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Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal) Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln

9-22-2018

Building Public Library Collection in India: A

Study of Book and Non-book Material
Mehtab Alam Ansari Dr.
Aligarh Muslim University, mehtabalamansari1@gmail.com

Shamim Aktar Munshi

Aligarh Muslim University, munshishamim14@gmail.com

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Ansari, Mehtab Alam Dr. and Munshi, Shamim Aktar, "Building Public Library Collection in India: A Study of Book and Non-book
Material" (2018). Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal). 2041.
http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilprac/2041
 Library Philosophy and Practice (e-Journal)

Building Public Library Collection in India: A Study of

Book and Non-book Material
Mehtab Alam Ansari
Associate Professor,Dept. of Library and Information Science, Aligarh Muslim University,
Aligarh, India
Email: mehtabalamansari1@gmail.com

Shamim Aktar Munshi

Senior Research Fellow,Dept. of Library and Information Science, Aligarh Muslim
University, Aligarh, India
Email: munshishamim14@gmail.com

Abstract

India is the second most populous country in the world. It has 29 states and 7 union
territories. The state of West Bengal with nineteen districts has a well-established public
library system. The present study covers the district of Murshidabad which has 160 public
libraries, in total. Significantly, three categories of public libraries namely rural library,
town/sub-division library and district library exists in whole district. Covering 21 public
libraries with representation of all categories of libraries, the present work aims to study the
collection development of material. Data for the present study has been collected through
well-structured questionnaire. Study also highlights the various aspects which contributed in
building collection in studied libraries. Precisely, these are donation from Member of
Legislative Assembly, donation from Raja Rammohan Roy Library Foundation,
complimentary copies from the authors, etc. Findings suggest that no-uniform growth has
been witnessed in surveyed libraries.

Keywords: Public Library, Collection Development, India, West Bengal, Murshidabad.

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Introduction
The purpose of any library is to provide service that is relevant to its community.
However, this is not possible without proper collection. Public library is public property
where every person such as teacher, doctor, farmer, businessman and many other person can
use information without any discrimination. According to IFLA/UNESCO (2010), public
libraries have “an important role in the development and maintenance of a democratic society
by giving the individual access to a wide and varied range of knowledge, ideas and opinions”.
It further point out that “the primary purposes of the public library are to provide resources
and services in a variety of media to meet the needs of individuals and groups for education,
information and personal development including recreation and leisure” (IFLA/UNESCO,
2010).

With more than 1.2 billion people, India is the second most populous country in the
world. Having a total area of 3,287,263 sq. km. spread over 29 states and 7 union territories,
India ranks seventh in the world. The literacy rate is 74.04 % (Census of India, 2011). The
state of West Bengal in India has a population of more than 91 million spread on 19 districts.
However, pre-dominant population speaks Bangla language.

Murshidabad district which is comprised of five subdivisions such as Berhampore,

Domkol, Lalbag, Kandi and Jangipur with 26 blocks. Majority of the population in this
district is Muslim (66.28%). The literacy rate of the district is 66.59% (Males 69.95% and
Females 63.09%) (Census of India, 2011). Pre-dominated population of the district is
engaged in agriculture related actuates. The present paper aims to find out the collection
development and management of public libraries in Murshidabad district of West Bengal.

Table 1: Background Information

Some Facts India West Bengal Murshidabad

District
Area 3,287,263 sq. km. 88,725 sq.km. 5316 sq. km.
Total Population 1,324,171,354 91, 276, 115 71,02,430
approximate approximate approximate
Rank in population 2nd 4th (Within India) 4th (In West
Bengal)

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Female/Male ratio 943 950 958

Population density 394.3/km square 1029 /km square 1334/km square
Literacy Rate 74.04% 77.26% 66.59%
Total no. of Districts 640 19 -
Total no. of Sub- Approximately 66 5
Divisions/Tehsils 1358

Source: Census of India, 2011

Objectives
The objectives of the study are as follows:
• To examine the collection development policy in India.
• To analyse the pattern of budget allocations in West Bengal.
• To know the procedure used for acquisition of documents in public libraries.
• To ascertain the usage of library collections in public libraries

