, points out the following functions of a public library:

1. To facilitate informal education of all people in the community;
2. To enrich and further develop the subjects on which individuals are taking formal education;
3. To  meet the information need of all;
4. To support the educational, civic, and cultural activities of groups and organizations, and
5. To encourage wholesome recreation and constructive use of leisure time.(4)

The Public Library Enquiry Committee (U.K.) presents the following three functions of a public library:

1. To gather resources in order to promote an enlightened  citizenship and enrich personal life:
2. To provide reliable information to the community; and 
3. To provide opportunities for self education to children, young people, men and women.

4. Functions of Public Library

Public Library functions as an intellectual powerhouse aspiring to meet the intellectual, educational, recreational, informational and cultural requirements of the people.
The various objectives and functions enumerated above by individuals and institutions could easily be summed up in following functions:

• Self Education Centre
• Centre for Life Long Learning
• Community Information Centre
• Recreation Centre
• Cultural Centre for Society
• Centre to Support Economic Development
• Centre for Community Skills Development
• Centre for Strengthening Democratic Sprit.

4.1 Self Education Centre:

Public Library functions as a centre for self education. It is the primary function of a public library to select and organize need based literature and other means of information and education suitable to the requirements of the local community in which the library is located. It fosters and provides means for self development of the individual and group at every stage of education, closing the gap between the individual and recorded knowledge.  As a self education centre, the public library supports and promotes all types   of education as formal & non-formal education adult & continuing education, and life long education by making provision of adequate stock of books and other reading materials and making them available to all sections of community, irrespective of caste, creed and colour.

Public Library is aptly considered as ‘people’s university’ whose main aim is to act as an educational agency for all the people.  It supports not only formal learning through schools, colleges and universities but all other modes and methods of learning in which an individual with varied interests would like to seek knowledge at a place or time, which suits his situation.  It provides self education suiting one’s interests throughout his life. For example self education may be obtained through a rural public library on topics such as methods of agricultural operation, scientific method of poultry, bee keeping etc. Thus as a self education centre, public library enriches our life to a great extent and mitigates day to day hardships.

4.2 Centre for Life Long Learning

Education is an ongoing process of improving knowledge and skills.  It is also an exceptional means of bringing about personal development and building relationships among individuals, groups and nations.   It has been recognized as an individual right and a higher general level of education is a necessary prerequisite for economic growth and employment.  During the last decades, and particularly during the last decade, the necessity of life long learning has been on the top of plans and policies world wide.

Life Long Learning consists of various forms of education and training, formal and informal, e.g. the school system from primary to tertiary level, the free adult education, informal search and training, individually, in a group setting or within the framework of social movements.

Public Library provides a cost effective infrastructure for lifelong learning and easy access to the required reading and learning materials in its collection.  The development of the information and communication technology has already laid the basis for the creation of information networks, giving users even of small local public libraries access to the world wide sources of information.

Public libraries also function as centre of learning for visually disabled by making provisions for reading and learning materials in accessible formats such as braille books, audio books, e-text, etc.

4.3 Community Information Centre:

Public Library functions as community information centre by providing required and essential information to various communities such as rural, linguistic, religious, legal etc.  It brings to these communities accurate and up-to-date information quickly and in depth, particularly on socio –economic needs of the society. It supports the growth of communities through the provision of information services designed to meet local needs.  It functions as an important tool for reducing disparity between the information rich and the information poor citizen.

A public library also serves as information centre for specialized sources of information.  For example  a rural public library collects and organizes information for dissemination  to the local community in the areas of employment opportunities, public utility services, facilities provided by social welfare agencies, programmes of development departments etc.  A farmer apprised of the programmes and policies of the government is able to acquire agriculture loan from bank, purchase quality seeds, purchase advanced agricultural equipments, etc. 

Public libraries are much more than a collection of books. They play a central role in many communities. The local public library functions as an important centre in promoting developmental activities like construction of roads, dams and canals, construction of houses for weaker section, establishment of cottage and village industries, etc.  They play significant role in popularization of science and technology and disseminate legal information relating to family laws, property laws, etc.  The local public library collection is primarily in local language of the area.  They also organize various forms of performing arts. Thus a local public library functions as a community information centre.

4.4 Recreation Centre

Provision of scope for healthy and positive use of leisure time is one of the important functions of  public libraies. They encourage the positive use of leisure and provide ample material and services for change and relaxation.  Books of fiction, drama, poetry, newspapers and popular magazines, etc. facilitate recreational reading.  Audio-visual materials such as films, television, radio, cassettes, gramophone records, CDs and DVDs increase the utility of public library as recreation centre.  The children’s corner invariably found in all public libraries provide good material for recreation of children.

The public library as a community information centre serves a good platform for fruitful utilization of leisure for recreation.  As a dynamic institution, it reaches out to the people at their homes and place of work, through branches, book mobiles and deposit stations at prisons, hospitals, and at elders’ homes.  The Delhi Public Library (DPL) consisting of a Central Library, a Zonal Library, 3 Branch libraries, 24 Sub-Branch Libraries, 3 Community Libraries, 12 Resettlement Colonies Libraries, One Braille Library, 70 Mobile Service Points and 22 Deposit Stations, is a good example. Thus, public library serves as recreation centre to all segments of the society.

4.5 Cultural Centre for Society

Public library also functions as a cultural centre for the society.  It identifies and collects cultural materials of importance, such as work of art and sculpture, paintings, musical instruments, literary documents etc. available in its area.

The collected materials are organized and put to the public use.  Thus it links the people of the locality with its cultural past.  The public library has also penetrated deep into the life of the community by turning itself into a cultural centre by organizing activities such as lectures, book discussions, film shows, musical concerts, plays, art exhibitions and story telling for children.

With the implementation of ICT in public libraries, the archive of local reminiscence materials are being digitized. Such digital resources are networked or mounted on the web and are made accessible from a PC located in the reference library and also through web.

4.6 Centre to Support Economic Development

Public library functions as an information provider for businesses and industries, through the provision of information services designed to meet specific needs.  For example compilation of city business directory, information alert service for business, city guide, job and career information guide, topical book list for a particular business or small industry, advice services for business etc. Such services of the public libraries positively contribute to the economic development of the community. The amount and exact nature of the services provided to contribute towards the community’s economic development vary depending on the community itself and the library.

4.7 Centre for Community Skills Development.

We all know that information is directly related to knowledge and skills which influence socio-economic development.  Libraries are the most important information centres involved in collecting, processing, organizing and disseminating information and knowledge.  Modern Information and communication Technologies (ICT) have fruitfully contributed in all walks of human life and the libraries and information centres have embraced the ICT more profoundly than any other field.

ICT has revolutionized the entire gamut of library activities and services and has eased the availability of information and knowledge.  The changed information environment using ICT and available in electronic format calls for a new kind of user awareness and user education programme, particularly by public libraries, called information literacy.

The public libraries are required to offer guidance and training through Information Literacy Programme in information search and quality rating of information sources.  In this regard many public libraries have established an in-house Information Literacy team to provide a tailor-made, flexible training to the user community.  Online tutorials and quizzes have also been developed and uploaded on websites by many public libraries.

4.8 Centre for Strengthening Democratic Spirit

Democracy will be impossible unless the citizens have free access to quality information and all points of view on a given topic.  Public library is the only impartial agency which places before one and all a truly balanced information store on all points of view, all lines of approach, and all schools of thought.  It provides a wide range of reading material in order to broaden citizen’s outlook, knowledge and ideas.  This helps the citizens to know, defend and enjoy their rights and realize and discharge their duties in a democracy.  Thus Public Libraries help to increase quality of life and democratic possibilities for citizens by providing free and equal access to quality information.

Public Library brings together different segments of the society on a single platform through its socio-cultural activities  and develops a sense of amity, sense of respect and appreciation for other groups, languages, religion, customs and cultures.  The success of the democracy really depends upon the educated and en-lighted citizenry irrespective of their age, race, sex, cast, colour, creed, language, religion and social status.

Thus Public Libraries strengthen democratic spirit among the citizen by their activities and services.

5. Summary

Public library is a social institution based on the principle of democracy, ‘for the people, by the people and of the people’.  It is a local centre of information and gateway to knowledge.  It is regarded as, ‘people’s university’ because it supports self education and  life long learning.  It functions as an intellectual power house and meets the intellectual, educational, recreational, informational and cultural requirements of the people.  It serves across the society irrespective of age, race, sex, colour, creed and religion.

Many individuals and institutions have deliberated on and defined the objectives and functions of the public libraries.  Its functions as:

• Self Education Centre
• Centre for Life Long Learning
• Community Information Centre
• Recreation Centre
• Cultural Centre for Society
• Centre to support Economic Development
• Centre for Community Skills Development
• Centre for Strengthening Democratic Spirit.

Thus public libraries have a wider impact on societal as well as national development.

