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Chapter-4

PROFILES OF THE STATE CENTRAL LIBRARIES INSOUTH INDIA

4.0 INTRODUCTION

As described in Chapter-1: Introduction, under the section 1.8 Scope of the Study the

research study has been limited to four state central libraries located in the states of South India.

There are four states in South India, namely, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and

Kerala. All these four states have enacted library legislation and formed their own state central

libraries. The names of these libraries are: State Central Library, Hyderabad; Connemera Public

Library, Chennai; State Central Reference Library, Bengaluru and Kerala State Central Library,

Thiruvananthapuram. The profiles of these libraries are provided in the following sections as a

backdrop of the research study.

4.1 STATE CENTRAL LIBRARY, HYDERABAD

The State Central Library is one of the most popular public libraries rendering effective

services to the elite of twin cities as well as those from districts of Andhra Pradesh. The State

Central Library lies on the banks of Musi. It is located in the centre of city of Hyderabad.

4.1.1 Brief History

The State Central Library is one of the institutions of learning which had its genesis in the

year 1891 due to the sustained efforts of Late Moulvi Syed Hussain Bilgrami (Nawab Imadul Mulk

Bahadur of H.E.H), the Nizam’s Government. The personal library of this great scholar formed the

initial corpus of this great institution. It was then known as Asafia State Library after the name of

Asaf Jah dynasty and was located in Abids. Mr. Syed Tassaduq Hussian an eminent scholar of

Eastern Languages, was appointed as Superintendent of this Library and later he became the first

Librarian of State Central Library. In course of time, the Asafia State Library emerged as one of the

biggest, finest and richest libraries in the world both in terms of print and manuscripts collection.

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The year 1941 was another landmark in the history of Asafia State Library, which marked its

Golden Jubilee celebrations. In 1955, after the enactment of Hyderabad Public Libraries Act, Asafia

State Library was declared as the State Central Library for the Hyderabad State. After the linguistic

re-organization of States in 1956, it was declared as the State Central Library for the Andhra Pradesh.

4.1.2 Library Building

This library building was constructed on area of 72,247 Sq. Yards at a cost of Rs. 5.00 Lakhs

under the supervision of the then State Architect and Designer Mr. Aziz Ali and the foundation stone

of the building was laid in January, 1932 mainly at the instance of the then Prince Mir Osman Ali.

The construction was completed and the Asafia Library was shifted to this building in 1936 to mark

Silver Jubilee of Nizam the VIIth. The architecture of the building is reminiscent of good old kings

palaces with huge halls and high ceilings. The library building has become old and the life span of

the library building is also over and hence, deteriorating. To retain the heritage precinct Government

of Andhra Pradesh has declared this library building as heritage building vide G.O.Ms.No.102, M.A.,

Municipal Administration & Urban Development (II) Department, dated: 23rd March, 1998.

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Photo 4.1: State Central Library, Hyderabad

After enactment of library legislation and formation of state central library, with a view to

augment accommodation, an annexe building was constructed in 1961 at a cost of Rs. 9.00 Lakhs.

4.1.3 Objectives of the State Central LibraryThe major objectives of the State Central Library are:

To collect all the literature on Science and Technology and allied subjects;

To evolve as the main source in the State for reference materials for Research workers and

Scholars;

To serve as focal point and an organizing agency for inter library loan of books;

To maintain a strong reference collection including State and Central Government

Publications;

To organize Books Exhibitions, Professional Seminars & Conferences, and National Week

Celebrations.

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To create awareness and to inculcate reading habit in the minds of the students. This is

emphasized and highlighted during the National Library Week Celebrations.

To provide literature for neo-literate research scholars and children of different age groups,

students and readers of all standards including blind readers.

4.1.4 Library Collection

The State Central Library today has an excellent collection of 4,35,287 books published from

the early 19th Century, which are of special significance to Research Scholars. Books in English,

Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Marathi, Sanskrit, Urdu, Arabic and Persian languages find a good

place in the collection of this Library.

In year 1967, the Manuscripts collection consisting of about 17,000 rare and valuable

manuscripts dating back to 5th and 6th Centuries were transferred to the Andhra Pradesh Oriental

Manuscripts Library. The important aspect of the formation of this library lies in its rich and rare

collection of Arabic and Persian literature which were at one time donated by the esteemed scholars.

The Library has been receiving books in all languages from the Raja Ram Mohan Roy

Library Foundation, Kolkata and also from the Registrar of Publications. The Stack Room of this

library is holding the collections in all Eight languages and the total collection has exceeded five

lakhs. It invites 1500 to 2000 readers per day. The State Central Library has well equipped sections

offering modern and quick services like Repography, Competitive Examinations section and

Reference section. All sections are headed for total computerization in the near future.

