Public library

Public Library

1. PUBLIC LIBRARY Harish M H B.A., B.ed ., MLISc. [email protected]

2. Contents Meaning of public library Definition of public library Objectives of public library Role of public library Users of public library Functions of public library Services of public library Finance of public library Building of public library List of public and state libraries Conclusion

3. Meaning of public library A public library is a library that is accessible by the general public and is generally funded from public sources, such as taxes. It is operated by librarians and library paraprofessionals , who are also civil servants . There are five fundamental characteristics shared by public libraries. The first is that they are generally supported by taxes (usually local, though any level of government can and may contribute); they are governed by a board to serve the public interest; they are open to all and every community member can access the collection; they are entirely voluntary in that no one is ever forced to use the services provided; and public libraries provide basic services without charge.

4. Definition of public library Public libraries are, “Those which serve the population of a community or region free of charge or for a nominal fee; they may serve the general public or special categories of users such as children, members of the armed forces, hospital patients, prisoners, workers and employees”. Thus the public library aims to serve the general public or special categories of the public in the community concerned. It is basically a service library, which is mint to provide free service or charge a national fee for its service.

5. Objectives of public library Indian constitution aims at fulfilling the aspirations of the people. In public Library is regarded as a National resources as fundamental as energy or matter. Which affects all Human activity. It provide the access to documents/ information free of charge. It helps to achievement of aims of our constitutions our people.

6. Role of public library Public libraries exist in many countries across the world and are often considered an essential part of having an educated and literate population. Public libraries are distinct from research libraries , school libraries , and other special libraries in that their mandate is to serve the general public's information needs (rather than the needs of a particular school, institution, or research population). Public libraries also provide free services such as preschool story times to encourage early literacy, quiet study and work areas for students and professionals, or book clubs to encourage appreciation of literature in adults. Public libraries typically allow users to take books and other materials off the premises temporarily; they also have non-circulating reference collections and provide computer and Internet access to patrons.

7. Users of public library A public library serves the local community and is peon to public without any distinction. It must be readily accessible to all members of the community, irrespective of race, religion, color, sex, language, status , educational attainment. They are all allowed force and equal use. If it is not free then may be a nominal charge. The client to be served include students, teachers, research scholars, businessmen, professionals housewives, retired persons, non literates etc. Obviously, their, educational attainments, interests, cultural background will vary a great deal. These would include general public or special categories of public.

8. Functions of public library Information Education’ Recreation Entertainment Inspiration It provides opportunity for self education.

9. Services of public library Issue of documents Inter-library loan Provision of general and specific information Readers advisory service Compilation of bibliographies Referral service Library orientation and bibliographic instruction Extension service.

10. Finance of public library It is expected that a public library should be maintained wholly from public funds. However, there should be no bar to donation in cash or kind form private individuals or organizations. It is also assumed that no direct charge should be made on any user for the services rendered. In case, services are not free of charge then only a nomination fee may be charged.

11. Building of public library The building should be centrally situated, accessible to physically handicapped persons. The library must be attractive and functional inn nature. There must be provision for carrying out various functions especially extension services. There should be space for exhibitions, lectures, films and such other functions, both for adults and children.

12. List of public and state libraries States of India those passed Public Libraries Act (legislation): Tamil Nadu , 1948 Andhra Pradesh, 1960 Karnataka , 1965 Maharashtra, 1967 West Bengal , 1979 Manipur, 1988 Kerala , 1989 Haryana, 1989 Mizoram, 1993 Goa, 1993 Gujarat , 2000 Orissa , 2000 Rajasthan, 2005 Uttar Pradesh, 2005 Uttarakhand, 2005 Pondicherry, 2007/2008

13. Conclusion Public libraries can play an important role in strengthening the foundations of democracy. These can contribute to the welfare and progress of the community served. Public libraries in developing countries have a special responsibility towards literates and neo-literates. Reading to illiterates’ hour can be organized by public libraries. Hopefully, this will inspire them to learn reading and writing. Experience shows that neo-literates easily lapse into illiteracy unless they are provided with reading materials on regular basis.

14. THANK U