References:

1. Gill, Philip, ed. The Public Library Service: IFLA/UNESCO guidelines for development. München: K.G. Saur, 2001.http://archive.ifla.org/VII/s8/proj/publ97.pdf (Accessed on 12.09.2013)
2. Ranganathan, S.R. Public library system and human sources. Herald of Library Science, 1967, Vol.6,No.4.
3. Public Library Research Group and Library Association, London. Purpose of Public Libraries. Library Association Record, 1971, Vol. 73 No. 12.
4. American Library Association. Public Library Services : A Guide to Evaluation with Minimum Standards. Chicago: ALA, 1956.
5. 
   

Financial Resources of Public Libraries P- 13. Public Libraries * By :C P Vashishth

इस ब्लॉग्स को सृजन करने में आप सभी से सादर सुझाव आमंत्रित हैं , कृपया अपने सुझाव और प्रविष्टियाँ प्रेषित करे , इसका संपूर्ण कार्य क्षेत्र विश्व ज्ञान समुदाय हैं , जो सभी प्रतियोगियों के कॅरिअर निर्माण महत्त्वपूर्ण योगदान देगा ,आप अपने सुझाव इस मेल पत्ते पर भेज सकते हैं - chandrashekhar.malav@yahoo.com

Financial Resources of Public Libraries

P- 13. Public Libraries *

By :C P Vashishth

1.0 Objectives

After reading this module, you will be able to:

• Get acquainted with financial management of libraries;
• Understand the need for finances in public libraries;
• Identify   the sources of finance for public libraries;
• Explain the role of various organisations in making available  financial resources to public libraries; and
• Highlight the present status of public library financing in India.

2. 0 Introduction

A public library is a library which is accessible by the general public and is usually funded from public sources (such as tax money). Public libraries exist in most places in the world and are often considered an essential part of an educated and literate population. They are distinct from academic, research, or other special libraries in their mandate, which is to serve the general public's information needs. They also offer material for general entertainment and leisure purposes. Public libraries provide free services such as making available books of general interest, newspapers, magazines and books of interest to children to encourage literacy. Public libraries are typically lending libraries, allowing users to take books and other materials from the library premises temporarily. They also have reference collections which is not circulated like any other kind of library. Public libraries primarily focus on popular materials such as popular fiction and storybooks, as well as educational and nonfiction materials of interest to the general public. Computer and internet access are also often offered by the modern public libraries.

3.0 Financial Management

Financial Management is the application of general management principles to various  financial operations.   Finances are essential for every human activity and success in planning various activities is often dependent on the amount of finance available and the manner in which it is to be utilized. A basic knowledge of library finance, library expenditure, budgeting and accounting is, therefore, very important for any library and information science professional.

Financial management can be defined as the study of principles and practices involved in the financial operations of an organization. Libraries too are included here as financial management also deals with various aspects of acquisition, distribution and utilization of funds besides balancing of revenue and expenditures. In addition to the above, the general control and evaluation of financial affairs is also within the purview of financial management.

Besides the above, it is the responsibility of parent organization of the library to take care of financial issues involving raising of funds, investing of funds, preparation and approval of budget and other finance related matters. The role of the library is to estimate its own financial requirements; preparation of budget for its functions, activities, programmes; managing  and spending of  funds within the stipulated time frame; maintaining accounts and  preparation of financial statements and reports.

3.1 Public Library Finance

Public libraries are an excellent resource for continuing education, literacyeducation, and place for  leisure  reading. Public libraries are usually to ensure educational, social and cultural gains for the community for which they exist.  Most cities, or towns have a public library or get library services through a mobile library.  Use of a public library is free to all authorised residents within the scope of the particular public library. There are several sources for library funding, starting with government funds which are distributed to states. The states too offer funding for the public libraries within the state.  Local municipalities also play an important role in providing funding to public libraries, and most librarians apply for grants to supplement these funds. Finally, private donations help to sustain public libraries.

The proportions of funding depend on where the library is located. In general, the municipality provides the greatest percentage of funding for public libraries; often at least half, if not more. These funds are gathered from local taxes, library fines, and other tools used to generate revenue for the library. On the state and national level, funding is determined by budget allocation, and policy decisions of the authorities. These funds are  to purchase  books, pay staff, expand libraries, and provide other valuable support services.

Grants and private donations can also be used to provide a sizable amount of funding for public libraries. Grants include technology grants which allow libraries to install and upgrade computer systems. Many private donors are pleased to support their local public libraries by donating funds or their rare book collection.

In view of the above, various sources of public library finance are:

a)        Government Sources

These include funds from central  government, state  government and local bodies. In western countries, the public libraries are usually fully  supported by funds provided by the government. In our country, the public libraries are partially supported by funds provided by the state governments or the local authorities. In states which have proper library legislation, funds by the government are made available which are usually certain percentage of the annual budget of the state government.

b)   Library cess

Some Indian States that have library legislation, have the provision of raising library cess along with various taxes charged from people of the state. This library cess too contributes towards the funding of public libraries.

c)   Subscription

It is considered as the main source of income by most of the public libraries. But as the public library system is supposed to be supported by the government, subscription as the main source of funding defeats the purpose as services of public library should be free for all the users. Anyway, in India the practice of receiving the subscription from users is there and thus this remains as the main source of funding.

d)   Income generated by the Library

Public  libraries may raise funds by other means like:

-          Overdue charges from users

-          Compensation  collected from users towards loss of books

-          Income generated  by selling old newspapers and other  waste materials

-          Interest received from investments, etc.

-          Rents on vacant spaces

-          Fund raised from special events

e)   Endowments

Some private benefactors and charitable institutions have provision of bestowing funds to public libraries. Although these kind of grants are not permanent but are usually quite helpful at times to build up a specific facility or collection in a public library. At times, the endowments may not be in monetary terms but gifting of private and personal collection of some prominent individuals.

Public libraries, therefore, are financially supported by various ways. The main support in majority of countries is a regular budget grant from the government. But in India, this is not happening and as a result, the public libraries in India have inadequate funds. It will be proper if most of the initial annual expenses are borne by the government, especially the state governments. The rest of the expenditure can be met by funds raised by library cess, etc. Besides this, the local authorities too should be involved in wellbeing of public libraries and make provisions for collecting funds. Income from the other sources like library fees, fines, gifts, etc. is usually meagre and thus cannot be considered as a prominent source of revenue.

4.0 Public Libraries In India – Financial System

Although the government of India allocates funds for public library development in its five-year plans, this funding is not connected to effective planning. The pattern and development of public libraries varies from state to state. The manner of financing the public libraries too is not only different in each state but also very complex. The  library acts have not been passed in all the states and whichever states have library legislation, there is no uniformity at all.

The users of a  public library are expected to utilise the library services in every possible manner. However, they are supposed only to spend time and not money for the utilization of services. Thus, from where to raise the finance for all these services. It has been seen from various developed countries that public library service can be effectively offered only through government initiatives, and in our country through legislation.

In terms of financial resources, library legislation is required  because:

• It  helps in creating necessary conditions under which public libraries can be established in all the states.
• Public  libraries can be put on a sound and sure financial footing by way of levy of library tax.
• Public  libraries become independent  from subscription, donation or private gifts.

In other words, the library legislation has the provision of financial support to the public libraries, but this provision should depend upon the social, political and economic environment. There are mainly two ways of making provision of finance to public libraries through library legislation. They are:

 i.       Annual budget allocation by the state out of its total funds with capital grants from central government, and
         ii.      Levying of library cess with a matching grant from the state government.

One of the components of library legislation is finance and the act  should include:

• Rate of library cess/local extra tax or surcharge, etc.;
• Goods on which tax will be levied i.e. vehicle, land, house, other properties, etc.;
• The method of receiving the cess from the public;
• Checking of received money through cess; and
• Other sources of finance.

There should be a component in the library Act itself to maintain all the records of accounts and audit from time to time. The appointment of staff, categories of the staff, pay scale, service condition and working period should also be mentioned in the Act.

In India, nineteen states have so far enacted library legislation and the rest are providing library services without legislation. Therefore, to know about the system of public library finance in India, the states are accordingly grouped into two categories, i.e., statutory system and non-statutory system of financing.

4.1 Statutory System

The Indian States which have library legislation fall under this category, and the organisation of library services is referred to as the statutory system of library service. As you have already studied in Module 4 on Library Legislation in India, Tamil Nadu was the first state to announce library legislation in 1948 and the latest is Arunachal Pradesh in 2009. However, the library acts of these states do not present a uniform pattern. In this system, thus the public library system is regulated by the law. There is, usually a library fund received from various levels of the governmental agencies, from which finance is to be spent on various aspects related to the public libraries. Usually, the components of this fund are library cess, state government grants, special government grants for purpose of library development, gifts & endowments, and finances from other sources.