This library, besides providing the home lending of books, also renders service to the blind

through the Braille Section. A Children Section forms an important Section. State Central Library

carries to out more meaningful extension activities on a large scale.

The library follows Dewey Decimal Classification Scheme for classification of books and

American Library Association Code for cataloguing of books. The vast library reading room is

encroached by Lending section and Reference section with Card Index Cabinets for the use of

readers.

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4.1.5 Library Functions

The State Central Library as a Public Library plays an important role in supporting the

formal education. This library’s role in imparting in formal education contributes to the social and

economic development in making or marring the life of individual and community as a whole, so

much so that the people and the Government are recognizing the emergent need to plan the

development of libraries and to define the services of this library more so as an information centre.

This library functions within the state as a State Library system by collecting printed and audio visual

library equipment needed to serve the public readers. As a public library within an open access

system now makes accessible all its resources to be convenient and easy for use for the public.

The main function lies in interpreting and guidance to the use of library reading materials in

the set pattern of collection, organization and distribution. Each of these elements is being very

important to the aim of these public libraries it set to serve all the people keeping in view the fact that

every person has a equal right to knowledge. This encircles individuals and groups of all ages,

education, philosophy, occupation and other conditions. Thereby the services of library reach the

individuals regardsless of what he is and where he is. Though the budget is limited this library has

the responsibility to provide access to full library service through a suitable and effective structure.

This can be best achieved by means of interlibrary loan which is a part and parcel of library

networking system.

In addition to the above the library system provides cooperation in technical aspects such as

preparation of bibliography and catalogue to achieve the standards beyond the reach of a single

library. As such from the library records this State Central Library served the readers only in a closed

access system. The considerable increases in the reading public have contributed to the inception of

this open access system in 1960’s.

This library functions through an exclusive reference section, general reading section, a

separate children’s section and text books section exclusively for students. As a public library in its

true sense renders service by means of a home lending system to registered members of this library.

Simultaneously, the Braille Section also functions with equal importance. This library functions more

satisfactorily than what is expected by the supporting staff and its administration. This public library

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functions from 8:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. and the competitive section 8:00 A.M. to 12:00 Mid Night.

The State Central Library has no linkages with any other libraries in the State.The Lending Section

and Reading Section dominate the library service.

State Central Library is an Apex Public Library acts as a central organisation of State Library

service. It is an institution in its own right, performing functions away from its special position and

character.This library extends its services through Social Education Wing, by organizing Seminars /

Symposia, Books Exhibition, Conference, National Library Week Celebrations, etc.

4.1.6 Library Authority and Constitution of State Library Development Committee

The State Library Development Committee shall consist of the following members:

1. Secretary to Government, School Education Department ..................................….. Chairman2. Chairman, A.P. Grandhalaya Parishad .............………………................................. Member3. Librarians of all Government Libraries (7) …………............................................. Members4. One representative from each Local Library Development Committee of Government Library …………........................................................... Members5. Director of Public Libraries, A.P., Hyderabad ...................................………. Member-Convener

The State Library Development Committee will meet at least once in three months and review

the financial position of the Libraries and explore various sources of resource mobilization, approach

various sources, collect donations, create corpus fund in the name of State Library Development

Fund, decide norms for allocations of funds from out of the interest accrued on the investments and

monitor utilization of funds for ensuring their proper utilization and review the accounts and audit of

State Library Development Fund.

In accordance with the provisions contained Under Section 7(a) of the Andhra Pradesh Public

Libraries Act of 1960 the Government Constituted a Common Book Selection & Purchase

Committee (Government vide G.O.Rt.No.238, Education (Libraries) Department dated:22-02-1999),

which also empowered for weeding out of mutilated / damaged and obsolete volumes of books.

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ORGANIZATIONAL CHART

Fig. 4.1: Organizational Chart of State Central Library, Hyderabad

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4.2 CONNEMERA PUBLIC LIBRARY, CHENNAI

The Connemara library is certainly the pride of Chennai city (erstwhile Madras). It is not

only haven for book lovers and research scholars, the building by its sheer architectural beauty

and marvel acquires a special significance as part of the history of Madras/Chennai City.

4.2.1 Brief History

Bobby Robert Bourke Connemara is actually the man behind this historical and landmark

building of Chennai, The Connemara Public Library. Being a man of letters he understood the

urgent need of a good public library for the citizens of Madras. He converted his idea into action

by laying the foundation of the library on the 22nd of March 1890.

