The National Mission on Libraries (NML) seeks to put in place a world-class system that disseminates information, fosters reading habits and facilitates research work.
Kolkata-based Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation (RRRLF), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Culture, has been designated as the nodal agency for implementation of core areas of NML.
Speaking to The Hindu , RRRLF Director-General K. K. Banerjee said: “We will see to it that an all-India centric content is provided in a digitised format. Through a powerful search engine, people will be able to access information on virtually everything including cultural activities, classical dance and musical forms, Indian Constitution, Government’s plan and proposals. A ten-member committee headed by former Delhi University Vice-Chancellor Deepak Pental will look into the content.”
Survey of librariesMr. Banerjee said libraries continue to remain relevant in our lives. “The challenge is not only to have a large quantity of material but also to make it available to people. We will create a baseline data through a quantitative and qualitative survey of 5,000 libraries. It will collect detailed information on quality of libraries in terms of their traditional role as information providers. It will also be assessed whether these libraries meet the requirement of their patrons in the Internet era.”
For setting up model libraries, existing libraries will be identified in consultation with the State governments to improve infrastructure and upgrade technology used by them. Efforts will be made to locate them close to educational institutions.
Further, a census is to be carried out on the resources available in the libraries. A study on the reading habits in different regions of the country and among the rural and urban communities has also been planned.
Whilethe survey of libraries would be completed within one year, the other objectives of the scheme will be achieved by the end of the 12 Plan period. “In new content generation, children’s needs should be given priority. Content will also be generated on skill development and matters concerning regional and local interest,” Mr. Banerjee said.
Under this scheme, public libraries across the country will be digitised in a bid to expand the learning capacity of the country.
Six libraries under the Culture Ministry, 35 Central libraries in States and 35 district libraries will be developed as model libraries, with emphasis on economically backward districts.
In addition, 629 district libraries across the States will be provided network connectivity, facilitating their transformation from physical to virtual.
Ministry of Culture secretary Ravindra Singh said: “Making information more accessible is now paramount in the library sector. Our libraries may be filled with books, but in the digital age, they need to provide access to information that is available online. Digital libraries provide speedy access to information and they also bridge barriers of time and space.”
