Unit 1.1: Public Libraries: Meaning, Definitions, Origin, Objcctises and Functions
MLIS-102 (D): Public Libraries
1. Public Libraries: Meaning and Definition
Humanity has dedicated decades, even centuries, to shaping the institution of public libraries. It's valuable to understand the key factors that have contributed to the evolution of public libraries. Among these factors, the most important ones are:
• Desire for Knowledge: The human thirst for knowledge.
• Literacy: The ability to read and write.
• Universal Public Education: Widespread access to education for everyone.
• Enlightened Leadership and Philanthropy: Visionary leaders and generous support.
• Rapid Advancements in Science and Technology: Swift progress in scientific and technological fields.
• Productive Use of Leisure Time: Good use of free time for learning and enrichment.
However, the most widely accepted definition of a public library was formulated by UNESCO in 1949, revised in 1972 and again revised in 1994 and is known as the UNESCO Public Library Manifesto. The definition of a public library, according to this manifesto, is as follows:
• It is a public library which, being the local gateway to knowledge, provides an essential condition for lifelong learning, i3dependent decision-making and cultural development of the individual and social groups;
• A living force for education, culture and information, an essential agent for the fostering of peace and spiritual welfare through the minds of men and women;
• The local centre of information, making all kinds of knowledge and information readily and freely available to its users;
• Accessible for all, regardless of age, race, sex, relation, nationality, language or social status;
• The libraries have collections and services, appropriate media and modern technologies, and high-quality traditional materials relevant to local needs and conditions. The material must reflect current trends and the evolution of society, as well as the memory of human endeavour and imagination.
There is no single unanimously accepted definition of public library. Different institutions and individuals have defined it in different ways, depending upon the importance given to its objectives. Emphasising the educational role, Carlyle described it as the ‘People’s University’. It supports our society's formal and non-formal education systems and serves as a centre for self-education and lifelong learning as an auxiliary educational institution.
Describing the democratic setup of public libraries, Dr. S. R. Ranganathan defined it as “A library owned and maintained by the public of its area for the socialisation of its books and kindred materials for free service to the people of the area”. Thus, the public library is developed and maintained out of public funds. It is accessible to all and provides free access to all kinds of required literature.
Encyclopedia of Library and Information Science states, “Public library is a public institution, supported by taxation, one that opens its collections, facilities and services, without distinction to all students”. It is an institution created by the public of a specific area and financially supported by money collected directly or indirectly from the public. The collection, facility and services are available to all members of society without any discrimination.
Librarians, Glossary defines a public library as “a library provided wholly or partly from public funds, and the use of which is not restricted to any class of persons in the community but is freely available to all”. Public Library is maintained by public funds and equally accessible to each member of the community.
The Sinha Committee definition of public library is quite comprehensive and widely accepted in India.
According to this definition, a public library is an organisation:
i. Which charges no fees from readers and yet is open for full use by the public without distinction of caste, creed or sex;
ii. Which is intended as an auxiliary educational institution providing a means of self-education that is endless and
iii. Which houses learning materials giving reliable information freely and without partiality or prejudice on as wide a variety of subjects as will satisfy the interest of readers.
The public library is a free auxiliary educational institution for self-education. Its collection and services represent the interest of readers and are available for full use by the public at large.
According to IFLA/UNESCO guidelines for development 2001, “A public library is an organisation established, supported and funded by the community, either through local, regional or national government or through some other form of community organisation. It provides access to knowledge, information and works of the imagination through a range of resources and services and is equally available to all members of the community regardless of race, nationality, age, gender, religion, language, disability, educational attainments”. The collection and services of a public library are equally available to all members of the society, including the disabled. It should have ample resources in accessible formats like braille print, audiobooks, etc., in its collection.
2. The Evolution and Origin of Public Libraries
Humanity has taken many decades, even centuries, to develop the concept of public libraries. It's essential to understand the factors that have contributed to their evolution. Some of the key elements include:
• The Urge for Knowledge: People have always profoundly desired to acquire knowledge. This desire stems from various reasons, such as safeguarding personal freedoms, mastering the environment through science and technology, achieving success in economic and social aspects, and advancing culturally. Over the centuries, individuals and communities have strived to seek, absorb, and apply knowledge for their benefit.
• Literacy: Accessing sources of knowledge, like books, requires basic literacy skills. Although schools offer literacy education, public libraries are vital in helping people become proficient readers, writers, and numerate individuals. Efforts like India's Total Literacy Campaign have ensured that everyone can read and write.
• Universal Public Education: More than individual efforts are needed; collective progress is essential. Compulsory education for all citizens ensures that each person can contribute to their nation's overall development. Public libraries are critical in providing lifelong self-education opportunities in various fields.
• Enlightened Leadership and Philanthropy: In Western societies, leaders in various fields, such as industrialists, politicians, and educationists, who have experienced the benefits of education, have contributed to establishing and developing public libraries. They provided funding, buildings, and books to make self-education accessible to those who couldn't afford it. This support accelerated the growth of public libraries.
• Advancements in Science and Technology: Information exchange was slow until materials like ink, paper, and printing were invented. These innovations allowed for more books, higher-quality content, and reduced costs. Libraries benefited from these developments by expanding their collections. Later, audio-visual materials like records, films, and slides further enriched the learning experience. In the modern era, mass media like film, radio, television, and electronic media have broken down geographical and political barriers, enabling quicker and more accessible information sharing. Public libraries today make the most of these communication tools to provide easy and free access to information. Introducing satellite communication has taken information access to a whole new level.
• Fruitful Use of Leisure: People had more leisure time as machines took over manual and routine tasks. This extra time and wealth were channelled into gaining knowledge, education, and cultural enrichment. Public libraries serve as a platform for individuals to maximise their leisure time.