The objectives of the Library were outlined by Lord Connemara – the then Governor of

Madras during 1886-1890 –– while laying the foundation stone for the Connemara Public

Library on 22nd March, 1890. Lord Connemara spoke:

“Ladies and gentlemen, I wish to say that it has been for a long time, the wish of my collegues and myself to see a free public library established in Madras; we have recognized it for a long time as one of the most urgent wants of the educated people of this Presidency Town. In all populous places a free public library is a very great boon, and I am quite sure that where a great number of students and educated natives of India have not got the means of providing themselves with the books that one needed for their study, in their business, a want of this kind is very deeply felt. I trust that this want will be supplied by the free public library of the building of which I am now going to lay the foundation stone.

I heard it very often said that one of the reasons why our students who have distinguished themselves in minor degrees and in minor stations of life, literature, arts an science, do not come to attain the higher degree of the Master of Arts and other degrees of that character, is that they cannot afford to buy the books to enable them to complete their study. I hope, therefore, that in this library those books will be found and also books of various kinds which shall enable them to study in their higher branches of literature and science. But beyond all this, I hope that there will be a free public library and that young man and old men, possibly ladies, may come here and enjoy the pleasure of literature and reading for its own sake”.

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Though the library was constructed on the scheduled time and was dedicated to the

Public on 14-4-1896, it was only on 5-12-1896 the library was formally inaugurated and was

opened to the general Public by the then Madras Governor Sir Arthur Eli bunk Haw lock,

naming the library “Connemara” as a mark of respect for the great man whose desire had been

fulfilled. From the date of its inauguration to this day Connemara Library continues to enjoy a

special reputation among the people of Chennai.

4.2.2 Buildings

The stately building is built in Indo-Saracenic style and it is very rare to come across a

building of this type in the present day context. Hundred years after its construction, the

buildings still continue to evoke awe and respect in us when we just look at the marvelous

construction. Designed by H. Irvin, the then consulting Architect to the Government of Madras,

the Connemara Public Library was constructed as a semi-circle end oblong building. le. It is a

magnificent hall with a splendid reading room and beautiful teakwood book shelves. Its ceiling is

pretty to look at. The roof is truncated semi-circle. The truncated top has a wooden ceiling. But

the two curved sides are made of colored glass pieces artistically cemented to one another.

Ornamental acanthus leaves and flowers adorn the pillars, windows and bookshelves. The

flooring is done with marble slabs brought from Krishna District (Andhra Pradesh) through the

Buckingham canal, in boats.

Its huge semi circular entrance, the beauty and elegance of the reading rooms, Book

racks made out of the costliest teak wood attract the attention of all the irrespective of their

background. . The cost of the construction in those days was whopping amount of Rs.5,75,000.

In order to cope with the expected inflow of books and increasing visitors who would

visit in consequence of the new Madras Public Libraries Act of 1948, a mezzanine teakwood

flooring was added in 1952 at a cost of Rs. 1, 30,000 for accommodating readers. The ground

floor thus released was provided with steel racks at a cost of Rs.30, 000 to accommodate books.

So in this way having about 20,080 feet of shelving space and about 27,000 sq. feet of floor

space, it accommodates about 2, 50,000 volumes on its shelves.

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Photo 4.2: Connemera Public Library, Chennai

To cope up with the increasing stock, additional buildings were added after enactment of

public library legislation in the state. A three-storied building with 71,700 sq.ft. was constructed

in 1973. The T shaped three storied building constructed at an estimated cost of Rs. 12.7 lakhs

occupies 1,424 square meter (15,326 Sq.ft.) of plinth area. The total floor area is 4,158 sq.metres

(44,763 sq.ft.).While the actual carpet area is 3,738 sq. metres (40,233 sq.ft.). Further, to

accommodate the increased stock of books another three-storied building with 21,823 sq.ft. was

added in 1999.

4.2.3 Early Growth and Development

Lord Connemara extended an invitation during his speech on 23rd March 1890 to the

libraries controlled by different bodies to occupy some space in the portion of the proposed

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library to help the public as well as the libraries which were in need of some space. This was

utilized by more than one institution. Thus, the Connemara Public Library, Chennai served to

abode a number of other libraries in the early period of its history.

(1) An Adjunct: The library was opened for the public from 14th April 1896 through the formal

opening ceremony by the Governor Sir Arthur Elibank Havelock took place only on 5th

December 1896 as an adjunct to the Government Museum under the control of the

Superintendent of the Government Museum.