4.2 Non-Statutory System

The states and the union territories that have not enacted library legislation are also having public library systems. In this system, the government is not bound by the law. These states are carrying out their library activities either through the direct government grants or by grant-in-aid system. This is referred to as the non-statutory system. The library development is carried out in the form of administrative activities subject to the policy of the government in power. Here, the government is not bound by law to promote activities of public libraries. The public libraries are, however, established at various levels, viz. state, district, taluka, village, etc. Presently, the system of financing the public libraries in these states is highly diverse. But in some states, such existing system is working very well.

5.0 Sources Of Finance For Libraries In India

Public library funding can come from a number of sources, including central government funding, state library funding, local sources and library foundations. We will now discuss the general trend of financing public libraries of India.

5.1 Central Government

Some funding for libraries, though not the majority comes from central government funding. Libraries can also benefit from other types of central funding. In India, the public libraries are placed under the purview of the state governments. The public libraries, therefore, receive very little funding from the central government. This is  usually through the Five-year Plans which are involved in setting up of major new libraries, or various library committee, etc. One such example is funding made available for setting up of Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation, Kolkata in 1972 to promote activities of public libraries.

As mentioned above, the government sets up various library committees/working groups, etc.  from time to time and the recommendations of these committees also involve major recommendations related to finances. Examples of some such committees:

1957 - Advisory Committee for Libraries appointed

1964 - Working Group on Libraries appointed

1972 - Working Group on Development of Public Libraries appointed

1983 - Working Group on Modernization of Library Services and Informatics

1985 - Committee on National Policy on Library and Information Systems appointed

1986 - National Literacy Mission

2005- National Knowledge Commission (NKC)

The Advisory Committee for Libraries was appointed in 1957 by the Government of India, with K.P. Sinha as the Chairman. The Committee drafted a Model Library Billand drew up a 25–year plan. In 1959, the Committee submitted a report with recommendations, some of which were:

1. Enact library legislation, in all constituent states, to establish public libraries;
2. Build nationwide library service with detailed suggestions for financing through the state and central governments;
3. Extend public library service to the blocks, panchayats, and villages; and,
4. Create an independent Department of Social Education and Libraries.

The Central Government should assist the State in the development of public libraries in a larger way than it has done so far. The Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation as the national agency for co-coordinating and assisting the development of public libraries is suitably strengthened enabling it to discharge its responsibilities effectively.

The year 1986 saw adoption of the National Literacy Mission, which emphasized on the education of women and also the establishment of rural libraries.

A Working Group on Modernization of Library Services and Informatics in the Seventh Plan was appointed by the Planning Commission in 1983. In its 1984 report, the group recommended formulation of a National Policy on Library Services and Informatics in support of similar recommendations made earlier by other committees.

National Knowledge Commission has been set up with Knowledge as a key area, under which special focus is on Libraries and Public libraries too.

5.2 State Governments

It has already been discussed in the previous section that states that have enacted library legislation receive proper funding from state authorities for maintaining the public libraries. Also the states that have not yet passed library law, too have some kind of system for receiving funds for their public libraries. Thus, the state funding for public libraries provides far more funds than central government sources, but still far less than local sources.

RRRLF has recommended setting up of a State Library Committee in each state and union territory of India. Foundation’s assistance is available for all categories of public libraries, viz., State Central Library, Regional/Divisional Libraries, District Central Libraries, Sub-divisional Libraries, Tehsil Libraries, Taluka Libraries, Block Libraries, Branch Libraries, Municipal Libraries, Town Libraries, Rural Libraries, Panchayat Libraries, Village Libraries, etc. directly maintained or aided or recognized by the State Government. State Library Committee will decide number and categories of libraries for assistance under different schemes and consolidated list of books for different categories of libraries.

Assistance is also given to both Government and Non-government libraries for construction of a new building or extension of the existing building. Maximum amount given to District Level Library is Rs. 10 lakh and Rs. 8 lakh for Sub-Division/Town Level Library once in ten years. For other libraries Rs. 4 lakh can be given for construction of library building.

The role of the State Central Library is crucial in networking and the establishment of uniform library procedures within the States. The State Central Library/Directorate of Public Libraries has to perform as the coordinating agency for public libraries in the State.

To bring about the development of the public libraries in a State it is vital that each State enacts its own library legislation. The Central Government should revise the Model Public Library Bill, which it has already been prepared, in the light of experience gained in recent years and urge upon the States the importance of enacting such legislation. Finances for library development should be found by each State either from its general revenues or from local taxation.

5.3 Local Funding

Local funds make up a major portion of public library funding. These funds are gathered from local taxes, library fees and fines, library cess, etc. Local municipalities also play an important role in providing funding to public libraries, and most librarians apply for grants to supplement these funds. The proportions of funding depend on where the library is located. In general, the municipality provides the greatest percentage of funding for public libraries. 

5.4 Other Organisations

Another great source of funds for public libraries is miscellaneous sources. This  includes gifts and donations of money, contributions, gifts, special grants and interest earned. Private donations help to sustain many public libraries. Grants and private donations are used to provide a sizable amount of funding for public libraries. Grants include technology grants which allow libraries to install and upgrade computer systems, grants which focus on a particular topic such as science, fiction, children's books, or local history, and education grants which support locally based community efforts such as after school reading programmes. Many private donors support their local public libraries by donating funds or including the library in their wills. Special grants, which are dispersed for State Governments and the Central Government (including grants received through Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation, Kolkata) for specified purpose connected with the libraries may be included in this category.

6. Role of RRRLF

Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation (RRRLF) is a central autonomous organization established and fully financed by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. This organization functions as a promotional agency, an advisory and consultancy organization, a funding body for public library development, public library services and systems and promotes public library movement in  India. The Foundation works in close association and active cooperation with different State Governments and Union Territory Administrations through a machinery called State Library Planning Committee (SLPC/SLC) set up in each State at the instance of the Foundation.

A major activity of RRRLF is Assistance Programme, which is, according to the RRRLF website (http://rrrlf.nic.in/activfrm.htm)  as below:

RRRLF promotes public library services rendering book and financial assistance to the public libraries under different schemes of assistance in collaboration with Library Department or Department in-charge of Public Library Services.

Matching 

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 Organisation of Seminars, Workshops, Training Courses (Orientation / Refresher), Book Exhibitions and Library Awareness Programmes.

4) Assistance towards purchase of Storage Materials, Reading Room Furniture and Library Equipment like Card Cabinet, Fire Extinguisher etc. including Copier.

5) Assistance to Public Libraries towards Increasing Accommodation.

6) Assistance to Public Libraries to Acquire Computer with accessories for library application and TV, CD Player, DVD Player for Educational Purposes.

Assistance under these schemes is given from the resources shared on matching basis with the States/Union Territory Administrations. For developed States 50 : 50, Developing and lagging states 60 : 40 & North-Eastern States 90 : 10.

Non-Matching 

1) Assistance towards building up of adequate stock of books through central selection.

2) Assistance to voluntary organisations (NGOs) providing public library services.

3) Assistance to Children's Libraries or Children's Section, Senior Citizen Section, Neo-Literate Section of General Public Libraries.

4) Assistance to public libraries towards Celebration of 50/60/75/100/125/150 years and the like.

5) Assistance towards Organisation of Seminar/Conference by Professional Organisation, Local Bodies, NGOs engaged in Public Library Development / Library Movement and University Departments of Library Science.

6) Assistance towards collection and compilation of library statistics through official and non-official agencies.

7) Assistance to centrally sponsored libraries.

8) Assistance towards Establishment of RRRLF Children Corner.

Assistance under these schemes is given fully from the Foundation's own resources while assistance under scheme at 2 is rendered on 75 : 25 matching basis (75% being Foundation's share). While Application Forms can be downloaded, details of schemes are available in the Foundation's Information Manual "Books for the Millions at Their Doorsteps" which is available in the office of the Convener, State Library Planning Committee (i.e., Director/Officer-in-charge of the library) of the respective State / U.T. or in the state (Central) libraries of all states / union territories and RRRLF Zonal offices.

7.0 Funding Problems in Public Libraries

Most public libraries rely heavily on local government funding. Some proactive librarians have devised alliances with use and civic groups to supplement their financial situations. Library "friends" groups, activist boards, and well organized book sales supplement government funding. With the increasing costs, the public libraries are compelled to look beyond the parent bodies that make available funds. They may have to depend on the  communities they serve.

It has been seen that the general public values free public libraries. But it is also found that the public is mostly unaware of financial difficulties facing their libraries. There is sufficient, but latent support for increased library funding among the general  population. Thus, the public libraries, long supported by various government entities, have seen a decline in monetary support for several decades.

It is also critical for maintaining a strong and successful public library to receive adequate funding. We all know that the costs are rising and expenditures have gone up in the modern times.  That puts libraries in direct competition with all other government services.

The implementation of library legislation in Indian states, where enacted, has been uneven.  A general lack of faith in public governance also plagues the attempt to provide public services through library legislation. The role of public libraries in India is still misunderstood and hence, they remain underdeveloped due to lack of proper system of funding. 