Early Developments
Although, India has a long and rich history of libraries but developments related to
public libraries have been witnessed only in the first quarter of the last century. Hellings
noted that “In the early twentieth century, S.R. Ranganathan began his legendary work
towards establishing public libraries in India like those he saw when visiting the United
Kingdom” (Helling, 2012). However, the first major initiative that was taken by the
government of India in the post-independence period was the appointment of Sinha
Committee. Unfortunately, committee did not show satisfaction with regard to the public
library system in India. Libraries were reported as a ‘stagnant pool of books’ and users were
required to put down the monetary deposits difficult to be afforded by lower classes. The
committee, notably, recommended the major overhaul of public libraries based on
hierarchical system of state library networks and uniform library legislation (Ghosh, 2005). It
further recommended revision of the curriculum used to educate library professionals (Joshi,
2010). Another significant development had been witnessed, in 1972, in the form of the
establishment of the Raja Ram Mohan Library Foundation (RRRLF). The RRRLF is a
multifaceted organisation that works in many ways to improve the conditions of public
libraries in India. For instance, the RRRLF funds 28 state libraries and acts as a resource and
training centre for the creation of public libraries all over India (Ghosh, 2005).

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National Library Policy in India

It was ascertained that the pathetic condition of public libraries in India has been due
to absence of any national level body. Having realized this vacuum, a committee was set up
under the chairmanship of Prof. D.P. Chattpadhyay to formulate a National Policy on Library
& Information System (NAPLIS). The committee submitted its report in 1986. Following
that, another committee examined the report and suggested an action plan for its
implementation (Bhattacharjee, 1999). The empowerment committee submitted in 1988 and
an implementation cell was created to implement its recommendations within a period of six
months. Subsequently, a working group under the Joint Secretary was constituted to examine
its recommendations for implementation. The working group submitted its report in July
1993 and suggested implementing only 29 of 60 recommendations made by the NAPLIS
(Wani, 2008). However, level of progress from state to state is highly variable. Significantly,
some states have announced e-government projects, some have also lunched technology
literacy initiatives, but surprisingly few of them have done nothing (Nikam et al, 2004).

Table 2: Library Legislation in Indian States

S. State of Name Year of Library Legislation Act

No

1. Tamil Nadu 1948

2. Andhra Pradesh 1960

3. Karnataka 1965

4. Maharashtra 1967

5. West Bengal 1979

6. Manipur 1988

7. Haryana 1989

8. Kerala 1989

9. Mizoram 1993

10. Goa 1993

11. Odisha 2001

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12. Gujarat 2000

13. Uttaranchal 2005

14. Rajasthan 2006

15. Uttar Pradesh 2006

16. Lakshadweep 2007

17. Bihar 2008

18. Chhattisgarh 2009

19. Arunachal Pradesh 2009

Scope of the Study

India is a diversified country with the second largest population next to China and the
seventh largest country on the basis of the area (3,287,263 sq. km.). It has more than
1,210,854,977, population which is spread over the 29 states and 7 union territories.
According to Census of India, 2011 the overall literacy rate is 74.04 %.

The state of West Bengal in India is the fourth most populated state which covers
88,752 sq. km area. The total population is 91,347,736 spread over 19 districts. The literacy
rate is 77.08%. West Bengal is religiously diverse with multilingual and multicultural
population. Pre-dominant population speaks Bengali language. As per the Census of India
2011, Hindu forms the majority with over 70% of total population. Muslims are the second
largest population (27.01%). A tiny population also consists of Sikh, Christen and Buddhist in
West Bengal. After enactment of the West Bengal Public Libraries Act in 1979, there has
been a significant increase in number of public libraries in West Bengal. It is worthy pointing
out here that the Public Library System in West Bengal comprises of 12 Government
Libraries with State Central Library at the apex, 2460 Government Sponsored Libraries at
different levels, and 7 Government Aided Libraries. There exists a three-tier library system in
every districts viz. (i) Rural/Primary Unit/Area Libraries, (ii) Town/Sub-division Libraries
and (iii) District Libraries (Annual Report of the Directorate of Library Services, 2011-12).
However, the scope of the present study is limited to Murshidabad district.

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Murshidabad is one of the oldest cities in West Bengal named after the Nawab
Murshid Quli Khan. Spread over an area of 5316.11 sq. km. having 71, 02, 430 populations.
Significant population of Murshidabad is engaged in agriculture. The literacy rate of the
district is 63.88%. There are 160 public libraries in whole district of Murshidabad having
three categories with composition as one district library, 9 town/sub-division libraries and
150 rural libraries. Notably, present study covers total number of 21 libraries with 1 district
library, 5 town libraries/sub-division libraries and 15 rural libraries. Table 3 list of the name
of all surveyed libraries.

