| |
4.0 Re-assess staffing of libraries: In the changed context, it is necessary to assess the manpower requirements for different types of libraries and departments of library and information science, keeping in mind job descriptions, qualifications, designations, pay scale, career advancement, service conditions, etc. Detailed suggestions regarding staffing of different libraries are at Annexure3.
5.0 Set up a Central Library Fund: A specified percentage of the Central and State education budgets must be ear-marked for libraries. In addition, a Central Library Fund should be instituted for upgrading existing libraries over a period of 3-5 years. Initially, the value of funds from the Government sector may be Rs. 1,000 crores, which may be matched by the private sector through corporate philanthropy. This fund should be administered by the National Mission/ Commission on Libraries.
6.0 Modernize library management: Libraries should be so organized and the staff so trained that they become relevant to user communities (including special groups) in every respect. Also, to optimize resources, efforts should be made to synergize the strengths of different types of libraries through innovative collaboration. An outline for this modernization is proposed at Annexure 4, which includes a model Library Charter, a list of services to be performed by libraries, and proposals for a library network and a National Repository for Bibliographic Records.
7.0 Encourage greater community participation in library management: It is necessary to involve different stakeholders and user groups in the managerial decision-making process of libraries. Public libraries must be run by local selfgovernment through committees representing users of the library. These committees should ensure local community involvement and should be autonomous enough to take independent decisions to conduct cultural and educational community based programmes. Libraries should integrate with all other knowledge-based activities in the local area to develop a community-based information system. In the rural sector, the responsibility for village libraries/ Community Knowledge Centres must lie with the Panchayats. These should be set up in close proximity or on the premises of schools.
8.0 Promote Information Communication Technology (ICT) applications in all libraries: The catalogues of all libraries should be put on local, state and national websites with necessary linkages. This will enable networking of different types of libraries and setting up of the National Repository of Bibliographic Records and a centralized collaborative virtual enquiry handling system using the latest ICT. To enable equitable and universal access to knowledge resources, libraries should be encouraged to create more digital resources by digitizing relevant reading material in different languages, which can be shared at all levels. Peer reviewed research papers resulting from publicly funded research should also be made available through open access channels, subject to copyright regulations. It 3 is recommended that open standards and free and open source software may be used for the above.
|
|
|
