4 Agencies in the Promotion and Development of Public Library System

1. Objectives

2. Introduction

3. Government and autonomous agencies

3.1 Ministries and Departments (Govt. of India) and autonomous agencies

3.1.1 Panchayati Raj Institutions

3.1.2. Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA)

3.1.3 Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation (RRRLF), Department of Culture, Government of India

3.1.4 National Mission on Libraries, Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India

3.1.5 Community Information Centres

3.2 State Governments and Union Territories

3.2.1 Community Library and Information Centre (CLIC) Project

4. Non –governmental organizations (NGOs) and Institutions 4.1 Religious Institutions

4.2 Rajiv Gandhi Foundation

4.3 Ranganathan Society for Social Welfare and Library Development, (BIMTECH)

3.4 Sanmati Pustakalaya Trust

4.5 Joint Assistance Centre (India)

4.6 Rural Library Foundation

5.Corporate Houses

5.1 Infosys Foundation

5.2 Sir Ratan Tata Trust & Navajbai Ratan Tata Trust

5.3 Azim Premji Foundation

5.4 DLF Foundation

6. Individuals

7. National Knowledge Commission and Public Libraries

8. SUMMARY

9. REFERENCES

1. Objectives

After reading this module, you will be able to:

To know about the government and autonomous agencies engaged in the promotion and development of public library system
To enumerate non –governmental organizations (NGOs) and institutions engaged in the promotion and development of public library system
To understand the contribution of corporate houses and individuals in the promotion and development of public library system
To aware about the of major recommendations of National Knowledge Commission.

2. INTRODUCTION

Public Library can be considered as the common men’s learning centre. It is a great informal medium for educating the masses. ‘Education for all’ is an ultimate goal of any democratic nation, but to achieve this is a difficult challenge for government as well as other agencies. Government of India has enacted ‘Right to Education’ and ‘Right to Information’ acts to strengthen the cause. These acts facilitate a common man to take the equal benefit of all resources. This process can be further strengthened by promoting public library system in the society.

India is a vast, federal and multifaceted country where people reside in distant and scattered places. It is very difficult to reach every village or person to provide an effective library service. So gigantic efforts are needed. Indeed, apart from government agencies other various agencies are also playing a significant role in the establishment, development and promotion of public library system in India. All these agencies have contributed a lot in the promotion of public library system in India. These agencies can be grouped into the following:

Government and autonomous bodies
Non–governmental organizations (NGOs) and Institutions
Corporate Houses
Individuals

3. GOVERNMENT AND AUTONOMOUS AGENCIES

Various efforts have been made by Central Government, state governments and government financially supported agencies for the establishment, development and promotion of public library system in India. Various ministries ( such as Ministry of HRD, Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Rural Development, Ministry of Communication and Technology , Ministry of Social Welfare, etc) and government supported institutions are working for the dissemination of knowledge and information in urban as well as rural areas. State ministries are also emphasizing to promote literacy and e-literacy among the people of their region.

3.1 Ministries and Departments (Govt. of India) and autonomous agencies

Information and knowledge are the basic ingredients for any kind of developmental activity. Open and equal access to information can lead to the inclusive development. Gaps between knowledge of haves and have-nots can be bridged by providing public library facility to the public. Various Ministries of Government of India, such as Ministry of Rural Development, Ministry of Information Communication and Technology, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Ministry of Culture, etc are playing a vital role in the establishment and promotion of public library system in India. They have come out with various schemes to strengthen the public library system.

3.1.1 Panchayati Raj Institutions

Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) are engaged in the socio-economic development of the people of rural India. Panchayati Raj is a system of self governance at district, janapad and gram level in India. It strengthens the inclusive and sustainable development of the people by promoting local and micro level planning to boost the socio-economic developmental process at rural level and also takes initiatives to exploit and utilize the locally available various resources. In India, Constitutional (73rd amendment) Act came in to force on April 24, 1993. This Act provides constitutional status to the three tiers Panchayati Raj system in India. All Indian states have adopted this Panhayati Raj system. With the introduction of this Panchayati Raj System, several schemes have been introduced for educational and informational advancement of the people.