Table 3: Name of libraries covered under Study

S. No. Name of Public Libraries Status of the Year of Degree of

Library Establishment the
Library

1. Murshidabad District Library District Library DL1

1955

2. Beldanga Prasanna Kumar Main Town Town Library TL1

Library 1920

3. Ramendra Sundar Smriti Pathagar Town Library 1937 TL2

4. Lalgola M.N. Academy Public Town Library Town Library 1913 TL3

5. Bandhab Samiti Lalbagh Sub-divisional Town Library TL4

1919
Library

6. Kandi Acharyay Ramendra Sundar Sub- Town Library TL5

1963
divisional Library

7. Trimohini Progressive Union Rural Library Rural Library 1969 RL1

8. Sarbodaya Sangha Rural Library Rural Library 1967 RL2

9. Netajee Pathagar Rural Library 1948 RL3

10. Kalitala Shridurga Library Rural Library 1951 RL4

11. Sargachhi Ramkrishna Mission Library Rural Library 1897 RL5

12. Kazisaha Nazrul Library Rural Library 1967 RL6

13. Maharaja Manindra Chandra Nandi Shahar Rural Library 1998 RL7

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Granthagar

14. Bankim Chandra library Rural Library 1905 RL8

15. Raghunath Club Govt. Sponsored Rural Rural Library RL9

1971
Library

16. Raghunathpur Deshbandhu Pathagar Rural Library 1961 RL10

17. Benadaha Siraj Smriti Pathagar Rural Library 1978 RL11

18. Jitpur Public Library Rural Library 1978 RL12

19. Pashla B.K.M. Library Rural Library 1960 RL13

20. Saraswati Library Rural Library 1910 RL14

21. Mangal Jan Rural Library Rural Library 1976 RL15

Figure 1: Administrative Structure of Public Libraries in West Bengal

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Review of Related Literature

Kaur and Walia (2015) in their paper have attempted to find out collection
development and management in the public libraries in Delhi. Authors pointed out those
public libraries in Delhi are governed by the Government or its agencies and they compare
public libraries in Delhi with the international standards for public libraries. Authors have
further pointed out that the public libraries in Delhi are not making the desired efforts to
reach out the public. Wani (2008) in his paper gave an over-view of public library
development in India tracing its historical background and extending up to the present time. It
describes initiatives under taken by private foundation and by local, state and central
Government. Author has also described the characteristics of Indian society and relationship
of Indian people with the public library. The study of Serebnick and Quinn (1995) intended to
develop a method for measuring diversity of opinion in public library collection. Results of
this study strongly suggest that diversity scores may differ significantly depending on subject
area and position. Some of the results from this study are quite interesting for future
researches including the present one. Study by Nous and Roslund (2009) explored
collaborative collection development in the capital district library council public library, New
York. Authors have argued that collaborative collection development is a useful tool that has
traditionally been overlooked by public libraries. Significantly, authors have proposed a cure
for Indian public libraries which are facing economic problems. Parker as cited in Perdue and
Fleet (1999) that “money spent for books yields a capital asset in a community”. No library
can hope to have all the collection even in a specific area today. Hence, Connell (2008)
pointed out that “emphasis [must] shift from the number of core titles in the collection to the
number of unique title that a library brings to a consortium”.

Public libraries strive to meet the wide range of community needs. Alpert (2006) in
his paper discussed the growing and changing community needs in Miami-Dade Public
Library System in the USA. Author highlights a significant point that the staffs face difficulty
in the selection and catalogue materials in languages other than English. An almost same
problem exists in Bengal public libraries as staffs are familiar only with English and Bengali
language. However, sometimes books are received in languages other than these too. Jacob
(1990) in her article described that how she managed to prepare collection development plan
for Skokie Public Library. Notably, with the help of new plan, librarians and patrons could
have easy access to all policies related to collection development. Similar efforts are needed

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to be done in public libraries covered under present study. Another useful article is based on
an interview with Barbara Genco (2007), director collection development, Brooklyn Public
Library in which Barbara has explained twenty useful points regarding collection
development in a couple of subjects.