8.0 Summary

Finance plays a crucial role in the  developmental activities of an organisation. Public libraries being spending organisations do not earn revenue for the services rendered by them.  Therefore, they need constant financial support both from the government and non-government agencies to provide the services smoothly and effectively. A regular source of finance also strengthens the public library system to perform in an efficient manner.

Libraries have received significant public and private financial support over the years, ranging from local property tax support to state budget funding and a high level of private philanthropic funding. But funding level and mechanisms vary tremendously from state to state.  The systems of financing public libraries can be categorised as statutory or non- statutory.  Under the statutory system, the states that have provided for library act have made provision for finances.

The public library legislation is must for all the states in the digital era, authorities try to understand that point for the smooth running of library “fund” is the basic requirement. The whole point of the library being a free public service is to provide equal opportunity to knowledge.

Development Plans and Resource Mobilisation P- 13. Public Libraries * By :C P Vashishth

इस ब्लॉग्स को सृजन करने में आप सभी से सादर सुझाव आमंत्रित हैं , कृपया अपने सुझाव और प्रविष्टियाँ प्रेषित करे , इसका संपूर्ण कार्य क्षेत्र विश्व ज्ञान समुदाय हैं , जो सभी प्रतियोगियों के कॅरिअर निर्माण महत्त्वपूर्ण योगदान देगा ,आप अपने सुझाव इस मेल पत्ते पर भेज सकते हैं - chandrashekhar.malav@yahoo.com

Development Plans and Resource Mobilisation

P- 13. Public Libraries *

By :C P Vashishth

1. Introduction

Public libraries are most valuable social assets for any country and are empowering institutions. They are repositories of knowledge and enrich the cultural milieu of the communities they serve. They are pathways to societal development and contribute vitally to nation building and lifelong learning processes. Essentially linked with the education and literacy level, public libraries are a barometer of excellence a country has achieved in these areas. The public library is the most powerful and cost-effective wealth-transfer mechanism ever invented.(http://observer.com/2010/06/rescuing-the-stacks/)

India has an illustrious history and rich legacy of libraries largely patronized by kings and emperors. Nalanda, Taxila, Vikramshila are reported to have excellent libraries in their respective institutions. Mughal kings like Babur, Humayun and Akbar were great patrons of learning and scholarship and established several   libraries equipped with books, rare manuscripts and having magnificent and well maintained buildings. Mughal kings were very particular in appointing scholars to the positions of librarians so that libraries may flourish academically. The Muslim rulers made great contributions to Indian culture and libraries played a significant role in the socio-cultural development of the nation. The period of Mughal is considered as the golden period of Indian history for its educational, literary, and library activities (Khursid, 2004). The arrival of Britishers in 1857 spurred phenomenal changes in the educational landscape of the country and several public libraries came into existence.

Thus it can be observed that in the last 500 years prior to independence of India several public libraries had been established by scholarly inclined individual rulers bereft of any policy formulation. It is a matter of debate if at all these libraries can be defined as public   as most of them were established for the access of chosen few. Nonetheless these initiatives laid the ground work to a considerable extent for proper development of public libraries in independent India.

2. Public Libraries: Developmental Plans

Planning constitutes an integral part of developmental process and public libraries are no exceptions. After its independence on 15^th August 1947, India embarked   on the path of planned development and in the process   several important policy formulations came into existence for public libraries. Since  public libraries  require  regular funding for  providing services to the members, adequate plans  have to be made  by government agencies for  their establishment, funding, organizational framework, staffing pattern, collection development policies and  other rules and regulations. Since education in India is   covered in concurrent list, both central and state governments have to plan the development of libraries at their respective levels.

Planning of library services is a continuous systemized process of stating the educational levels, problems of research and the changing requirement in the socio-economic scenario of a country.  It is only on the basis of all that the aims of library service can be prepared considering local needs deciding the right services and preparing the objectives, which will be reached through the rational and reasonable use of available resources.

Since Planning of library services requires professional expertise, it should not be left exclusively to governmental planners. It should be entrusted to senior library professionals, academicians, ordinary citizens, educators, economist, sociologists, etc. who are familiar with aims of the national development plans.

2.1. Planning Methods

A plan document for libraries should have the following components:

1)      Aims, objectives and options

2)      Administrative and financial structure

3)      Legislation

4)      Staff

5)      Organisation of library services

6)      Sources  of funds

One of the key component of planning a public library is   cost of running services. Since libraries are growing organisms, there has to be   regular source of funds  for meeting  expenditure.  Without adequate  government funding, it is quite difficult  to  run a proper public library. Other sources of funds could be  fee charged from members and donations from  philanthropic  organizations.  But there has  to be proper legislation  both at  central and state level  in this regard.

3. Public Libraries in Post Independence Era: Planning and Development

India’s independence in 1947 was a major development for the country and laid the beginning of enactment of new policies in all areas. Being a country where a majority of population was illiterate, it was a big challenge to move on the path of education and role of public libraries in the furtherance of literacy was duly acknowledged in subsequent policy formulations.

Wani (2008) states that the 1951 census, the first conducted after independence, found 2,483 local governments in the urban and rural areas in India of which 320 were rural district boards. Only about one third of local governments maintained public libraries i.e. about 950 in all. These were essentially reading rooms with a few hundred books (Wani, 2008). Both  central and the state governments took a number of steps forward for the development of the nation from the point of education and considered library as essential part of it.  Public libraries  became an integral part of the country’s education budget.

Libraries came to be  justifiably  considered to important for raising literacy level and be an essential part of the Community Development Project that was launched during the first plan period. 

The Connemara Public Library in Madras became the State Central Library in 1950 under the provision of Madras Public Libraries Act 1948, and became one of the three depository libraries in 1955. Delhi Public Library was established in 1951 as the first UNESCO Public Library Pilot Project under the joint auspices of UNESCO and Government of India to adopt “Modern Techniques to Indian Conditions” and to serve as a model public library for Asia. 

Moving  further, in 1954, the Delivery of Book Act was passed . The act obligated every publisher in India to deposit one copy each of its publications to the National Library in Calcutta, the Asiatic Society Library in Bombay, Connemara Public Library in Madras, and Delhi Public Library in New Delhi.

As an important developmental initiative ,the Advisory Committee for Libraries was constituted in 1957 by the Government of India, with K P Sinha as the Chairman. The Committee submitted its report in 1959 with a drafted Model Library Bill. Subsequently the Planning Commission constituted a Working Group on Public Libraries in 1964 and the Commission submitted its report in 1965 with a Model Public Libraries Act. The model bill was sent to all the states/UTs, which did not have Public Libraries Act.

In 1972, the Government of India, Planning Commission constituted Working Group on Development of Public Libraries to make recommendations for library development. Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation, an autonomous body under the Department of Culture, Ministry of Education, was established in 1972. The main objective of the Foundation was to

assist state library services in developmental works.

In 1979, a library section was established in the Department of Culture under the Ministry of Education, which section was under the charge of an Joint Secretary. The objective was to promote the development of public libraries in India.  

As a  planning process , a Working Group on Modernization of Library Services and Informatics was appointed by the Planning Commission in 1983 which  submitted its report in 1984 with the formulation of National Policy on Library Services and Informatics. Delhi Public Library became a copyright library.

The Government of India, Department of Culture, appointed a Committee on National Policy on Library and Information System in 1985. The National Policy on Education, 1986 states that a nationwide movement for improvement of existing libraries and the establishment of new ones will be taken up, provision will be made in all educational institutions for library facilities, and the status of librarianship improved.  The National Book Policy, 1986 also had an impact on libraries due to provisions like  reading material for children by all the agencies involved and  10 percent of the annual education budget of the governments be used to purchase books for libraries.

The establishment of National Literacy Mission in 1986, which emphasized education for women and also establishment of rural libraries was a further fillip to developmental process. Library networks and systems were strengthened at the national level institutions in the development of literature in neoliterates.

Since goals are to be achieved by using formal, non-formal, and open channels of Learning, they had a direct bearing  on public libraries . Rural libraries were to  become the focal point for post-literacy and continuing educational programs. Publishers, voluntary organizations, and school library programs undertaken as part of the “Operation Blackboard Scheme” of the National Education Policy on Education, 1986 were given assistance.

In a significant  planning process ,the following five libraries were designated  as of national importance:

i) National Library, Kolkata established in 1836 in the name of Calcutta Public Library.