3.1.2. Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA)

Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (Education for All) is a global mission. Educating all is a global challenge. SSA is the flagship programme and unique scheme of Government of India with the collaboration of state governments and other agencies to provide education for all and promote literacy through the decentralization of resources and active participation of local people. It was launched in 2001.

3.1.2.1 SSA and Madhya Pradesh

A unique scheme known as “Padna Badna Sangh” has been designed in Madhya Pradesh for adult education. Under the SSA, the government of Madhya Pradesh has designed a Network of Rural Libraries in remote rural areas of M.P. In this scheme there is a provision of establishing a library in each village to keep the neo-literates in the mainstream of education and learning. Under this scheme, since 26 January 2003 rural libraries were established. These libraries were established in premises of schools, Aganwadi kendras, and Gram Swaraj Bhavan. The provision of initial establishment expenses amounting to Rs. 12500 per library was made. Under this scheme in the districts of Datia, Gwalior and Shivpuri as many as 572, 604 and 1300 rural libraries were established respectively.

3.1.3 Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation (RRRLF)

Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation (RRRLF) was established in May, 1972 by the Department of Culture, Government of India. RRRLF is registered under the West Bengal Societies Registration Act 1961. This Foundation is devoted to public library development in India. It is working in close and active cooperation with the State Governments and Union Territory Administrations. The Foundation has taken an initiative to develop District Youth Resource Centres (DYRCs) in collaboration with Nehru Yuvak Kendra Sangathan.

There are various schemes, such as:

Matching: Under this scheme assistance is given to following purposes:

1. Assistance towards building up of adequate stock of books and reading materials.

2. Assistance towards development of Rural Book Deposit Centres and Mobile Library Services.

3. Assistance towards organization of Seminars, workshops, Training Courses, Book Exhibitions and Library Awareness Programmes.

4. Assistance towards purchase of storage materials, Reading Room Furniture and Library Equipment.

5.Assistance to Public Libraries towards increasing accommodation.

6. Assistance to Public Libraries to acquire computer with accessories.

Non-matching: Under this scheme assistance is given to following purposes:

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

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

3. Assistance to children’s libraries

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

5. Assistance towards organization of seminar/ conference by professional organization, local bodies NGO’s engaged in public library development/ library movement and development of library services

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

7. Assistance to centrally sponsored libraries.

8. Assistance towards establishment of RRRLF children corner.

3.1.4 National Mission on Libraries, Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India

National Mission on Libraries (NML) has been set up by the Government of India vide Gazette notification dated 4th May 2012. Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation is the nodal agency for this Mission. Various working groups have been set up under the Mission to prepare future plans. In the first meeting of the NML various decisions were taken to promote library system in India. There is a plan to link nearly 9000 libraries across the country. This project will cost Rs.1000 crore.

(www.indiaculture.nic.in/nmlcommitee.html) (www.thehindu.com)

3.1.5 Community Information Cantres (CICs) (http://www.mefhalaya.nic.in.blocks/about.htm)

Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Govt. of India launched a project in April 2000 to establish Community Information Centres (CICs) in all blocks of North Eastern Region (Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Sikkim and Tripura). The purpose of establishing these CICs was to extend the reach of modern Information Communication Technologies to remote areas of these states. CICs have been setup in all 487 blocks of North- Eastern States.

3.2 State Governments and Union Territories

State governments and Union territories too have planned and launched various schemes to establish and promote public library system in their areas. Various state ministries, such as Ministry of Social welfare, Ministry of Rural Development, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Culture are providing financial assistance through various schemes for the development of public libraries. Presently 19 States have enacted public library acts. Most of the states and Union territories have public library system. These public libraries are getting funds from their state governments and local authorities. For example, there are 120 public libraries in Goa. These libraries are controlled by State Central Library. There are 99 non- government public libraries which are under the control of Directorate of Arts and Culture, Government of GOA. There are 226 such public libraries in Manipur.