Chris Jones mentioned the importance of collection development strategy. Author

notes “A collection development strategy can provide librarian with a wealth of opportunities
to address significant issues, particularly in the digital environment”. This paper considers the
forces which are impacting on collection development. However, by and large, issues
discussed in this paper are related with the digital world (Jones, 2001). Yet another study by
the same author analysed the statistics from public libraries in New South Wales, Australia.
Highlighting the importance of weeding out books in a library, author discovers that public
libraries are prompt to refine their databases to reflect active membership. In the same way
libraries should also make efforts to inject new titles into the collections. Notably, author’s
findings could be related with any library and hence, this study is quite relevant for the
present work (Jones, 2007). Study conducted by Emojorho (2011) examined the applications
of ICT and collection management in Nigerian public libraries. Findings revealed that due to
inadequate ICT facilities, people are not able to receive any ICT related training or workshop.
Almost similar situation exist in Indian public libraries and therefore recommendations of
Emojorho’s study can also have a bearing on the surveyed libraries.

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Table 4: Total Book Collection and Annual book Budget (In US Dollar) for books in District Libraries, Town/Sub-division Libraries and Rural Libraries

S. No. Degree of 2011-2012 2012-13 2013-2014 2014-2015

the Library
Book Annual Book Annual Additional Book Annual Additional Book Annual Additional
Collection Budget Collection Budget Collection Collection Budget Collection Collection Budget Collection

1. DL1 51622 453 52825 679 1203 54242 815 1417 55431 862 1189

2. TL1 14158 330 14996 263 838 15599 326 603 16159 313 560

3. TL2 16212 242 16904 241 692 17611 281 707 17978 223 367

4. TL3 16535 230 17123 252 588 17763 300 640 18383 310 640

5. TL4 10516 199 11235 374 719 11845 257 610 12304 265 459

6. TL5 11451 200 12197 205 746 12991 358 794 13631 383 640

7. RL1 5494 91 5786 91 292 6125 120 339 6379 95 254

8. RL2 2550 107 2734 108 184 3114 113 380 3384 131 270

9. RL3 4423 127 4686 91 263 4912 94 226 5227 140 315

10. RL4 2991 107 3276 92 285 3537 91 261 3789 102 250

11. RL5 6156 117 6421 122 265 6728 98 307 6993 95 265

12. RL6 4709 95 4939 99 230 5146 78 207 5376 101 230

13. RL7 4358 103 4612 83 254 4856 74 244 5112 112 256

14. RL8 5836 80 6145 104 309 6354 94 209 6684 151 330

15. RL9 4825 86 5016 94 191 5314 101 298 5609 132 295

16. RL10 5430 74 5795 77 365 6098 91 303 6415 135 317

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17. RL11 4722 65 4945 83 223 5156 88 211 5440 122 284

18. RL12 5612 85 5892 93 280 6116 102 224 6392 116 276

19. RL13 4532 79 4987 123 475 5214 95 227 5435 104 221

20. RL14 6015 95 6345 112 330 6723 110 378 7013 128 290

21. RL15 5111 82 5312 86 201 5587 86 275 5873 99 286

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Table 5: Availability of non-book materials in District Library, Town/Sub-division Libraries

and Rural Libraries

S. Degree of Maps/Atlas Video CDs/DVDs Any

No. the Library cassettes other

1. DL1 9 --- 25 1

2. TL1 6 15 150 ---

3. TL2 12 --- 21 ---

4. TL3 4 --- 11 ---`

5. TL4 6 --- 19 ---

6. TL5 5 --- 15 ---

7. RL1 2 --- --- ---

8. RL2 2 --- --- ---

9. RL3 --- --- 4 ---

10. RL4 5 --- --- ---

11. RL5 1 --- 4 ---

12. RL6 3 --- --- ---

13. RL7 2 --- --- ---

14. RL8 1 --- --- ---

15. RL9 7 --- 5 ---

16. RL10 4 --- --- ---

17. RL11 2 --- --- ---

18. RL12 1 --- 2 ---

19. RL13 3 --- --- ---

20. RL14 2 --- --- ---

21. RL15 2 --- --- ---

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Methodology
Data for the present study has been collected through survey method. One of the
investigators has personally visited each library and distributed questionnaires among the
staff of the library. Investigator found attitude of staff of all libraries quite positive. They
enthusiastically filled-in questionnaires. Although, the questionnaire was designed to be
exhaustive, some points were added later. Notably, this area could not be covered in
sufficient detail due to lack of information. Notably, this was mainly in case of various events
being organised by surveyed libraries. Furthermore, interaction with the staff has removed
doubts regarding some terms used in the questionnaires. It was found that this interaction
helped staff to understand some questions. Thus, this interaction has brought objectivity in
the study. Apart from questionnaire and interaction, official records like invoices, gazettes
have also been consulted. Investigator has also taken some snapshots of receipts related to
payments and accounts available in offices of these public libraries.