The origins of public libraries in India have a long and diverse history, with roots dating back centuries.
• Ancient India: India has a rich tradition of knowledge and learning dating back to ancient times. In this era, libraries were often associated with monasteries and centres of learning, such as Nalanda and Taxila. These early libraries were more academic and catered to scholars and monks.
• British Colonial Era: The establishment of modern public libraries in India owes much to the British colonial period. The British introduced the concept of public libraries to India, primarily in the 19th century. The first public library in India, the East India Company's library, was founded in Madras (now Chennai) in 1836. This marked the beginning of a new era in library development.
• Library Acts: The establishment and development of public libraries were further facilitated by enacting Library Acts in several states, which provided a legal framework for their functioning. One of the notable acts was the Madras Public Libraries Act of 1948.
• Post-Independence Era: After India gained independence in 1947, there was a renewed emphasis on education and knowledge dissemination. Public libraries began to play a crucial role in promoting literacy, education, and access to knowledge for the general population.
• Government Initiatives: The Indian government has played a significant role in promoting public libraries. Various government bodies and agencies have supported library development and literacy programs.
• Digital Libraries: In recent years, the concept of libraries has expanded to include digital libraries and online resources. Many public libraries in India now offer access to e-books, online databases, and digital content.
The Public Libraries in India serve as essential community centres, offering educational, research, and recreational reading resources. They are vital in promoting literacy, lifelong learning, and access to information for people of all ages and backgrounds. The evolution of public libraries in India reflects the country's commitment to education and knowledge dissemination over the centuries.
3. Key Missions of Public Library
UNESCO, in its public library manifesto, for the first time, spelt out the critical missions that relate to information, literacy, education and culture and should be at the core of public library services:
• Creating and strengthening reading skills and habits in children from an early age;
• Supporting both individual and self-conducted education as well as formal education;
• Provide opportunities for personal creative development;
• Stimulating the imagination and creativity of children and young people;
• Promoting awareness of cultural heritage, appreciation of the arts, scientific achievements and innovations;
• Providing access to cultural expressions of all performing arts;
• Fostering inter-cultural dialogue and favouring cultural diversity;
• Supporting the oral tradition;
• Ensuring access for citizens to all sorts of community information;
• Provide adequate information services to local enterprises, associations and interest groups;
• Facilitating the development of information and computer literacy skills;
• Supporting and participating in literacy activities and programmes for all age groups and initiating such activities, if necessary.
4. Public Library features
• Socio-Economic Characteristics: As of the 1991 census, 74.30% of India's population lives in rural areas, including small towns, villages, and hamlets. These areas are primarily agrarian and economically dispersed. The per capita income is relatively low, with almost 40% of the population living below the poverty line. Economic disparities among people are stark, and with the growth of industrialisation, there's a steady migration from rural areas to nearby urban centres. India is home to numerous linguistic groups residing in unilingual or bilingual states. Each linguistic state has substantial populations communicating in languages other than the state's official language. Similarly, India's population is diverse based on religion and caste, resulting in different customs, traditions, clothing, and family laws. This diversity means that there are a variety of beliefs and practices.
• Politico-Historical Characteristics: While India's constitution envisions a democratic society, the country lacks a long history of democratic traditions. Throughout history, India has been ruled by monarchs, kings, and emperors, often in an autocratic manner. A mixture of various racial and cultural influences, including Aryan, Semitic, Roman, and Dravidian, has profoundly influenced India's civilisation and culture.
• Educational Characteristics: From a literacy perspective, nearly 60% of the population remains illiterate. India's constitution aims to provide compulsory primary education for all children between 6 and 14, but this goal is yet to be fully realised. There's a high rate of dropouts in primary education. While there has been quantitative growth in secondary and higher education, it doesn't align entirely with the planned development of the country. Disparities exist between the educated and non-educated, particularly in rural areas. Many people, especially in rural regions, are unaware of scientific and technological advancements that affect their lives, such as health, hygiene, and nutrition. Consequently, the application of scientific and technological innovations is limited.
• Socio-Psychological Characteristics: In India, people tend to hold traditional and fatalistic outlooks on life. Traits like self-help and independent thinking are not widespread. Information tends to be conserved rather than disseminated, and fear and diffidence often govern people's behaviour rather than hope and confidence. Experimentation is often met with resistance, and factors like religion and language have sometimes hindered national unity and progressive attitudes.
5. Functions of the Public Library
• Access to tools of information and education: Access to tools of information and education - The primary function of public libraries is to provide means of information and education literature (tools such as books, magazines, etc.) for meeting the information needs of local people. Compile and administer so that users can access these tools efficiently. These libraries provide direct, easy, and independent access to readers for use by arranging the study material of their collections by applying new methods in cataloguing, classification indexing, and documentation work and services.
• Promotion of Formal Self-Education: Public libraries are an institution on which older people depend more on their education. Public libraries provide study material to increase such persons' intelligence, knowledge, and value. For example, we can see that through our education, our farmers can achieve mastery in their work related to agriculture, etc., proving that the library, especially the public library, will play an active role in formal self-education.
• Progress in Cultural and Social Activities: Any society consists of people related to many languages, religions, occupations, work, and social and cultural groups. Public libraries provide useful textual material to all these groups for conducting their activities. At the same time, they also display films or dramas from their level and arrange a reading room for cultural and social groups.
• Preservation of the Material: An essential function of public libraries is to identify and analyse the cultural material in their area. This type of material may contain instruments of art, painting, literary works, music, etc. These materials are the local people's past material, symbolising the individuals' self-respect and achievements. The public library searches for them and collects them at their place. Separate departments are set up in public libraries for these goods and work in countries like America and New Zealand.
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