3.2.1. Community Library and Information Centre (CLIC) Project

Government of West Bengal has taken up a project to set up nearly 1500 CLICs in phases in the villages which lack public library facility. More than 100 CLICs have been set up. These CLICs are being looked after by part time Community Library Organizers (CLO). These CLICs provide library services and also fulfill the information needs of rural people.

4. NON–GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS (NGOs) AND INSTITUTIONS

In India, NGOs are playing an important role in socio-economic development of people as well as in providing knowledge and information to the masses. NGOs are working for the poor people, as it is a well established fact that people must be equipped with the weapon of information. This ‘astra (weapon)’ protects from exploitation and opens new opportunities. They also pave the path of inclusive and sustainable development of the people. NGOs and various institutions have contributed a lot in the establishment and development of information centres and libraries in various regions of the country.

4.1 Religious Institutions

In India various religious institutions run public libraries and reading rooms for spreading knowledge or religious information among the followers and common men. These libraries are financially supported and managed by the respective organizations from local bodies. It is a tradition in religious places to maintain a small collection of religious and other books, to cater the informational needs of the peoples. These libraries are having good collection of all types of reading material and serving the people in right spirit.

4.2 Rajive Gandhi Foundation (RGF)

RGF was established in 1991 and has been working for socio- economic development of the people. RGF has established 1344 rural libraries and 100 urban libraries in 22 states. (www.rgfindia.com)

4.3 Ranganathan Society for Social Welfare and Library Development, (BIMTECH)

Ranganathan Society for Social Welfare and Library Development, Birla Institute of Management Technology (BIMTECH) is a NGO, constituted in 2009. This NGO has taken several initiatives towards establishing libraries in rural areas and jails in Uttar Pradesh.

4.4 Sanmati Pustakalaya Trust

Sanmati Pustakalaya Trust, Jaipur has been organizing Motilal Memorial Lecture in various places of Rajasthan. Trust also runs a public library and facilitates ‘Master Moti Lal Sanghi Best Librarian Award’ on the anniversary of Master Motilal ji. This national level award was started in 2008.Trust also brought out a ‘Master Motilal Shri Sanmati Pustakalaya Souvenir’ in 1972.

4.5 Joint Assistance Centre (India)

It is a non-voluntary group and has established libraries in Ahmed Nagar villages, District Kheri of U.P. (www.jacindia/rural-libraries-project.html)

4.6 Rural Library Foundation

It is a voluntary organization and runs 28 libraries in Warangal, Karim Nagar and Medak districts of Andhra Pradesh. (www.rlfindia.org)

5. CORPORATE HOUSES

Corporate houses have also paid attention to their social responsibility. They have done a great job to empower the people with information and knowledge. They have funded various projects to provide information to urban as well as rural people. Indian Corporate houses are now more engaged in Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) in the form of charity or philanthropy. Big houses are supporting social institutions, i.e. public libraries. Public Libraries are transforming the people’s life by providing right information to the right user at the right time. Some corporate initiatives are:

5.1 Infosys Foundation

Foundation has donated 10,200 set of books under the Library for Every Rural School. Project has set up more than 10,150 libraries in rural government schools. It also donated computers. (www.infosys.com/infosys_foundation/key_initiatives/education.asp)

5.2 Sir Ratan Tata Trust (1919)& Navajbai Ratan Tata Trust (1974)

Sir Ratan Tata Trust was established in 1919 and Navajbai Ratan Tata Trust was formed in 1974. Both trusts are working in education, health and other areas and helping the needy people in various ways and also have helped in the establishment of public libraries in India.

5.3 Azim Premji Foundation

Azim Premji Foundation was founded in 2001 by Business tycoon and philanthropist Azim Hashim Premji. Foundation has established libraries in different places and these libraries are open to students, scholars, teachers and the community. Libraries have books, journals, electronic databases and open access resources. (azimpremjifoundation.org/library)

5.4 DLF Foundation

DLF Foundation has introduced the “DLF Rural Mobile Libraries “in rural areas of Haryana. It is promoting reading habits in all age groups of the rural population. (www.dlffoundation.in)

6. INDIVIDUALS

Some Individuals have also played a pivotal role in the development of public libraries in India. Their contribution can be remembered as a milestone in the promotion of public libraries in India. A list of notable persons is given below: (Source: Libraries and Librarianship in India by Jashu Patel and Krishan Kumar. Westport: Greenwood Press, 2001).