Findings of the Study

Selection and Acquisition of Books

During the month of November and December, each library informs their users to
come up with their suggestions regarding procurement of new books. Subsequently,
suggestions are noted down in registers maintained by each library. Later on, in a central
meeting consists of library committee members and representative from state government
short list the books from the wish list as per the availability of funds. Since, Murshidabad is a
Muslim dominated area, and books related to Islam are given top priority in the selection
process. Notably, many Non-Muslims also read these books with interest. Another criteria
followed in the selection of the books is to procure books which have won national and
International awards. Also, preference is given to those books which are suggested by more
number of users.

Library Collection in Bengali Language

Public libraries in Bengal are having approximately 80% of their collection in Bengali
language. English collection range between 10-15%. Rest of the collection is available in
Hindi and Urdu languages. Among these languages, Hindi books are usually those which are
donated by Raja Rammohan Roy Library Foundation, Kolkata as discussed elsewhere in the
paper. Very few books are available in Urdu language too which are read by old persons.

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As far as availability of non-book material is concerned, the number of subscribed

magazines in District Library (DL1) and Beldanga Town Library (TL1) are more in English
than Bengali language. This owe to the fact that both this libraries are urban-based with more
number of English- knowing people. Moreover, subscribed magazines essentially carry
articles useful for preparations of competitive examination. These magazines are therefore
consulted by convent educated youth preparing for civil services and other competitive
examinations. However, same pattern is not seen in case of newspapers as users prefer to read
newspapers in vernacular languages. On being asked, they revealed that they read newspapers
for news items and hardly read editorial or literary columns.

Donations from Raja Rammohan Roy Library Foundation

RRRLF is a central autonomous organization financed by the Ministry of Culture,

Government of India. RRRLF is the nodal agency of the government of India to support
public library services and systems and promote public library movement in the country
commensurate with the objectives as embodied in its Memorandum of Association. Raja
Rammohan Roy Library Foundation is listed under the Societies Registration Act of 1961 of
West Bengal. RRRLF is to function as a promotional agency, an advisory and consultancy
organization, a funding body of public library development in India. Significantly, each
library receives 30-40 books in each year from RRRLF in Hindi language. It is done for the
promotion of Hindi which is the official language of India.

Donations from Member of Legislative Assembly

Murshidabad district is having 22 Members of Legislative Assembly (MLA).

Significantly, some of the MLA donates ten thousands Indian rupees to town/sub-division
libraries and five thousands Indian rupees to rural libraries. Significantly, this amount is
utilized this for the purchase of text-books with aim to support poor students studying in
standard VIII right up to graduation. Some of the beneficiary students reported that due to
their humble background, they were unable to purchase books prescribed in their syllabi.
However, availability of these text-books in respective public libraries has played a notable
role in carrying on their studies.

Library Collection with Respect to Population

Table 7 shows the ratio of the book collection to the population of each area. This
table also displays ranking of surveyed libraries. As per IFLA/UNESCO Public Library

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Guidelines, collections should be between 2 to 3 items per capita (IFLA/UNESCO, 2010).

However, only four libraries i.e. RL1, RL14, RL13 and RL4 have adequate book collection
for total population. Notably, these all four libraries are in rural areas of Murshidabad.
Reasons for having more book collection are three: first, these four libraries have submitted
proposals for releasing special grants due to overwhelming demands from their users.
Second, Member of Legislative Assemblies of these area have donated more funds in
comparison to others. Third, greater number of gifts items has been received by these
libraries.