(2) Madras Literary Society Library: The Madras Literary Society Library was the first to

function in the Southern half of the long hall inside the Library until it was shifted to its present

buildings in the College road in Nungambakkam in 1905.

(3) Madras University Library: The Madras University Library occupied the space vacated by

the Madras Literary Society Library and functioned there until 1928 when it moved into the new

buildings of the University at Chepauk.

(4) Full Time Librarian: With the increasing use and work of the library, a full time post of

librarian came into existence on 9th September 1929 with Sri R. Janardhanam Naidu as the first

full time Librarian. The Connemara Public Library was thus, for the first time in its history, free

to develop under the guidance of a full time librarian. The library staff was entirely separated

from the Museum staff in 1930 so as to admit of the Librarian taking full control of it.

(5) Independent Institution: With effect from April 1, 1939, the library became as an

independent institution presided over by the Librarian himself under the direct control of the

Directorate of Public Libraries.

(6) Status of State Central Library: It rose to the State Central Library with effect from April

1, 1950 under the control of the Director of Public Instruction who is the ex-officio Director of

Public Libraries under the provision of the Madras Public Libraries Act of 1948.

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4.2.4 Milestones in the Growth

The Connemara Public Library witnessed various milestones in its growth. Such

highlights may be listed as follows:

1890 - Foundation Stone Laid 1896 - Inauguration of the Library 1929 - First Full Fledged Librarian Appointed 1930 - Lending Service, Open Access and Home Delivery Services Introduced 1948 - Declared as State-Central Library Under the Tamil Nadu Public Libraries

Act, 1948 1954 - Declared as National Depository Centre Under the Delivery of Books and

Newspaper (Public Libraries) Act, 1954 1955 - United Nations Depository Centre 1963 - Publication of Tamil Nadu State Bibliography of Children’s Literature 1964 - Publications of Tamil Nadu State Bibliography of Tamil Books 1965 - UNESCO Information Centre 1966 - Institute of Library Science Inaugurated 1973 - Three – Storied New Building Added 1985 - Xerox Facilities Introduced 1989 - Educational Video Service Introduced 1991 - Computer Unit Installed 1992 - Declared as Asian Development Bank Information Centre 1994 - Donation of Rs. 1 Lakh from Indian Bank and Rs. 2 Lakhs from Tamil Nadu Text

Book Corporation- Civil Services Study Circle opened

1995 - Braille & Talking Book Section opened 1996 - Centenary Celebration of the Library 1997 - Donation of Rs. 5 Lakhs from Thiru. M.A.M. Ramasamy,Leading Industrialist 1998 - 14 Computers added as a Part of Computerization of Library Activities

- Commemorative Stamp Released 1999 - Three-Storied Centenary Building Added 2000 - Microfilm Unit added 2001 - Readers Forum started 2003 - Membership Bar Code Introduced

- Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) Installed 2004 - Permanent Book Fair Inaugurated 2005 - Awarded as the Best State - Central Library in India

- Internet Browsing Centre Opened- Books Bar code Introduced- Separate CD Rom Section Opened

2006 - Vacuum Fumigation Chamber Installed- Two Book Scanners added- Preservation of rare books in CD form

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- 100 years Old Library Building Renovated- Librarian Post was upgraded as Director

2007 - Stack Room Air Conditioned. 2008 - Digital Library Opened

- 2 Color News Paper Scanners and 1 Color Printer added- 2nd floor - Language section Air conditioned

2009 - 3rd floor – Text Book Section Air Conditioned 2010 - CCTV installed 2011 - Web OPAC Introduced

- Switched Over to Open Source Software KOHA- 1st floor – Periodical Section Air Conditioned

4.2.5 Library Collection

The stock of volumes stood at 7, 22,000. At present it receives 3500 periodicals and 160

newspapers. The Library has various endowment collections.

(1) Dhanakoti Collection: Rao Bahadur Arcot Dhanakoti Mudaliar made a donation of

Rs.20,000 to the Victoria Memorial for the purchase of books Art and these books were housed

in the Connemara Public Library.

(2) Materials received under the Madras Public Library Act: When it was made the state

Central Library under the Madras Public Libraries Act, it began to receive four copies of

publications published in the State and delivered to the Registrar of Books under the Press and

Registration Act of 1867 as amended by the Madras Public Libraries Act. This increased the

stock of Library to some extent.

(3) Materials received under the Delivery of Books Act: With the declaration of making the

Connemara Public Library as one of the Four libraries to receive all the books and other

materials published in India with effect from September 10, 1955, the additions of the library

grow very fast creating the problem of space to accommodate the materials.