(http;//www.nlindia.org/history.html)

ii) Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Public Library, Patna was  declared the Library as Institution of National Importance by an act of Parliament in 1969. The Library is now fully funded by the Ministry of Culture (Govt. of India). (http://kblibrary.bih.nic.in/default.htm)

iii) Rampur Raza Library, Rampur, founded by Nawab Faizullah Khan in 1774 AD was taken over  on 1 July 1975 under the Act of Parliament, which declared it as an institution of National importance. (http;//razalibrary.gov.in/index.asp)

iv) Thanjavur Maharaja Serfoji's Sarasvati Mahal Library, Thanjavur is one among a few medieval libraries existing in the world.  In 1983, the Library was declared as an Institution of National Importance. (http;//www.sarasvatimahallibrary.tn.nic.in/library/library.html)

v) Harekrushna Mahtab State Library, Bhubaneswar was conceived during 1st Five Year Plan under the advice of Government of India and was completed in 1959, In 1987, Government decided to rename the State Library and the Public Library as Harekrushna Mahtab State Library , in memory of Dr. Harekrushna Mahtab, the builder of modern Orissa) and the Bhubaneswar Public Library respectively. (http;//hkmsl.gov.in/glance.htm)

4. Public Libraries: Planning Models

Libraries are recorded under the Article 246 of Indian Constitution, Seventh Schedule List II of State List No.12 and the Indian Constitution (Seventh Amendment) Act, 1956, Section 27 reads, “Libraries, museums and other similar institutions controlled or financed by the State; ancient and historical monuments and records other than those to be of national importance”. Provision of public library service is the responsibility of the State Government as the subject matter of libraries is relatable to entry 12 of the State List in the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution of India (Trehan;1986;7).

The UNESCO Public Library Manifesto, 1972 states that, “The public library should be established under the clear mandate of law”, which is substantiated by the IFLA/UNESCO Public Library Manifesto 1994 as; “The public library shall in principle be free of charge. The public library is the responsibility of local and national authorities. It must be supported by specific legislation and financed by national and local government. It has to be an essential component of any long-term strategy for culture, information provision, literacy and education”.

Dr. S R Ranganathan is regarded as the pioneer of library legislation in India. “The concept of legislation for libraries is a contribution of S R Ranganathan to Indian public libraries”. (Sharma; 1976;123).  He consistently  strived a lot for library legislation and prepared different library bills for the Indian Union and constituent states; such as; Model Library Act for constituent states of India (1930); Bengal (1931); Bombay (1946); Central Province and Berar (1946); Old Madras state(1946) which later became Act in 1948; United Province (1947); Cochin (1947);37Travancore (1947); Union Government (1948); Madhya Pradesh (1950); Union andConstituent States (1950); Constituent States (1957); Union (1957); West Bengal(1958); Kerala (1959); Uttar Pradesh (1960); Mysore (1961) which became Act in 1965; Assam (1964); Gujarat (1964 and Model Library Bill (1972).

There have been different efforts to work out library legislation models in India. In the pre-independent and post-independent of India, there have been five models of public library bills suggested by experts and national level professional associations and organizations.

4.1 Model Public Libraries Act of Dr. S R Ranganathan

The first Model Public Libraries Acts was prepared by Dr. S R Ranganathan in 1930 and revised in 1957 and 1972. Salient features of final version are:

• Establishment of public libraries in city, rural and other areas;
• Constitution of State Library Authority i.e. Minister of Education;
• Constitution of State Library Committee as an advisory body of the State Library Authority;
• Constitution of Local Library Authority for each city and one for each district;
• State Library Authority, Government and Local Library Authority may determine
• Library rate in such a manner and may determine collection of library cess from time to time.

4.2 Model Public Libraries Bill of Ministry of Education

The Government of India, Ministry of Education appointed an Advisory Committee for Libraries in 1957, under the Chairmanship of Shri K P Sinha, former Director of Public Instruction, Bihar. This committee recommended the need for library legislation for each state. As a follow-up action of the Advisory Committee, the Ministry of Education, Government of India appointed a committee under the Chairmanship of Dr. M D Sen. The Committee drafted Model Public Libraries Bill in the year 1963. The salient components of this Bill are:

• Constitution of State Library Authority as an apex body to advise the
• Government in the matter of library developments;
• Constitution of State Library Directorate for direction and controlling of library services;
• Constitution of District Library Committee in each district;
• Treatment of employees as government servant;
• Collection of library cess at the rate of 6 paise per rupee on house tax and property tax.

4.3 Model Public Libraries Bill of the Planning Commission

The Planning Commission, Government of India, constituted a ‘Working Group on Libraries’ in 1964 to plan and advice on the development of Libraries during the Fourth Five Year Plan. The Working Group recommended a Library Development Scheme to be implemented during the Fourth Plan period with a financial commitment of Rs.309 million, which was appended by Model Public Libraries Bill and submitted its report in 1965. Bill was not considered even by a single state. The Bill included the following features:

• Establish, maintain, develop and integrated adequate public library service in the state;
• Constitution of Committee of Experts to prescribe the standards of service;
• Constitution of State Library Council to advise the government for the promotion and development of library service;
• Establishment of State Library Directorate to control, direct and supervise library system in the state;
• Establishment of State Central Library, State Regional Libraries and District Libraries;
• Treatment of employees in the system of State Government Servants
• Government shall be the financial source and shall maintain the public library system in the state.

4.4 Model Public Libraries Bill of Indian Library Association

The Indian Library Association (ILA) formed in 1933, has keen interest in library legislation. The ILA discussed library legislation at its various seminars organized in 1964, 1978 and 1981. Consequently, ILA Council at its meeting held on 23 June 1989, keeping in view of the developments and experiences gain from the existing Acts, resolved to prepare a Model Library Bill. Accordingly, as asked by ILA, Dr. Velaga Venkatappaiah, Chairman, Central Sectional Committee on Public Libraries of the ILA prepared a Model Public Library Bill. ILA accepted the draft Bill with minor changes at its National Seminar on Public Library Legislation in 1990 at the final product of the Model Public Libraries Bill was published in 1991. The Bill was circulated to all the states and union territories but few states reacted favorably to the Bill. This Model Bill was again discussed in a National Seminar on Library Legislation and revised as the Model State Public Library and Information Service Act in 1995. In view of emergence of Information Technology at all levels, the model act was again revised in 2000. The important components of this Bill are:

• State Library and Information Service, based on a State Policy;
• Constitution of State Library Authority at the apex level with Minister of Libraries as Chairman as policy making and executive body;
• Establishment of Directorate of Public Libraries for directing, controlling and supervising;
• Constitution of City, District Library Authority for rendering service from district to village level;
• Provision for network of Public Library and Information Services from state to village level;
• Constitution of State Library and Information Service;
• Collection of Library cess on house tax and property tax, entertainment tax, professional tax, vehicle tax, etc.;
• Constitution of State Boards for education, book production, co-ordination, etc.;
• Accountability of public expenditure and services.

4.5 Model Union Library Act

The Government of India appointed a committee to explore the possibilities to establish a National Central Library at New Delhi in 1948. Dr. S R Ranganathan, a member of the committee drafted a Library Development plan in 1950 with a 30-year programme and a draft Library Bill for the states and Union Public Library Act. This was revised in 1959 and again in 1972. However, libraries falls under the state list of the constitution and it may not be possible to pass Bill as a Union Act, unless and until the constitution is suitably amended for this purpose. The main features of this model Act are:

• Constitution of a National Library Authority;
• Establishment of national central libraries;
• Constitution of National Library Committee as an advisory body
• to the National library Authority;
• Constitution of National library fund;
• Amendment to the delivery of Books and Newspaper Act, 1954.

5. Public Libraries: Through Five Year Plans

India’s developmental process takes place through five year plans and in every plan provisions have been made for their development summarized below:

5.1 First Five Year Plan, 1951–1956

The first five year plan for educational development included a proposal for improvement of library services Rs. 5 million (US$1.05 million) was set aside for establishment of the national central library, but this sum was not used.Improvement of library services was mentioned in this plan for educational development. The essence of the scheme was to establish district libraries in each state, which were to be supplemented by a state central library. The government of India also initiated a scheme, “Integrated Library Service,” with the support of the state government. The scheme targeted units in every area selected by the governments for intensive educational development. The experimental project was meant to monitor the impact of a number of educational institutions in areas covering 100 villages. Each area was to have five model community centers, plus a main library with branches to distribute books to 20 villages. This pilot project was implemented in 29 areas in the country. Nine states made plans to open state central libraries, and some others were in the process of setting up district libraries in about 100 districts. This cost approximately Rs. 10 million (US$2.1 million), of which nearly two–thirds was contributed by the government of India. Thus, libraries were considered to be an essential part of the Community Development Program that was launched during the first plan period (Naidu, 1990).

In 1954, the Delivery of Books Act was passed (it was amended in 1956) to include newspapers. The act obligated every publisher in India to deposit a copy of its publication with the National Library in Calcutta; the Asiatic Society Central Library, Bombay; Connemara Public Library, Madras; and the Delhi Public Library. On the basis of books received under this act, India has a national bibliography which is published by the Central Reference Library, Calcutta. The bibliography, however, does not include textbooks, musical scores, maps, and atlases (Venkatachari, 1981).

5.2 Second Five Year Plan, 1956–1961

The second five year plan contained the same provisions as the first plan, plus additional provisions for establishing integrated library service. The library services were to be organized on the basis of legislation and district libraries were to form the link between the state central library and village libraries. As a result, nine states in India established state central libraries and 254 district libraries. But the national central library was still not established. In 1960, the state of Andhra Pradesh enacted library legislation.