Table 6: Library Membership with Respect to Population of Different Regions of

Murshidabad District

S. Degree of Location Name of Library Membership Total Ratio

No Library the Library Population
Children Adult Adult Total
Male Female

1. DL1 Berhampore 1635 3635 2422 7692 195,223 0.03

2. TL1 Beldanga 494 683 165 1342 29,205 0.04

3. TL2 Kandi 944 1640 422 3006 55,632 0.05

4. TL3 Lalgola 448 670 215 1333 31,698 0.04

5. TL4 Lalbagh 433 291 93 817 23,425 0.03

6. TL5 Kandi 591 1129 440 2160 55,632 0.03

7. RL1 Trimohini 73 373 27 473 8,838 0.05

8. RL2 Jhowbana 55 150 07 212 8,785 0.02

9. RL3 Patikabari 42 250 70 362 11,232 0.03

10. RL4 Kalitala 126 169 25 320 1,549 0.20

11. RL5 Sargachhi 549 316 122 987 11,793 0.08

12. RL6 Kazisaha 236 110 88 434 6,459 0.06

13. RL7 Khagra 122 310 151 583 13,489 0.04

14. RL8 Gorabazar 56 401 115 572 5,200 0.11

15. RL9 Choa 284 790 210 1284 17,672 0.07

16. RL10 Kanapara 295 132 20 447 1,578 0.28

17. RL11 Benadaha 07 262 84 353 15,114 0.02

18. RL12 Jitpur 72 432 207 711 11,016 0.06

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19. RL13 Pashla 105 259 193 557 2,084 0.26

20. RL14 Mahishal 112 304 84 500 2,144 0.23

21. RL15 Kanupur 117 395 102 614 3,108 0.19

Table 7: Ratio and Ranking of Book Collection and Population

S. No. Degree of the Location Name Total book Total Ratio Rank
Library of the Library collection population

1. RL10 Kanapara 6615 1,578 4.19 1

2. RL14 Mahishal 7013 2,144 3.27 2

3. RL13 Pashla 5335 2,084 2.55 3

4. RL4 Kalitala 3569 1,549 2.30 4

5. RL15 Kanupur 5773 3,108 1.85 5

6. RL8 Gorabazar 7223 5,200 1.38 6

7. RL6 Kazisaha 5276 6,459 0.81 7

8. RL1 Trimohini 6379 8,838 0.72 8

9. RL5 Sargachhi 6893 11,793 0.58 9

10. TL3 Lalgola 18083 31,698 0.57 10

11. RL12 Jitpur 6292 11,016 0.57 11

12. TL1 Beldanga 15759 29,205 0.53 12

13. TL4 Lalbagh 12204 23,425 0.52 13

14. RL3 Patikabari 4836 11,232 0.43 14

15. RL7 Khagra 5012 13,489 0.37 15

16. RL11 Benadaha 5340 15,114 0.35 16

17. RL2 Jhowbana 2984 15,436 0.34 17

18. TL2 Kandi 17878 55,632 0.32 18

19. RL9 Choa 5509 17,672 0.31 19

20. DL1 Berhampore 53816 195,223 0.27 20

21. TL5 Kandi 13631 55,632 0.24 21

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Library Book Collection with Respect to Membership

Table 8 analyse data about ratio of book collection with respect to membership and
provides rankings of all 21 surveyed libraries. Notably, calculated ratio is based on the
proposed IFLA/UNESCO Public Library Guidelines as established collection should be
between 2 to 3 items per capita (Queensland Public Library Guidelines). Table 8 shows that
RL 11 has the highest ratio with 15.12 and RL 9 has the least ratio at 4.29. If we further
group these libraries with range below 10 and above 10, there are nine libraries where ratio
ranges between 4.29 and 9.57. In these nine libraries, six are rural, one each town/ sub-
division library. Incidentally, district library (DL1) also falls in the same group. Another
group consists of twelve libraries having nine rural, three town/sub-division libraries.

Group with more than ten ratios are having areas where information literacy rate is
high and many philanthropist stays in these areas. It was brought into notice that these
philanthropists have donated substantial number of books. Similarly, member of legislative
assemblies have also donated more number of books in these public libraries. As far as RL11,
which occupies top position, some of active Muslim organizations have donated large
number of books in order to bring literacy among significant Muslim population residing in
these areas.