(4) Materials from U.N.O and Asian Development Bank etc.: Apart from this, a good number

of publications and periodicals of the U.N. Organisation, its specialized agencies and Asian

Development Bank were received.

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(5) Donated Books: In addition to these collections, the library is able to get a good number of

books by way of donations from individuals, institutions and Governments.

(6) Purchased Books: Apart from these materials got on gratis, a good number of books are

added every year by purchasing from the funds available by the Government..

(7) Rare Books: This library has got more than One Lakh of rare books and Periodicals.

4.2.6 Organization and Management

The organization and management of a library deals with various aspects resources such

as finance, human and other organizational activities. The Connemara Public Library has sound

organizational structure and management activities.

(1) Library Sections: The Library has 13 sections though which it provides services to the

public. The sections are: Reference section, Text book section, Lending section, Periodical

section, Reprographic section, Microfilm section, Language books section, Civil service study

circle, Educational video/ CD Rom section, Home delivery service, Bibliographic service,

Internet service, and Preservation section (Microfilm, Scanning, Mending and Binding).

(2) Finance: The Expenditure for maintaining the library is met by the Government of Tamil

Nadu. However, 50% of the recurring expenditure and 2/3 of the non-recurring expenditure in

respect of maintaining the Delivery of books Act section of this library is met by the Government

of India.

(3) Staff: Fifty-nine persons (against the sanctioned strength of 112 persons) on 30-04-2013.

(4) Working Hours and Days: Connemara Public Library serves the public daily from

9.00A.M. to 7.30P.M. on weekdays and from 9.30A.M. to 6.00P.M. on Sundays with out any

break. The library is closed on three National holidays and selected festival holidays a year. i.e.

Pongal, Tamil New Year, Pooja Holidays, Deepavali and Christmas.

(5) Visitors and Members: The increasing intellectual awareness among the people make them

to move towards the social institution like library. Any person above 17 years is eligible to use

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the free public library service. Accordingly 3, 39,592 readers / visitors have utilized the facilities

during 2010-11. Membership is open to any resident of Chennai and its vicinity who is 17 years

of age and above. Every member can borrow maximum of six books for a period of fourteen

days by depositing Rs. 300/- An annual subscription of Rs.50/- per member is collected every

financial year. At present this Library had 1, 27,575 members on roll. A total of 2,16,813

volumes have been lent out to members for home reading during 2010-11.

4.2.7 Computerization and Digitization

The last decade of the 20th Century i.e., in the early 1990s Connemara Public Library

started the path of computerization with a single PC/XT running on dbase software. However it

was in 1998 that a giant leap was taken with the purchase of two servers and twelve nodes with a

budget of Rs. 8/- lakhs. These computers were put in good use by the highly efficient staff who

helped to input an amazing 3.5 lakhs records.

In April 2003, the budget increased to 18 lakhs and two more servers with six nodes with

latest configuration were acquired reflecting one more step towards total computerization.

The next important event is started in June 2003 with the introduction of OPAC (Online

Public Access Catalogue). Also a Web Site for library information is added as a part of total

computerization.

Digitization in Connemara Public Library started with the introduction of Scanning

services in the year 2006 by which rare and old documents are scanned and preserved for

posterity.

Web address : http://www.connemarapubliclibrarychennai.com

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4.3 STATE CENTRAL REFERENCE LIBRARY, BENGALURU

The Karnataka State is one of those few states in the forefront in view of the public

library system in the country as a whole. The efforts made by the stalwarts like Dr S.R.

Ranganathan proved fruitful in implementing the Library Act in many states in India, including

Karnataka Public Libraries Act, 1965. Today, as far as the development of public libraries is

concerned it has achieved remarkable progress in the state.

Raja Rammohan Roy Library Foundation Award for the best state central library in India

is given away to State Central Reference Library, Bengaluru, Karnataka for the year 2000 in

recognition of it's outstanding contribution to meritorious services rendered in the spread of

knowledge and gearing up of library movement in the city of Bangalore in particular and in the

state of Karnataka in general.

4.3.1 Brief History

In the year 1914 the then Divan Sir M.Visveswaraiah ordered to start a public Library in

the Seshadri Iyer Memorial Hall at Cubban Park Bangalore. In the year 1966 this library was

taken over by the Government of Karnataka as Stare Central library under the Karnataka Public

Libraries Act of 1965 and started its services to the public from1.11.1966

In the year 1986 this library was redesignated as State Central Reference Library and it is

open to public only for consultation of documents within its premises.

