Library
Introduction
A library is a
collection of books on various subjects. A private library belongs to an
individual. A public library is meant for the use of all people who pay
subscription to it and are enrolled as members. There are also free
public libraries.
A private library reflects
the taste or the personal likes and dislikes of its owner. Here books
are selected according to the owner’s judgment and requirements. Hence
it usually has a bias in favor of some particular subject or subjects.
Often a good private library is donated to the people after the owner’s death.
Public libraries may be
meant for general reader, and this contains books on all subjects. Or,
they may have books of a specialized nature.
Public libraries may be open to all or they may be open to a select
membership. The University Library is meant for the use of the teachers
and the students of the University. Schools and Colleges also have
libraries which are used by the teachers and the students of the
particular institutions to which they belong.
Libraries and their Readers
A library has many uses and it is the duty of everyone to be attached
to a library. We, in India, have a bad reputation as readers of books.
In our Schools and Colleges we generally confine ourselves to the study
of textbooks. Sometimes we do read books outside the syllabus, but they
are usually novels. If we are members of a good library, we may be
attracted by a variety of books. Lists of new books published by a
library are a perpetual temptation to its readers. There is also the
librarian, one of whose duties is to guide the readers in the choice of
books.
Why Libraries are Necessary
Libraries are a necessity for all people who boast of some culture.
It is impossible for anyone to purchase all the books that are
published. In a library we can select the subject in which we are
interested. A good library also purchases books selected or recommended
by the readers. Hence membership of a library gives one the opportunity
of becoming familiar with a large number and variety of books.
Management of Libraries
In a good library the librarian is always a helpful person. Himself a
lover of books, he is able to advise and guide the readers in the use
of the library. Hence the proper management of libraries is a necessary
part in any drive for the spread of education. It should be one of the
first concerns of Ministry of Education. In our country every village
should have at least one library where the people can go for knowledge
and information.
Travelling Libraries
In order to make books available to the largest number of people,
travelling libraries have been instituted. Baroda took the lead in this
direction. Books are carried in motor vans and distributed to their
readers in village according to their requisition, or choice.
Readers’ Conferences
An adjunct of a library which greatly increases its utility is the
readers’ conferences that are so much in vogue in Soviet Libraries.
Readers meet together and discuss the latest publications, as well as
various local and even personal requirements. It helps to stimulate
intellectual curiosity and makes the people mentally alert. It raises
cultural standards. It also keeps the librarians informed of the needs
of readers. A spirit of co-operation is established between the library
and its users.
The Importance of Library
The atmosphere of a library is an incentive to study. When one finds
so many readers intent on books, one naturally develops a desire to read
on one’s own account. It is thus that the library habit is created and
developed among casual readers. The importance of Library cannot be
exaggerated. We cannot do better than to create and develop a library
movement in our country, and foster among casual readers a widespread
demand for library and a habit of using libraries for knowledge as well
as for recreation.
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