During this plan period, a total of Rs. 2.040 billion was spent on educational development, of which Rs. 9 million was spent on library development. Even though Rs. 18.6 million was provided, the state’s only used 48.6 percent of this amount. Thus, the number of libraries nearly doubled in 1964 as compared to 1951, and the expenditure on public libraries in this period increased three–fold. According to a UNESCO report published on the occasion of the Public Library Seminar held at Delhi in 1955, India had 24,086 public library service points at the time. The level of literacy in 1961 increased to 28.31 percent(India, Planning Commission, 1980).

5.3 Third Five Year Plan, 1962–1967

The amount of Rs. 5.6 billion was budgeted for education in this plan period, but the amount to be spent on libraries was not clearly indicated in the plan. Of this amount, Rs. 620 million was expected to be available for social education. During this plan period, the system of central government assistance to the states was changed, and funding for libraries was kept to a bare minimum. Thus, it was up to the individual states to take the initiative and develop their public libraries. With the beginning of this plan period, the scheme to assist state governments in establishing state central libraries, district central libraries, and block development libraries was abandoned. The central government decided to let the states decide on the development; the decision was a major setback that hindered the development of public libraries.

During this plan period, four national libraries were to be established at Delhi, Calcutta, Bombay, and Madras. District–level libraries were to be established in all the states. A sum of Rs. 32.3 million was made available to the states for this purpose.

In 1962 the central government sent a model Public Libraries Bill to those state governments which had not adopted any library legislation, hoping to persuade these states to show an interest in passing the legislation. A Working Group on Libraries was appointed by the Planning Commission in 1964. Group recommendations included:

1. By the end of the Fifth Five Year Plan, set up libraries at block headquarters and in every village having a population of 5,000;
2. Encourage the Program of Adult Education to use the services of the public libraries to eradicate illiteracy.

As of January 1, 1965, according to the information received from the states by the Working Group:

1. Twelve of 18 states/UT had state central libraries;
2. 205 of 327 districts had district central libraries;
3. 1,394 blocks of 5,223 had block (sub–district) development libraries;
4. 28,317 villages out of 566,878 had village libraries.

Library legislation was passed in two states during this period: Karnataka in 1965 and Maharashtra in 1967(India, Planning Commission, 1980).

5.4 Fourth Five Year Plan, 1969–1974;

The education budget was estimated at Rs. 7.120 billion (US$949.3 million), of which the social education component was Rs. 100 million (US$13.3 million). Thus, the tempo that had built for the development of library services slowed. However, Rs. 130 million (US$17.3 million) was provided in this plan period for provision of information services, which included information centers, radio transmitters, film production, mobile cine vans, and other media. The literacy level rose to 34.45 percent in 1971.

In 1972, the Working Group on Development of Public Libraries was constituted by the Government of India Planning Commission to make recommendations for library development. These recommendations were to be included in the Fifth Five Year Plan. The group submitted detailed proposals for:

1. Allotment of Rs. 310 million  for the development of public libraries; but the amount actually provided was a meager Rs. 20 million (US$2.66 million);
2. A network of libraries to cover the whole country, and other recommendations similar to those made earlier by the Advisory Committee (India, Planning Commission, 1980).

Figures provided in 1973 (Kalia, 1974) concerned the number of public libraries, and read as follows:

1. Fifteen of 21 states/UT had state central libraries;
2. 235 of 376 districts had district central libraries;
3. 1,500 of 3,100 sub–districts had sub–district central libraries;
4. 50,000 villages of 566,878 had village libraries;
5. 1,800 of 2,641 towns had town libraries.

As described above, in 1972, during this plan period, the central government established the Raja Ram Mohan Roy Library Foundation(India, Planning Commission, 1980).

5.5 Fifth Five Year Plan, 1974–1979

In this plan, steps were taken to strengthen not only the village and block libraries, but also the central and state libraries, and the district libraries. The states were assisted by the Raja RamMohan Roy Library Foundation, which was established in 1972. During this plan period, the amount of Rs. 15.620 billion was allocated for general education, and Rs. 350 million was budgeted for social education (India, Planning Commission, 1980).

The only state that enacted a public library law during this plan period was West Bengal, in 1979. In 1978, the government adopted the National Adult Education Program, but it did not recognize the public library as an agency that could be assigned a role in solving the literacy problem. Rather, the public library was relegated to the role of post–literacy work. This view was also promulgated by the Draft National Policy on Education (NPE), 1979. However, the need for the rural public library system to play a role in continuing education in the villages and rural areas was recognized (Draft NPE, 1979).

In 1979, the Ministry of Education in the Department of Culture established a library section under the charge of an under secretary. The goal: to promote development of public libraries in India. Since then, libraries have not been part of the social education budget. Instead, they have been included in the art and culture component of the budget.

5.6 Sixth Five Year Plan, 1980–1985

Sixth five yearplan emphasized minimum essential education of all adults, to be achieved by inter–sectoral cooperation and inter&150; agency coordination. These efforts were to be supported by post–literacy, continuing education through a network of rural libraries as well as instructional programs conducted through mass communication media. The amount allocated for general education was Rs. 21.622 billion (US$2.749 billion). The art and culture component was Rs. 839 million.

During this period (1982 figures):

1. Twenty–six states/UT out of 31 existing in 1982 had established/designated state central libraries;
2. Out of 401 districts, 291 had district central libraries;
3. Out of 5,027 blocks, 1,798 development blocks had block libraries;
4. Out of 575,936 villages, 41,828 had village libraries;
5. Out of 2,643 towns, 1,280 had town libraries.

Of the 29 metropolitan cities with a population of 400,000 and above, only four — Madras, Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Delhi — have city public library systems with central libraries, branches, and deposit stations. Thus, it is estimated that approximately 20 percent of the literate population has access to public library service (Agrawal, 1985).

A Working Group on Modernization of Library Services and Informatics in the Seventh Plan was appointed by the Planning Commission in 1983. In its 1984 report, the group recommended formulation of a National Policy on Library Services and Informatics in support of similar recommendations made earlier by other committees.

From its establishment in 1972, to 1982, the Raja RamMohan Roy Foundation provided funds of Rs. 250 million (US$31.79 million) to assist 15,000 rural libraries. In 1982, the Delhi Public Library became a copyright library. The level of literacy increased to 43.56 percent in 1981.

5.7 Seventh Five year Plan, 1985–1990

During this plan period, the Planning Commission’s objective was to address the needs of 90 million people, ages 15–35, in the Adult Education Program. The network of libraries was to play a role in the development of literature for neoliterates. Library systems were to be strengthened with specific attention given to improvement of facilities at the national–level institutions. The general education budget was Rs. 47,753 million (US$3.860 million); Rs. 4.821 billion (US$389.8 million) constituted the art and culture component (Seventh Five Year Plan, 1985).

An important development during this period was the 1986 adoption of the National Literacy Mission, which emphasized the education of women and also the establishment of rural libraries.

In 1989, there were 7,180 main libraries and 18,000 service points (branches, mobile stops, etc.) (Mangla, 1993). The collections of the National Library of Calcutta were increased significantly. The Central Secretariat Library started creating a database on the epic “Mahabharata.” The Raja RamMohan Roy Foundation set up an “Integrated Research Cell–cum–Computer Unit” for promoting research in librarianship, and also started a database of public libraries in the country. A Committee on National Policy on Library and Information System was appointed in 1985 by the Government of India, Department of Culture. The resulting final report (based on two drafts previously submitted by the Raja RamMohan Roy Library Foundation and the Indian Library Association) was submitted in 1986 (Barua, 1992).

This policy stressed the need to establish strong links between a village’s community library and primary school. If the school lacked a library, the community library was to provide the children with adequate resources. Furthermore, a children’s section was to be organized in every public library (Biswas, 1988).

The National Policy on Education–1986 barely mentions libraries. It states that a nationwide movement for improvement of existing libraries and the establishment of new ones will be taken up, provision will be made in all educational institutions for library facilities, and the status of librarians improved. The school library program, “Operation Blackboard,” was initiated with the provision of essential teaching and learning materials. The National Book Policy–1986 also had an impact on libraries, as it recommended:

1. Provision of reading material for children by all the agencies involved;
2. That 10 percent of the annual education budget of the governments be used to purchase books for libraries.

During this plan period, these states passed library acts: Manipur in 1988, Assam in 1989, Haryana in 1989, and Kerala in 1989.

5.8 National Policy on Library & Information System (NAPLIS)

During seventh five year plan, in 1985, a committee was set up under the chairmanship of Prof. D.P. Chattopadhyay to formulate a National Policy on Library & Information System (NAPLIS) (Chatoopadhyay, 1998). The Committee submitted its report in May 1986. Following that, another committee looked at implications of the report and created an action plan for its implementation (Bhatacharjee, 1999). The Empowerment Committee submitted its report in April 1988 and an Implementation Cell was formed to implement its recommendations within a period of six months. Yet another Working Group, under the Joint Secretary to the Government of India in the Department of Culture, was constituted to examine its recommendations for implementation. The Working Group submitted its report in July 1993 and suggested implementing only 29 of 60 recommendations made by the NAPLIS,India (Ministry of Human Resources Development,1986).

