Public Libraries of India: Where Do We Stand?

Abstract

Libraries are the backbone of a civilization. They help in creating and cultivating a habit of reading among students. They are the curators of the nation’s cultural heritage, and a developmental yardstick. Society can only grow economically, socially and politically if people have access to libraries. The establishment, maintenance and sustenance of the growth of libraries requires strong willpower in terms of authority and governmental action. A network of libraries can be created in the country with the help of the Library Act, but the current scenario is different. This paper reviews and compares the public libraries of India with those of the USA in terms of services, expenditure and status.