2. CONTENTS
1. Meaning of public library
2. Definition of public library
3. Objectives of public library
4. Role of public library
5. Users of public library
6. Functions of public library
7. Services of public library
8. Finance of public library
9. Building of public library
10. List of public and state libraries
11. Conclusion
3. MEANING OF PUBLIC LIBRARY
A public library is a library that is accessible by the
general public and is generally funded from public
sources, such as taxes. It is operated by librarians and
library paraprofessionals, who are also civil servants.
There are five fundamental characteristics shared by
public libraries. The first is that they are generally
supported by taxes (usually local, though any level of
government can and may contribute); they are governed
by a board to serve the public interest; they are open to
all and every community member can access the
collection; they are entirely voluntary in that no one is
ever forced to use the services provided; and public
libraries provide basic services without charge.
4. DEFINITION OF PUBLIC LIBRARY
Public libraries are, “Those which serve the
population of a community or region free of charge
or for a nominal fee; they may serve the general
public or special categories of users such as
children, members of the armed forces, hospital
patients, prisoners, workers and employees”. Thus
the public library aims to serve the general public or
special categories of the public in the community
concerned. It is basically a service library, which is
mint to provide free service or charge a national fee
for its service.
5. OBJECTIVES OF PUBLIC LIBRARY
a) Indian constitution aims at fulfilling the aspirations
of the people.
b) In public Library is regarded as a National
resources as fundamental as energy or matter.
Which affects all Human activity.
c) It provide the access to documents/ information
free of charge.
d) It helps to achievement of aims of our
constitutions our people.
6. ROLE OF PUBLIC LIBRARY
Public libraries exist in many countries across the world
and are often considered an essential part of having an
educated and literate population. Public libraries are
distinct from research libraries, school libraries, and
other special libraries in that their mandate is to serve
the general public's information needs (rather than the
needs of a particular school, institution, or research
population). Public libraries also provide free services
such as preschool story times to encourage early
literacy, quiet study and work areas for students and
professionals, or book clubs to encourage appreciation
of literature in adults. Public libraries typically allow
users to take books and other materials off the premises
temporarily; they also have non-circulating reference
collections and provide computer and Internet access to
patrons.
7. USERS OF PUBLIC LIBRARY
A public library serves the local community and is
peon to public without any distinction. It must be
readily accessible to all members of the community,
irrespective of race, religion, color, sex, language,
status, educational attainment. They are all allowed
force and equal use. If it is not free then may be a
nominal charge.
The client to be served include students, teachers,
research scholars, businessmen, professionals
housewives, retired persons, non literates etc.
Obviously, their, educational attainments, interests,
cultural background will vary a great deal. These
would include general public or special categories
of public.
8. FUNCTIONS OF PUBLIC LIBRARY
a) Information
b) Education’
c) Recreation
d) Entertainment
e) Inspiration
f) It provides opportunity for self education.
9. SERVICES OF PUBLIC LIBRARY
a) Issue of documents
b) Inter-library loan
c) Provision of general and specific information
d) Readers advisory service
e) Compilation of bibliographies
f) Referral service
g) Library orientation and bibliographic instruction
h) Extension service.
10. FINANCE OF PUBLIC LIBRARY
It is expected that a public library should be
maintained wholly from public funds. However,
there should be no bar to donation in cash or kind
form private individuals or organizations. It is also
assumed that no direct charge should be made on
any user for the services rendered. In case,
services are not free of charge then only a
nomination fee may be charged.
11. BUILDING OF PUBLIC LIBRARY
The building should be centrally situated,
accessible to physically handicapped persons. The
library must be attractive and functional inn nature.
There must be provision for carrying out various
functions especially extension services. There
should be space for exhibitions, lectures, films and
such other functions, both for adults and children.
12. LIST OF PUBLIC AND STATE LIBRARIES
States of India those passed Public Libraries Act (legislation):
Tamil Nadu, 1948
Andhra Pradesh, 1960
Karnataka, 1965
Maharashtra, 1967
West Bengal, 1979
Manipur, 1988
Kerala, 1989
Haryana, 1989
Mizoram, 1993
Goa, 1993
Gujarat, 2000
Orissa, 2000
Rajasthan, 2005
Uttar Pradesh, 2005
Uttarakhand, 2005
Pondicherry, 2007/2008
13. CONCLUSION
Public libraries can play an important role in
strengthening the foundations of democracy. These
can contribute to the welfare and progress of the
community served.
Public libraries in developing countries have a
special responsibility towards literates and neo-
literates. Reading to illiterates’ hour can be
organized by public libraries. Hopefully, this will
inspire them to learn reading and writing.
Experience shows that neo-literates easily lapse
into illiteracy unless they are provided with reading
materials on regular basis.
