Jharkhand State library: A boon to students preparing for competitive exam

RANCHI: The state library has proved to be a boon to students who are preparing for competitive examinations.

More than 500 such students can be seen in the library anytime of the day. The library has had many students clearing various competitive examinations without tuition and good reading materials needed for these examinations.

Kailash Kumar, a student, said, "My brother used to come to this library regularly and study. Currently, he holds a good post in a bank. Now I have started coming here to study as I am also preparing for competitive examinations." Kailash said the advantage of studying in the library is that his friends, who also visit the library, help him clear any doubts that he may have and vice-versa. "There is absolutely no need for extra tuition," he said.

The main reason behind students going to the library to study is the peaceful and study-friendly environment it offers. "When I see people around me studying it motivates me. I have even formed my own study group. We discuss whatever problem we may have in studies," said Mohit who is preparing for the UPSC civil services examinations.

Students also prefer the state library as it is cheaper than any other library in the city. Manoj, who a member of the library, said, "I have to pay only Rs 25 annually and Rs 50 as security money in return for good environment where I can study for hours together without being disturbed. It is affordable for people like me who are not financially strong."

Although the library offers a good environment, the lack of updated and properly maintained books is a problem. "Many times I can't find the book I need as there is no catalogue available in the library. Another problem which we face here is that the library do not have new books."

Amarnath Jha, the librarian in-charge, said: "The lack of adequate number of staff is the biggest problem in arranging the books. Moreover, as there is no catalogue available in the library, managing the books has become difficult."

As many books are unavailable in the library, many students usually bring their own reading materials. As for keeping themselves updated with current affairs they get the daily newspapers and monthly magazines in the library itself.

Sanjeev Kumar, a member, said, "We get almost a dozen newspapers and almost three dozen latest magazines to prepare for the examination. Many people I know have cleared several competitive examinations by studying the materials available here."

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