The following are some of the recommendations of NAPLIS related to public libraries:

• Proposals for maintenance and development of public libraries should preferably come from State Legislative Enactment. The Central Government may revise the Model Public Library Bill.Funds for library development should come from each state, either from general revenue or from local taxation. Central Government agencies may provide funds under Plan Expenditure.

• Efforts should emphasize rural public libraries. A village or a cluster of villages with an adequate population should have a community library/rural community centre, which will also serve as an information centre. Resources from various agencies engaged in the public   health, adult education, State and central government, etc., should be used to build up and maintain this centre.

• The central government increases its assistance to state governments in the development of public libraries. The RRRLF, as the national agency for coordinating and assisting the development of public libraries, should be suitably strengthened in order to do this.

• Standards and guidelines for library service should be created.

• There should be a system of national libraries consisting of National Library, Calcutta (Now Kolkata) as the National Library of India, National Depository libraries in Delhi, Bombay (Now   Mumbai), Madras (now Chennai), National Subject Libraries, and others. These national libraries should form part of one integrated system.

• A National Commission on Libraries and Information System or National Commission on Informatics and Documentation may be constituted by an Act of Parliament to serve under the Ministry of Human Resource Development. The    Commission will have representation from appropriate central and state agencies and could provide guidance and coordinate library development programmes in all sectors. This body will have the primary responsibility for the implementation of NAPLIS programmes.

• National Depository libraries; Connemara Public library, Chennai; Central Library  (Asiatic Society), Bombay; and Delhi Public Library, Delhi should concentrate on development of collections and preservation of Indian culture produced in the languages of their regions, supplementing and complementing the efforts of the Indian National Library.

• The Indian National Bibliography should have a comprehensive coverage of the national output of documents and should be updated regularly. This responsibility should be vested in the National Library.

• Government should create a national awareness of the need to preserve the nation's cultural heritage. National libraries should be responsible, with preservation facilities   created there. Links between libraries, archives, and museums should be established for the purpose of national preservation.

• The Ministry of Rural Development has a plan for one community centre in every Panchayat Centre. The Department of Culture and the Ministry of Rural Development have agreed to provide library services at each of these Rural Community Centres.

• An important link should be established between community centre library and primary schools. If the schools do not have libraries of their own, the community centre library should provide children with adequate services.

• A community centre library should have an important role in adult education  programmes.

• A district library should provide facilities and recreation for the disabled and low-income people, e.g., literature in Braille.
• Libraries should be built in areas of tribal concentration and in minority communities  to help in developing and sustaining their distinctive cultures.

• Libraries should be equipped with relevant resources, such as publications covering Open University and vocational educational courses, for their role in support of distance education.
• All public libraries within a state should form a part of a network extending from village library   through community centre library, district library, and state network, and should be linked to the national information grid (Sahib, 2003).

5.9 Eighth Five Year Plan, 1992–1997

The money allocated for this period for general education is Rs. 168.133 billion; for art and culture, Rs. 7.276 billion has been allocated. Universalization of elementary education, eradication of illiteracy in the 15–35–year age group, and strengthening of vocational education in relation to emerging needs in urban and rural settings are the major thrusts of the plan. These goals are to be achieved by using formal, non–formal, and open channels of learning. The plan states that in those states with an advanced library system, rural libraries should become the focal points for post–literacy and continuing education programs.

Book promotion is also emphasized in this plan, to be promoted by the organization of a National Center for Children’s Literature, which should produce 3,000 titles annually. Important books are to be translated into the various Indian languages, and books for neoliterates published. Publishers and voluntary agencies will be given assistance, and the school library program, undertaken as part of the “Operation Blackboard” scheme of the National Policy on Education — 1986, will continue.

Public libraries of national importance are to be provided funds for improvements/innovations such as the following:

1. The Khuda Bakst Public Library proposed establishment of an Institute of Oriental Studies and open regional units for research on Indo–Islamic and comparative religion;
2. The Rampur Raza Library would acquire sophisticated equipment for preservation of its collections;
3. The Asiatic Society, Calcutta, is to open an art gallery, introduce a desktop publishing system, and construct a new building;
4. The National Library proposed making microfilms available, producing a national union catalogue, and providing book production statistics;
5. The Central Reference Library is to be reorganized into a National Bibliographical and Documentation Center with a computer center; and,
6. The Delhi Public Library is to open two new libraries within its service area.

The Raja Ram Mohan Roy Foundation proposes assisting state central libraries in their quest to obtain reprographic equipment. The Foundation also hopes to assist certain libraries in the processing of rare books, and to provide assistance to rural libraries, and to those public libraries that have completed 100 years of service (Eighth Plan, 1992).

The Model Public Libraries Act is based on the national seminar on this subject, which was held February 14, 1990, in New Delhi. The seminar was organized by the Indian Library Association in collaboration with the Raja Ram Mohan Roy Library Foundation. This excellent document encompasses all aspects of legislation important to the establishment of public libraries (Venkatappaiah, 1990).

The National Cultural Policy 1993 is the new policy designed by the Government of India. It was created by merging the National Policy of Library and Information Science, the National Book Policy, and other related policies dealt with by the Department of Culture of the Ministry of Human Resource Development.

The latest estimate of the number of public libraries in India is 44,205 (Ramaiah, 1993). The financial outlays in each plan have increased, too, as illustrated by the graphic table presented.

5.10 Ninth Five Year Plan, 1997–2002

The Ninth Plan treats education as the most crucial investment in human development. The Prime Minister’s Special Action Plan (SAP) has identified the expansion and improvement of social infrastructure in education as a critical area.

To have a forward linkage with the National Literacy Mission, it is imperative that we increase the spread of our public libraries to new areas in rural regions of the country. A scheme for assisting and establishing libraries at Panchayat level is proposed in 9th Plan with initial coverage of the North-East region, as they already have a tradition of village libraries. Later on, the scheme will be spread to other parts of the country. In addition the emphasis will also be on old libraries with rare manuscripts such as Khuda Bakst Oriental Public Library, Patna and Thanjavur Saraswati Mahal Library, Thanjavur.

To keep pace with the latest in Information Technology the facilities in public libraries will be upgraded and latest equipment provided. A networking of Central and State libraries is also planned.

For the optimum utilisation of available resources in the computer and communication technology more effectively, a proper networking of all libraries and resource centres will be given due emphasis. For this purpose, the development of a national network of libraries is envisaged.

During the 9^th five year plan, the National Library, Kolkata undertook several major initiatives to upgrade and modernize its collection building programme. Funds for modernization and computerization were provided from central grants to Connemara Library, Chennai, Thanjavur Saraswati Mahal Library, and the State Central Library, Mumbai

5.11 Tenth Five Year Plan, 2002 -2007

The Planning Commission proposed further modernization of central and public libraries during the Tenth Plan. A national bibliographic database would be developed to encourage resource sharing, networking, and to improve reader services. The Commission resolved to strengthen public library infrastructure through the RRRLF. The Tenth Plan focused on upgrading existing libraries, including private collections, and widening the programme for bibliographic control and documentation. To make readers services more comprehensive and effective, the National Library is expected to act as the ultimate referral centre for various subjects. To keep pace with the latest developments in information technology in public libraries, the upgrading and networking of central and state libraries was also planned (Planning Commission India, 2002).

The National Archives of India (NAI) has been the custodian of Central Government records of enduring value for permanent preservation and use by administrators and scholars. Preservation and conservation of rare books and other documents is one of the chief activities of the National Library and Central Reference Library (Kolkata), Central Secretariat Library and Delhi Public Library (New Delhi), State Central Library (Mumbai), Thanjavur Maharaja Serofji Saraswati Mahal Library (TMSSML) (Thanjavur) and Raja Ram Mohan Roy Library Foundation (Kolkata), which are engaged in digitization of old books and manuscripts and retro-conservation of catalogues. Developing a National Bibliographic Database in electronic format to encourage resource sharing, networking and to improve reader services is the hallmark of modernization activities in the library sector.

It was during the Tenth Plan that attention was drawn towards the manuscript wealth of the country and on the need for special attention on their conservation and upkeep. The National Mission for Manuscripts was launched for inventorization and protection of Indian manuscripts. The mission has taken up the task of compiling a national database of manuscripts (being made available online) by initiating a national survey of about 2 million manuscripts. More importantly, 45 most unique manuscripts recording India’s achievements in science, philosophy, scripture, history, and the arts have been selected by a committee of selectors as national treasure. Software has been prepared by NIC in Visual Basic Net for cataloguing of manuscripts. About 2 lakh illustrated manuscripts have been digitized. Out of the Tenth Plan outlay of Rs 131.05 crore, an expenditure of Rs 121.76 crore was incurred, which indicates a shortfall of 7.1% (India, Planning Commission, 2002).