4.3.2 Library Building

The State Central Library is situated in the historical building, Sir Seshadri Iyer Memorial

Hall at Cubbon Park Bangalore. The present building is one of the oldest monumental buildings

having 300 Sq. meters of accommodation. This building was built in the memory of Divan Sir

Seshadri Iyer. Sir Seshadri Iyer Memorial hall is in many respects Lord Nathaniel Curzon of

Kedleston's contribution. Whose viceroyalty at the heady high noon of British imperialism in the

sub continent straddled the 19th and 20th centuries, is known for deciding on the construction of

the famous Victoria Memorial in Calcutta and Sir Seshadri Iyer Memorial Hall in Bangalore.

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Photo 4.3: State Central Reference Library, Bengaluru

Sir Seshadri Iyer was the Dewan of Mysore from February 1883 to March 1901, the

longest tenure for any Dewan of the princely state. He died at the age of 56 in September 1901. It

was in November 1902 that the Curzon wrote to the then British Resident in the Mysore State,

Sir Donald Robertson about Sir Seshadri Iyer and his services. For Sir Seshadri Iyer and his

services, as a posthumous compliment to him a memorial hall to be designed in the a midst of the

greenery and flowering trees of the Cubbon park.

The hall and the bronze statue of Dewan Sir Kumarapuram Seshadri Iyer were the result

of the contributions. One of the contributors was Curzon himself who donated Rs. 500 in 1902.

Besides Curzon, the rich and the common people of Mysore State, princes and prominent

citizens of other states donated for the construction.

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W.R. Colton sculptured the bronze statue in England in 1907. Apart from Curzon, it was

Sir Donald Robertson, a long time British Resident in Mysore State who was instrumental in the

construction of the Memorial hall. Robertson laid the foundation stone of the Memorial on

October 1, 1903. A memorial committee consisting of prominent citizens decided that it should

be a public hall and a library. On November 20, 1913 Viceroy lord Hardinge unveiled the hall In

the year 1914 then Divan Sir M.Visveswaraiah ordered to start Public library in the said

memorial Building.

4.3.3 Library Authority

The public library was managed by a Managing Committee, which was registered under

Mysore registration Act. The first president of the committee was Sri Krishanarao who was

Inspector General of education. In the year 1966 this Library was taken over by the Government

of Karnataka as State Central Library under the provision of the Karnataka Public library Act

and started its services to the public from 1.11.1966 i.e. on Rajyothasva Day.

State Central Reference Library being at the Apex of the Karnataka Public Libraries

system, which is governed by State Library Authority, of which the Minister in-charge of

Libraries will be Chairman. State Central Reference Library also acts as Copyright center in the

state.

According to Press and Book Registration rules of 1968, Copyright Section of State

Central Library will procure three copies of books (books on any subject or any language)

published in Karnataka. It is the duty of publisher/ author to bestow three copies of a title to the

copyright section for registration. State Central Reference Library will forward a copy of such

title to Parliament Library, Delhi and National Library, Calcutta respectively. A catalogue

containing detailed bibliographical information of copy right section books will be prepared and

circulated to different libraries in the state. Public may also refer these books in the state Central

Reference library.

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4.3.4 Library Organization

The State Central Reference Library has the following sections: State bureau of copyright

collection, State library for the bind, State library for technical services, State library for

bibliographical bureau, State library for career information, State library for inter-library loan,

State library for reference and information, State library for children and Computer services.

The State Central Reference Library, Bengaluru offers more than ten different services,

namely, Bibliographical Services, Reprographic Services, Audio-visual Services, Braille

services, Reference & Information services, Children's services, Technical services, Inter

library loan services, Career information services and Computer services.

The library collection includes books, periodicals and newspapers. The total number of

books in the library is 2.48 Lakhs and the books in the copyright section are 1,10,436. The

Library spends Rs.48.67 Lakhs for subscribing Newspapers (36), Fortnightlies (21), Weeklies

(49), Monthlies (110), Bi-Monthlies (6), Quarterlies (19) and Half-yearlies (2).

Except Monday and other Government holidays, the Library is open from 9am to 7pm

and the entry is free. On an average 2000 books are consulted per day. The average number

Child Visitors per day is 80.

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4.4 KERALA STATE CENTRAL LIBRARY, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

The Kerala State Central Library is one of the oldest libraries in India, which has its

origin in Trivandrum Public Library.

