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Library and Information Society

Notes Public libraries also provide materials for children, often housed in a special section. Child oriented
websites with on-line educational games and programs specifically designed for younger library
users are becoming increasingly popular. Services may be provided for other groups, such as large
print or Braille materials, Books on tape, young adult literature and other materials for teenagers, or
materials in other than the national language.
Librarians at most public libraries provide reference and research help to the general public, usually
at a reference desk but can often be done by telephone interview. As online discussion and social
networking allow for remote access, reference is becoming available virtually through the use of
the Internet and e-mail. Depending on the size of the library, there may be more than one desk; at
some smaller libraries all transactions may occur at one desk, while large urban public libraries
may employ subject-specialist librarians with the ability to staff multiple reference or information
desks to answer queries about particular topics at any time during regular operating hours. Often
the children’s section in a public library has its own reference desk.
Public libraries are also increasingly making use of web 2.0 services, including the use of online
social networks by libraries.
Public libraries in some countries pay authors when their books are borrowed from libraries. These
are known as Public Lending Right program.

Discuss the salient features of Dr. S.R. Ranganathan’s Model Library Act.

11.3 Model Public Library Bill of S.R. Ranganathan

Whenever we talk, write and think of library legislation in India, we have to remember
Dr. S.R. Ranganathan, who in his life time rendered yeomen service for the cause of library legislation
in India. Madras library association was founded in the year 1928. It provided a platform to discuss
about the development of library services in the state. “The intensive and intimate group discussion
in the summer school helped in the formation of a model library act suited to India’s needs’’.

First All Asia Educational Conference was held at benares during 26-30 December
1930.
Dr. S.R. Ranganathan the then library service section. This section was presided over by Mr. Newton
mohun Dutt, curator, of state libraries, Baroda. Mr. D. Subrahmanyam, assistant librarian benares
Hindu university was the local secretary. That gave an opportunity to bring a few librarians under
one roof. The first draft of the model library Act was printed and circulated to the delegates in
advance. A whole session was devoted to the Act and it was discussed thoroughly and the
amendments were recorded. The model library Act was revised in 1957 and again in 1972 and
finally took the shape of a model public libraries Act.

11.4 Salient Features of the Model Libraries Act

The draft of model libraries prepared by Dr. S.R. Ranganathan was full of compulsory elements in
it. Library rate was compulsory. Library grant was compulsory. Library cess from local bodies was
compulsory. These compulsory clauses gave some hindrances for its enactment.

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