5.12 Eleventh Five Year Plan, 2007-2012

The development of Public Libraries in the Eleventh Plan includes Rural Public Libraries and provision for handicapped and under-privileged in District Libraries. A National Library Mission was proposed to be set up.

6.Public Libraries: Planning at State Level and Library Legislation

Since India is a federal country where domains of states and central government are clearly demarcated, the schemes launched by central government do not necessarily in every case percolate down to state level. Libraries being state subject, state governments are free to formulate their own policies. Accordingly it is important to understand   the developmental initiatives taken by different states of India so as to have a nation wide understanding of issues.

The developmental process of libraries at state level takes place in the framework of   a legislation aiming atgiving legal provision for establishing a library system, its maintenance, services, functions, right and management under any state or a national government. Library legislation is capable of regulating various organs of public library services. It is an instrument for the development of public libraries in a planned manner to ensure establishment, development and maintenance of libraries in a uniform pattern. It can help in promoting a sense of self consciousness among the people who would feel it obligatory on their part to use services offered by the library.

7. Library Legislation in India

In ancient India learning was confined to chosen few and upper strata of society and as a result in ancient India there was no tradition of public library legislation.

a) Before Independence: Pre independence India shows some of the significant steps in implementing the library legislation, which can be summarized as follows

i) The Press and Registration of Books Act (1867): The Press and Registration of Books Act was passed in 1867 for the British India. This Act was for the regulation of printing-presses and newspapers for the preservation of copies of books and newspapers printed in India and for the registration of such books and newspapers. It helped some specific libraries to get some copies of books free of cost and to maintain a continuous catalogue of early printed books in the country. In terms of this Act the publisher or the printer of every book or newspaper was to send a copy of the book or newspaper to the Secretary of state for India, another copy to the Governor General in Council and still another to the local government.

ii) Funds for the encouragement of literature (1898);

iii) Imperial Library Act (1902);

iv) Model Library Act (1930).

Dr. S. R. Ranganathan drafted a “Model Library Act”, which was presented at the All Asia Educational Conference held at Banaras in 1930. In 1942 on the request of ILA, Dr. S. R. Ranganathan drafted another bill called ‘The Model Public Library Bill’.

b) After Independence: The major steps in implementing library legislation in the post independence era are as follows

i) Imperial Library Act (1948): In 1948, the Government of India passed the Imperial Library (change of name) Act. By this act the Imperial Library of Calcutta (Kolkata) became the National Library (of India).

ii) Delivery of Books (Public Libraries Act) 1954: In 1954 Indian parliament passed Delivery of Books and Newspaper Act which was further amended as the Delivery of Books and Newspaper (Public Libraries) Amendment Act 1956 to include serials as well.

iii) Model Library Act / Bill (1963): A library bill was also drafted in 1963 by a committee under the chairmanship of Dr. D. M. Sen. Then in 1972 revision was made to the model library act of 1930. Another model public libraries bill was prepared by the library legislation subcommittee of the Planning Commission in 1966.

c) Present Status of Library Legislation in India: The credit of enacting a library act for the first time in India goes to the Kolhapur princely state of the present Maharashtra in 1945.Currently there are twenty –eight states and seven union territories in India having their own structure, pattern and funding system of public libraries. Out of these thirty five states and union territories, nineteen states have so far enacted library legislation and the rest are providing library services without legislation. The list of the nineteen Acts is given below

i) Andhra Pradesh (Hyderabad) Public Libraries Act, 1960;

ii) Arunachal Pradesh Public Libraries Act, 2009;

iii) Bihar Public Libraries Act, 2007;

iv) Chhattisgarh Public Libraries Act, 2007;

v) Goa Public Libraries Act, 1993;

vi) Gujarat Public Libraries Act, 2001;

vii) Haryana Public Libraries Act, 1989;

viii) Karnataka (Mysore) Public Libraries Act, 1965;

ix) Kerala Public Libraries Act, 1989;

x) Maharashtra Public Libraries Act, 1967;

xi) Manipur Public Libraries Act, 1988;

xii) Mizoram Public Libraries Act, 1993;

xiii) Orissa Public Libraries Act, 2001;

xv) Rajasthan Public Libraries Act, 2006;

xvi) Tamil Nadu (Madras) Public Libraries Act, 1948;

xvii) Uttar Pradesh Public Libraries Act, 2005;

xviii) Uttarakhand (Uttaranchal) Public Libraries Act, 2005 and

xix) West Bengal Public Libraries Act, 1979.

8. National Mission on Libraries

One of the most  groundbreaking  development having long term implications towards the development of  public libraries in the country  has been the setting up of  National  Mission on Libraries under the chairmanship of  Prof. Deepak Pental, former Vice-Chancellor of University of Delhi.

The National Mission on Libraries is an important and empowered institution set up by government of India and has the capacity and potential to transform the limited landscape of public libraries’ growth in the country which despite several initiatives   has failed to establish any mark. There is acute shortage of public libraries in the country and their current strength is negligible given the size and population of the country. Most of the public libraries we once had have long fallen into disrepair — books unreturned, buildings in a ramshackle state and no provision of regular funds.

If funded properly and utilised rationally, the mission can play crucial role in retrieving the situation and develop public libraries to some extent at least.

9. Public Libraries: Resource Mobilisation

Public libraries play a vital role in disseminating existing knowledge and promote the creation of new knowledge; but this very important public library system in India has almost become “defunct” and lost its erstwhile glory. There are many reasons attributed to this stagnation; the foremost being lack of adequate funds and support from the Government.  Although there are various acts, policies and institutions for the promotion of public libraries, they are in an “irreversible state”.  What is most unfortunate is despite legislation in majority of the states, Library cess was not being spent on improving libraries by the local bodies, even though it was being collected from the public, the present public library system needs a total revival and transformation for which we need to adopt a different approach and resources to “bridge” this gap. The cost of printed matter such as books and magazines has risen over time, while funding has remained static or declined The cost of creating, maintaining, and upgrading electronic hardware, networks, and resources has further put a strain on many library budgets.

Vaidyanathan has placed the challenge before public libraries beautifully in the context when he states that “despite Internet, the experience of being in a public library is irreplaceable. The hushed reading rooms that feel cool even on a hot day, the murmuring quiet broken only by occasional whispering, and browsers lost in dark book stacks. Can we, as a community of book lovers across the country, raise consciousness about the importance of public libraries and restore them to the great places of learning and entertainment they once were”?

National Knowledge Commission has created awareness as well as a debate among the scholars and planners on how India can move towards a knowledge society. A recent book provides some kind of a ‘roadmap’ towards achieving overall socio-economic development of communities through corporate support   by creating or improving Public Libraries in and around the industries. If extended to public libraries, the concept of CSR can help public libraries to stand on their feet. “Just like corporations adopting villages and schools, they can also adopt local public libraries and serve the community at large. CSR mainly focuses on grassroots approach through public-private partnerships for a sustainable development”. It is felt that Public libraries, if any are given the required inputs, resources and infrastructure, can become useful in helping the country to become a Knowledge Society.

10. Conclusion

There is large scale absence of public libraries in our country. There is absolute lack of large scale and long term sustained planning. The availability of government funds is highly inadequate and not regular.  What is needed is a strong advocacy on the part people of learned societies of the country to put pressure for strong and urgent steps. The voluntary organisations working in the field of education, literacy and social empowerment must launch a massive campaign for larger government spending and mobilization of special funds through special cess and duties. Public libraries are social institutions and produce informed public opinion which is a major requisite for a working democracy.

1.2.1 Did You Know?

Description	Image	Source
Public libraries play a vital role in dissemination existing knowledge and promote the creation of new knowledge. Public libraries are social institutions and produce informed public opinion which is a major requisite for a working democracy.		http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_library
Delhi Public Library was established in 1951 as the first UNESCO Public Library Pilot Project under the joint auspices of UNESCO and Government of India to adopt “Modern Techniques to Indian Conditions” and to serve as a model public library for Asia.		http://dpl.gov.in/

1.2.2 Interesting Facts

No.	Interesting Facts
1	Delhi Public Library was established in 1951 as a pilot project sponsored by UNESCO and the Government of India
2	During seventh five year plan, in 1985, a committee was set up under the chairmanship of Prof. D.P. Chattopadhyay to formulate a National Policy on Library & Information System (NAPLIS)
3	Delivery of Book Act was passed in 1954 by Indian Parliament
4	National Knowledge Commission set up in 2005 by the Prime Minister
5	In India Nineteen States have so far enacted Library legislations

1.2.4 Web links

Web Links

http://www.wikipedia.org/

http://rrrlf.nic.in/rrlf1.htm

http://www.indiaculture.nic.in/nml/index.html

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