Digital Library of Assam

Computerisation is the first step of modern library system. Library automation is the next step for modernisation of libraries in the present changing environment. After automation the further step is for up gradation and promotion of digital library. Since the present era is meant for digital it is required to be introduced digital library system. DLS has taken step of computerisation, automation and Digital Library from time to time. Directorate of Library Services, Guwahati has a Digital Library Unit where in research oriented activities are done successfully. The digital library is opened for readers as well as research scholar under reference section of DLS at the District Library Guwahati campus under the Directorate of Library Services, Assam. Till now 4000 titles (total pages of 1128129) (rare & copyright free books) has already digitized and it is available in digitized mode. These books available in various languages such as Assamese, Bengali, English, French, Hindi, Italian, Manipuri, Mongolian, Sanskrit and others. It is available in the LAN of District Library Guwahati. Every readers may search the books by subject, title, author, publisher, year of publication, keyword. If anybody desires to print the selective pages which is available he or she may take the pages after the paying the printing cost. The digitization work is done by CDAC, Kolkata under the "Digital Library for North Eastern States" which the project is funded by Department of Electronic & Information Technology (DeitY) Govt. of India.

On the other hand Gauwhati District Library under Directorate of Library Services, Assam also start the public internet centre under the National Mission of Libraries(model Library) which the financed by the Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India. Under this scheme this library also implement the RFID(radio frequency identification) system in the lending system.

Original Published Date: 07-09-2019

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Webinar on Promoting Reading among Communities through Public Libraries

Library Professionals Association is organizing a webinar on *Promoting Reading among Communities through Public Libraries* on *May 31, 2020, 12.00 pm (Sunday)*.

Renowned Public librarian and Speaker Dr. Neeza Singh, Librarian at T.S. Central State Library, Chandigarh & INELI South Asia Mentor will be addressed to LPA webinar

This webinar is free for all but registration is mandatory, only 500 seats available on first come basis.

CLICK TO REGISTER

IASLIC 2017 at BHU

West Bengal Youth starts library at home

A school dropout, Bipal Rasaily (21) is running a small library at Munsong about 23 km from kalimpong. Bipal, who works as a reporter for a local channel based in Kalimpong, felt the necessity of a library in his area. “I always wanted to give back to the society, and then I thought, what could be better than education? That is when I started Munsong Library Institution,” Bipal said.

Started way back in 2011 with 34 books the present strength has gone upto 900 plus where about 70 students have enrolled themselves. Anmol Gurung, a student who just passed his higher secondary examination,said,“The library has helped students like me inculcate the habit of reading. There was no such place where we could go to and search for books we needed. He thought of the need and started the library in a small room in his own house which is now of great help.” The 16 x 8 ft library contains donated books from different people.

Books in English, Nepali, Hindi and Bengali along with short stories, general knowledge, reference books are available. However, there is space constraint. A teacher of a government school has donated ten chairs, after hearing about his motive to spread knowledge among one and all. “Munsong is a small place...the children are very talented here but they don’t get a platform to showcase their talents.” Bipal appealed to one and all to donate books which are lying in their houses unlooked for. Kalimpong Krishak Kalyan Sangathan , a federal based organisation of farmers, too visited the library and congratulated Bipal on his effort and hard work. Bishnu Chhetri has assured them of providing the library with bookshelves, a computer. Meanwhile, when asked about state aid for the library, District Library Office Amrit Subba said there are some procedures to be followed. SDO Kalimpong Nirmalya Gharami said that there is a separate office where library registration is done.

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With no good libraries in Gurgaon, people exchange books online

Gurgaon is no city for those who like to spend hours in a library.

The concrete jungle has over three dozen malls and over 1,000 swanky high-rise residential and commercial complexes, but it is still missing a well-equipped library.

In the name of a public library, Gurgaon has one small building with dusty books, broken chairs and erratic power supply. The renovation work of this library near Civil Lines is progressing, but it will take a few months to set the infrastructure and procure new reads.

But the city’s bibliophiles have found an alternative to their reading woes, thanks to online social networking. Book-lovers are depending on city-based social media groups to exchange and read books.

It works like this: people who want a particular book post the request on web portals and social media groups, and others who have it respond.

A number of groups such as Gurgaon Moms, Gurgaon connect and Gurgaon Helpline are frequently used to share reads.

“My child, as part of holiday homework, was asked to read Ruskin Bond. I first tried to look for the series online but after noticing a delivery time of three weeks, I turned to social media. One quick post and 50 people reached out to help me,” Priyanka Sherawat, an IT professional, said.

Residents said book-exchange also allows them to read for free as no rentals have to be paid.

Urvashi Singh, a college student, said, “I am a huge fan of crime thrillers and used to borrow books from my school library when I was younger. Now, I use social media groups or post on my Facebook wall, requesting people to exchange books. I get to read for free and make reading friends as well.”

Some people are also using social media sites to sell old books at discounted rates. A picture and small description of such books are posted on the social media platforms.

Sakshi Sinha, who recently moved out of Gurgaon, sold some of her collection through Facebook before leaving the city.

“A few months back, I sold 10 books of renowned authors through Facebook. I was shifting to another city and could not carry so much weight. The books costed `200 to `500. The people were happy to get it for a discount and I made some extra money,” Sakshi Sinha said.

Original Story [indiatimes]

ALA Public Library Day Observation

The Assam Tribune, 25-05-2016

Chennai public libraries battling for survival

Times of India: May 18, 2016

More than 140 public libraries in Chennai are battling for survival. However, none of the political parties has promised to revive these knowledge centres in accordance with the modern standards.

Many book lovers and librarians want e-books and internet facility in all the libraries for the benefit of poor people.

Many librarians complained that out of 140 librarian positions in the city, more than 100 are yet to be filled. TN Library Association general secretary M Muthuswami said the post of director of public libraries department has been lying vacant for several years now. According to rules, the directorate of public libraries should establish local library authorities. The Chennai Local Library Authority has been non-functional for many years.

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