Page 106 - DLIS001_FOUNDATION_OF_LIBRARY_AND_INFORMATION_SCIENCE

Unit 6: Public Libraries

therefore could be preserved for longer duration) and at lesser cost. These developments Notes
helped the libraries to collect more books for benefit of the people.
With further improvements in communication technology, audio-visual materials like
records, charts, illustrations, films, slides, etc., made their appearance to serve as a boon to
the educated, illiterates or neo-literates in their efforts to acquire knowledge.

Did u know? In the present century, with the introduction of mass media like film, radio
and television and electronic media like tapes, cassettes and discs telecommunication, it
has become possible to provide quick information to the masses, cutting across
geographical, political and other man made barriers.
All these means of communication are being suitably exploited by public libraries of
today to achieve the goal of providing easier, quince and free access to information. Their
contribution, therefore, in the development of libraries has been quite immense. With
satellite communication, the task of communication of information at the door steps of
individuals is possible now.
6. Fruitful Utilisation of Leisure: With the application of machines to the manual and routine
type of work, man could produce more goods, of better quality and in lesser time. By
producing and selling such refined goods; he accrued more wealth for himself. Such
additional wealth and leisure, slowly and gradually, were utilised to acquire more
information and education, and in better cultural pursuits. The public library served as a
good platform for such persons for fruitful utilisation of their leisure.
Thus, a variety of factors, individually and collectively, have played their role towards the
evolution of present day public library in civilised societies of the world. Now let us consider
the meaning of the term ‘Public Library’ as it is now conceived the world over.

6.1.3 Public Library and Features

So far you have been acquainted with the factors in the evolution of a public library, the meaning
of a public library as per the UNESCO manifesto and its general functions. At this stage, you
may be eager to know what role/functions could be envisaged for such a library in our present
Indian Society. This requires reinterpretation of the functions of a public library in the light of
certain characteristic features of our contemporary society.

Features of Contemporary Indian Society are as follows:
Socio-economic Features: As per the 1991 census, 74.30 percentage of the Indian population
resides in rural areas comprising small towns, villages and hamlets. It is, therefore, very
much scattered. It is agriculturally oriented. The per capita income is quite low with
nearly 40% of the population living below the poverty line. The economic disparities
among the people are glaring. With the onset of industrialisation, rural population is
steadily migrating to the nearby urban centres.

There are large numbers of linguistic groups residing in unilingual or bilingual states. But
each linguistic state has in its fold substantial populations communicating in minority
languages i.e., other than the State language. Similarly, the population could be
distinguished on the basis of different religions and castes, which means different customs,
manners, dresses, family laws, etc. Thus, there is the presence of varied beliefs and practices.
Politico-Historical Features: The constitution of India envisages a democratic society but
we are without democratic traditions. We have been ruled by princes, kings and emperors

LOVELY PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY 101