4.4.1 Brief History

The Kerala State Central Library was established in the year 1829 A.D during the reign

of His Highness Sree Swathi Thirunal Maharaja of Travancore. The work of starting and

organizing the Library was entrusted to Col. Edward Cadogan, the then British Resident who

was the grandson of Sir Hans Sloan, the founder of the British Museum. He was the first

president of the Trivandrum Public Library committee. The successors of His Highness Sree

Swathi Thirunal and the British Resident Col. Cadogan took active interest in the advancement

and progress of the Library. At that time only a privileged class who were called to attend the

Durbar of His Highness the Maharaja was allowed admission to the Library. The Library was

then known as “Trivandrum People’s Library”.

4.4.2 Library Building

In the year 1898 AD the assets of Trivandrum People’s Library were transferred to the

administrative control of Government on condition that “a suitable building should be erected for

housing the Library for the benefit of the Public and that Government should undertake its

maintenance in a suitable manner under such regulations as the Government may deem fit from

time to time”. In 1898 this institution was opened to the public. His Highness Sree Moolam

Thirunal took a special interest in the development of this library. He ordered the construction of

a beautiful building for housing the library in 1900. AD the present building of architectural

beauty in the Gothic style was put up in Trivandrum City in commemoration of the Diamond

Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Victoria. In the year 1938 A.D the administration of the

Trivandrum Public Library was handed over to University of Travancore. In 1948 by a resolution

of the State Legislature, the State Government was directed to take over the administration of the

Library from the University.

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Photo 4.4: Kerala State Central Library, Thiruvanathapuram

In the year 1958, the Trivandrum Public Library was declared as ‘State Central Library’.

Subsequently in the year 1988 the library was given the status of a minor department under the

administrative control of Higher Education Department with the State Librarian as Head of the

Department. In the year 1992 Government declared Malayalam as the official language of this

department.

4.4.3 Organization and Management of the Library

This Library is systematically organized into 18 sections: Technical Section, Circulation

Section (Books & Periodicals), English Section, Malayalam Section, Tamil/Hindi/Sanskrit

Section, Reference Section, Children’s Section, Binding Section, Reprographic Section, Closed

Reference Section, Member's Reading Room (For A & B Member's only), General Reading

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Room (For C & D Member's & Non Member's), Cash Section, Administrative Officer, Internet

Browsing Centre, Kerala Gazette Section, Multimedia Section and Digital Library.

The administration of the State Central Library is vested with the State Librarian, who is

the Head of the Department. There is an Advisory Committee with the Additional Chief Secretary

to Government, Higher Education Department as Chairman and State Librarian as Convener with

official and non-official member's duly constituted by the Government from time to time. Two

Deputy State Librarians assist the State Librarian in Library, academic and the Administrative

Assistant to the State Librarian assist the State Librarian in the Administrative, Accounts and

Audit matters.

The library offers individual membership, which is open to all permanent resident of

Kerala State. There are four categories of membership - 'A' Class, 'B' Class, 'C' Class & 'D' Class.

A refundable deposit is collected at the time of admission in cash. No monthly or annual

subscription is levied. The application for membership is provided free of cost.

Table 4.1: Deposit Amount & Privilegesat Kerala State Central Library, Thiruvananthapuram

A Class - Rs.400.00 5 Books & 2 Journals at a time.

B Class - Rs.300.00 3 Books & 2 Journals at a time.

C Class - Rs.200.00 2 Books & 1 Journals at a time.

D Class - Rs.100.00 1 Books & 1 Journals at a time.

The above deposit is refundable on member's written request on clearance of all Library

dues and surrendering all Borrowers' Tickets & Identity Card.

4.4.4 Library Collection

The library has a total collection of 327177 documents in different languages such as

English, Malayalam, Hindi, Tamil, Sanskrit in various disciplines. The library subscribes 23

dailies and 170 journals including foreign journals. Apart from this the library is receiving several

periodicals as gift from individuals and institutions.

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Library is holding special collection donated by Sri. V.K. Krishna Menon, Prof. Nandan

Menon, Prof. N.Gopalapillai & Sri.Sreerangam Vikramon Nair and K.R.Elankath Trust.

4.4.5 Llibrary Services

The Kerala State Central Library offers various services to the public. Some of them are listed.

Lending Service: Books except reference books and journals are loaned to members for Home

reading. Loan Duration for Books is 30 days (inclusive of Holidays) and for Journals it is 7 days.

Member's can reserve any book in the holdings of the Library except Reference Books Borrowed

books can be renewed once over telephone, through post or in person, unless there is no

reservation for the book requested on or before the due date stamped Subsequent renewal can be

done only on production of the borrowed book. There is no reservation and renewal for journals

or periodicals.

