Don’t we need libraries in hi-tech era?

Many officials and politicians/legislators feel that there is no need for libraries and can be replaced by Google and internet. They think that every piece of information is provided by technology through Google. Further, many comment that no one intends to go to library, but they have used libraries for making their career. Still whether we need libraries is a major question posed by them.

Many suggest consulting Google for information but it cannot provide copyrighted materials. Is it possible to get a Telugu novel or a Journal article through Google? Most of the materials available through Google are free/public domain documents, which need authentication, and cannot be relied upon. Google works like a post office and it never checks the authenticity.

Then how to depend on Google and close libraries? Unfortunately, even academic administrators say libraries can be replaced by Google. Technology can provide easy access but the library staff needs to spend time and money to manage these documents. Technology can be used only as tool to manage documents.

Library is a community centre which procures and provides access to knowledge resources. It also acts as buffer to guide the citizens to identify resources. Historically, the libraries played key role in the social and independent movements in our country. A number of libraries were established in pre-independent India which were active for sharing information.

If we study about libraries in both Telugu states, they were centres of political and social activity as well they organised a number of programmes such as Granthalaya Yatra, newspaper reading, Harikatha and Burrakatha to promote the sense of support for movements. Gautami Library, Sri Krishna Devaraya Bhasha Nilayam, Raja Raja Narendra Library etc., established more than a century ago, are in a deplorable condition due to indifferent attitude of successive governments.

Twenty states have library legislation, which should help provide public library service to people. But only few states are able to implement the legislation. Karnataka is the best public library system. Telangana and Andhra Pradesh collect library cess @ eight paise per rupee on property tax, which is supposed to be spent on purchase of reading materials and maintenance. As per a GO, cess has to be credited into library fund within one month, but majority Panchayats never deposit and use for different activities.

City Granthalaya Samstha (CGS) has about 86 branch libraries and the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) collects around Rs 90-100 crore as cess per year. But it pays less than 20 lakh per annum for management of libraries. It is estimated that about Rs 1000 crore of funds is due by GHMC. The fate of the libraries in Hyderabad is terrible. But the government is ready to spend Rs 31 lakh (approx.) for the salaries and allowances for the chairmen of the non-existent ZGS in new districts.

Telangana State is moving forward under the leadership of well-read and knowledgeable CM (he read about 70,000 books) and I believe that no CM or politician read so many books. Telangana Municipal Administration Minister used libraries during his study in India and US. He is super active in many spheres of administration. Still the libraries are getting a raw deal and almost no new library is established for more than two-and-a-half decades. Books have not been purchased for more than three years.

Hyderabad has grown in multi-directions, and every household pays library cess, but they are denied library services. No recruitment took place in last three decades in spite of retirements. They never apply for central schemes relevant to libraries. The government should seriously think of providing library services to the young job seekers as well to students, women, senior citizens and researchers.

Both the CMs of Telugu states are trying to bring radical changes, but can they achieve their goals without libraries? Prime Minister Modi suggested to give books in lieu of mementoes but the libraries are totally neglected by his government. National Library has no head for last three years and there is no head for National Mission for Libraries. All are being managed by in-charge officials. The GOI is planning to corporatise Delhi Public Library. Prime Minister is dynamic and innovative but why the GOI is neglecting libraries is a major question.

Laws need to be changed to provide vibrant library services at national, regional and local levels. The libraries in India played a key role as part of culture for centuries. The citizens have a right to demand for quality library services especially in the context of the denial of democratic values in spite of payment of library cess. Technology should be a tool to improve library services but cannot replace the libraries. Finally, libraries can divert the younger generation from unsocial activities to learning mode. (Writer is President, Telangana Library Association)

By Prof N Laxman Rao