Table 8: Ratio of Book Collection with Membership

S. Name of the Surveyed Library Degree of Total Total book Ratio Rank
No. Library Library collection
Membership

1. Benadaha Siraj Smriti Pathagar RL11 353 5340 15.12 1

2. Bandhab Samiti Lalbagh Sub- TL4 817 12204 14.93 2

divisional Library

3. Kalitala Shridurga Library RL10 447 6615 14.79 3

4. Sarbodaya Sangha Rural Library RL2 212 2984 14.07 4

5. Bankim Chandra library RL14 500 7013 14.02 5

6. Lalgola M.N. Academy Public TL3 1333 18083 13.56 6

Town Library

7. Trimohini Progressive Union RL1 473 6379 13.48 7

Rural Library

8. Netajee Pathagar RL3 362 4836 13.35 8

9. Bankim Chandra library RL8 572 7223 12.62 9

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10. Kazisaha Nazrul Library RL6 434 5276 12.15 10

11. Beldanga Prasanna Kumar Main TL1 1342 15759 11.74 11

Town Library

12. Kalitala Shridurga Library RL4 320 3569 11.15 12

13. Pashla B.K.M. Library RL13 557 5335 9.57 13

14. Mangal Jan Rural Library RL15 614 5773 9.40 14

15. Jitpur Public Library RL12 711 6292 8.84 15

16. Maharaja Manindra Chandra RL7 583 5012 8.59 16

Nandi Shahar Granthagar

17. Murshidabad District Library DL1 7692 53816 6.99 17

18. Sargachhi Ramkrishna Mission RL5 987 6893 6.98 18

Library

19. Kandi Acharyay Ramendra TL5 2160 13631 6.31 19

Sundar Sub-divisional Library

20. Ramendra Sundar Smriti Pathagar TL2 3006 17878 5.94 20

Shahar Granthagar

21. Raghunath Club Govt. Sponsored RL9 1284 5509 4.29 21

Rural Library

Discussion

During almost four decades, since the West Bengal Public Library Act has been
passed, the government of West Bengal paid attention for the collection development
programme in all levels of public library system. As shown in table 4, collection size has
increased moderately during the period of 2011-2015. Availability of non-book materials of
district library, town/sub-division libraries, and rural libraries are also good. However, with
the changing environment, user expectation also get changed. Therefore, collection
development should be build-up as per the community needs. In this era of wide use of
Internet, public libraries should also procure web sources as pointed out by Jones (2001). The
collection of public library should also heterogeneous as homogeneous collection does not
attract public. Furthermore, due to budget constraints, public libraries are not able to serve the
needs of users in Murshidabad district. Therefore, there is an urgent need to arrange finances
from other sources to avoid the loss of users. This arrangement is more needed during
difficult economic times as pointed out by Nous and Roslund (2009).

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It is also important to convince notable personalities and philanthropist for more

donations and gifts to the public libraries so that information literacy rate can be improved.
Though, collection in all the surveyed libraries falls in accordance with the IFLA Public
Library Guidelines, nevertheless, and collection of digital materials is totally absent in all the
surveyed libraries. Significantly, library collection with respect to population is quite
satisfactory in all 21 surveyed libraries. However, these libraries should also refine their
borrower databases to reflect active membership as suggested by Jones (2007). Finally, it is
suggested through this study that public libraries in West Bengal should also pay attention to
implement information technology in order to boost-up services.

Conclusion

The West Bengal Public Library System (WBPLU) is a four-tier with State Central
Library at the apex and Rural libraries at the bottom. District library and Town/Sub-division
libraries comes in between State Central library and rural libraries. Murshidabad district is
having 21 libraries comprising district, town/sub-division and rural libraries. Pre-dominant
collection in these libraries is in Bengali language. As far as collection is concerned, only
four libraries are having collection in accordance with IFLA/UNESCO Public Library
Guidelines, 2010. Incidentally, all these libraries are located in rural areas. However, all 21
surveyed libraries are having adequate book collection with respect to membership.
Variations in growth of book collection owes to substantial donations by philanthropists and
member of legislative assemblies from these areas. However, it has been observed that
allocation of budget to these libraries is quite meagre and hence, substantial increase is
needed in this age of high inflation. Finding of this study shows that growth in the collection
is related with the print documents. Unfortunately, electronic documents in all surveyed
libraries are having no presence. In addition to that, collection of international language such
as English should be developed further in order to provide its exposure to local population.
Further, in this era of ICT, no serious efforts have been made to automate these libraries.

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