Reference Service: A well furnished A/C Reference & Information Centre is functioning in the

first floor. The rich reference sources are open to the member's from 8.00 am to 8.00 pm on all

working days and on Sundays from 8 am to 2 pm. Reprographic facility is also provided.

Admission is restricted for member's only in the reference section

Reprographic Service: Xerox copy of relevant pages of Books & Periodicals available in the

library will be issued subject to the provisions of Copyright Act. This service is chargeable.

Gazette Extracts: Certified & Non Certified extracts of Kerala Government Gazette will be

issued on written request. This chargeable service is made available on all working days except

on Sundays during library office hours (10 am to 5 pm).

Date Conversion Certificate: Date Conversion certificate from Malayalam Era to Christian Era

& vice versa is issued on written request. This service is chargeable @ Rs.25/- per certificate.

This service is available on all working days from 10.15 am to 4.30 pm except Sundays.

Internet Browsing Centre: The internet browsing center in the State Central Library was

inaugurated on 15/03/2004. The working hours of Internet browsing center will be 10 am to 5 pm

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on all working days except Sunday. Internet browsing, scanning, printing, CD writing, etc

provided at a nominal cost by the Library.

Closed Reference Section: Rare and precious old books, back volumes of Journals and Dailies

are kept here for reference. Admission is given to users on written request. Xerox copies of the

relevant information will be issued subject to the provisions of copyright act.

Gazette Section: Kerala gazette section works Monday through Saturday from 8.30 am to 7.00

pm. Sunday - 8 am to 2 pm.

Digital Library: Library has a digital collection in searchable format of 707 books, including

English & Malayalam books. Users can acces the same through intranet in the reference section

from 8.00 am to 7.45 pm on all working days except sundays.

Working Hours: 8 am - 8 pm; Lending timings are: (Books & Journals) Monday thro Saturday

8.00 am - 2.00 pm & 3.00 pm -8.00 pm; Sundays: 8.00 am - 2.00 pm; Member's Reading Room

& General Reading room will be kept opened from 8 am to 8 pm on all working days and on

Sundays from 8 am to 2 pm.

Multimedia Section: Multimedia Section is functioning in the ground floor of the New Heritage

Model building where the children’s wing of the State Central Library is accommodated. No

additional charge is being levied from children. A maximum of half an hour time is allowed for

each child.

Auditorium: An Auditorium is available in the State Central Library Thiruvananthapuram which

is being rented out as per the rates prescribed by the Government for various functions except

those organized by political parties and individuals.

Certificate course in Library & Information Science (CLISc): This library is conducting a

certificate course in Library and information Science. The duration of the course is 6 months.

There are 41 seats for this course. The Government's scheme of Earn While You Learn has been

successfully implemented during the year 2005

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4.5 CONCLUSION

The State Central Libraries in the four states of South India have their origin in pre-

Independent India. The original public libraries established by the rulers of the erstwhile states of

British India were converted into State Central Libraries after the enactment of library legislation

by the respective states of Independent India. The libraries offer various services, some of which

are common, while some have their unique services. A detailed study into the organization and

management of state central libraries of South India help in understanding their strengths and

limitations.

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REFERNCES:

Andhra Pradesh Public Libraries Act, 1960. Hyderabad : Education Department, Government of

Andhra Pradesh, 1979.

Andhra Pradesh Report of the Committee to review the working of APPL Act 1960 and to

suggest amendments to the Act. Hyderabad : Government of Andhra Pradesh, 1978.

Annual Reports of State Central Library, Hyderabad.

Karnataka Public Libraries Act, 1965. Bangalore : Education Department, Government of

Karnataka.

Kerala Public Libraries Act, 1989. Thiruvanathapuram : Education Department, Government of

Kerala

Tamil Nadu Public Libraries Act, 1948. Chennai : Education Department, Government of Tamil

Nadu.

WEBSITES:

Web address : www.statelibrary.kerala.gov.in

Web address : www.connemarapubliclibrarychennai.com

E- MAIL OF THE STATE CENTRAL LIBRARIES:

1) Kerala State Central Library, Thiruvananthapuram: siscl@statelibrary.kerala.gov.in

2) Connemera Public Library, Chennai: Librarian@connemarapubliclibrarychennai.com

3) State Central Reference Library, Bengaluru: statecentrallibrary@gmail.com

4) State Central Library, Hyderabad: Gazettedlibrarian.rlhyderabad@gmail.com