Motibhai Amin, 1906, he popularized libraries in Gujrati speaking areas.
Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad of Baroda (1862-1939), he promoted public library system in his state. He established a full -fledged system of public libraries, including a central library, nearly 800 branch libraries and mobile libraries.
William A. Borden was engaged by Maharaja of Baroda to organize public library system in the State. He trained Indians about tools and techniques of library science.
Newton Mohun Datt was curator of libraries in 1921 and gave guidance to the library movement in Baroda.
Sir Iyyanki Venkata Ramanaiah .He contributed in library movement in Andhra Pradesh.
Munindra Dev Rai Mahashaya was associated with library movement in Bengal.
Master Motilal Sanghi (1876-1949) was a teacher and established a public library named “Shri Sanmati Pustakalaya” in Jaipur in 1920. He contributed personally in the promotion of free public library services to the people.
Sant Ram Bhatia. He promoted public library services in Punjab.
Dr. S.R. Ranganathan has contributed in the development of public libraries, especially in drafting public library bills for Indian states.

7. NATIONAL KNOWLEDGE COMMISSION AND PUBLIC LIBRARIES

National Knowledge Commission (NKC) was constituted on 13 June 2005 by the Prime Minister of India under the Chairmanship of Sam Pitroda. Commission submitted its report in December 2006. Commission has made recommendations on libraries including Public Libraries. Major recommendations are:

“Set up a National Mission on Libraries.
Prepare a National Census of all libraries.
Revamp Library and Information Science education, training and research facilities.
Re-assess staffing of libraries.
Set up a central library fund.
Modernize library management.
Encourage greater community participation in library management.
Promote Information Communication Technology (ICT) application in all libraries.
Facilitate donation and maintenance of private collections.
Encourage public-private partnership in development of library and information services. Further commission said “Networking of public libraries should be undertaken in a phased manner. There are approximately 54, 000 public libraries in existence in India.

Phase I : 1000 of these libraries to be networked in Phase I as a pilot project, by DELNET ( Developing Library Network) and INFLIBNET ( Information and Library Network), each covering about 500 libraries in 12-18 months.

Phase II: Based on experience of Phase I, up to 10,000 libraries to be covered in one year.

Phase III: The remaining libraries may be networked in the third and final phase in three years.”

Source 🙁 www.knowledgecommission.gov.in/downloads/documents/nkc_library.pdf)

NKC has made recommendations on structural reforms in public library system in India. If these recommendations are followed in the right direction then the scenario of public libraries will be changed. National Mission on Libraries (NML) has been set up by the Government of India under NKC`s recommendations.

8. SUMMARY

In this module, various agencies engaged in the promotion and development of public libraries have been discussed, which are directly or indirectly associated with the promotion of public library cause. Public Libraries have received support from a variety of sections of society. In India, central government, state governments, NGOs, corporate houses and individuals have been playing a vital role in the promotion of public libraries. All the stakeholders including Central, state governments, NGOs, institutions, organizations, corporate houses and philanthropists and library and information professionals have to work in a coordinated way. More and more people will be covered and served by the libraries. ’Education For All’ is the ultimate aim to be achieved in near future.

9. REFERENCES

· rrrlf.nic.in/

· www.indiaculture.nic.in/nmlcommitee.html

· www.thehindu.com

· http://www.mefhalaya.nic.in.blocks/about.htm

· www.rgfindia.com

· www.infosys.com/infosys_foundation/key_initiatives/education.asp

· azimpremjifoundation.org/library

· www.dlffoundation.in

· www.knowledgecommission.gov.in/downloads/documents/nkc_library.pdf

· Dutta, B.K. 1970. Libraries and Librarianship of Ancient and Medieval India. New Delhi : Atma Ram. p. 100.

· Kumar, PSG, comp.Indian Library Chronology.New Delhi :Allied Publishers,2000.