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Monday, April 30, 2012

Libsys very soon in Allahabad University's Central Library


ALLAHABAD: Are you tired of searching your favourite book from more than six lakh books located at the Central Library of Allahabad, theAllahabad University comes up with a solution. Just click the mouse button and locate the book you want. The authorities of the Central library of AU would soon be procuring the hi-tech version of the software called Libsys which will not only help locate the book for the user but also keep the detailed information pertaining to the record of the book concerned. 

With the latest version of this software working at the library, any user has to just come to the reference section of the library and the computer would tell the user where to locate the particular book, be it the stack of the central library, libraries located at different departments, reading section etc. Not only this, the software will also serve as the bibliography of the book concerned keeping all the records associated with the given book. 

"We are already working on the software but in the coming days, we would be getting the latest version of the software after which we can not only locate the book but can also tell if the book is issued to someone or for that matter how many times the book has been issued etc as we can install the system called RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) technology which helps in keeping records of lending, borrowing and shelving status of items such as books, along with the locating the book would be much easier", said librarian, Dr A P Gakhar. Moreover, the library authorities are feeding the data regarding the books purchased after 2002 and the same is being fed in the computer which would later on be telling the exact location of the desired book, he added. The best help that RFID would be providing us is that any book can be easily located along with the issuing history of the book as we can keep the exact record of the book, he added. 



The authorities of Central Library has also initiated the process for procuring a 'Blade Sever' after which the latest and more hi-tech version of Libsys will get functional in the library. Sources say that the main problem being faced by the library authority is of cataloguing the books that were purchased before 2002 as the books that were purchased after 2002 have been properly catalogued and can be easily located. Thus, the authorities would soon start cataloguing the books procured before 2002 by outsourcing the same. 

"We have asked the departments also to prepare the data of the books kept in the departmental library which would in turn be fed along with that being prepared at the central library", said thedeputy librarian B K Singh

Once the data would be accumulated, any user can find the location of the book with just a click of the mouse, despite the fact that the specific book is kept at the central library or at departments. "We have mentioned a particular call number to every book which is identification of the specific piece and as such easy to locate it", said Singh. 

Remarkably, the data fed in the main server would also be attached to the internet, after which any user, sitting in any of the distant library of the country, can find the book on internet. "But this does not mean that the distant users can get the access to the books", said Singh. 

"This is just the beginning of our plan to make the central library fully digitise after which the age old functioning of the library will witness a phenomenal change all set to give a new meaning for the users", said Dr AP Gakhar, librarian of varsity central library. 

With the latest version of this software working at the library, any user has to just come to the reference section of the library and the computer would tell the user where to locate the particular book, be it the stack of the central library, libraries located at different departments, reading section etc.

This summer, libraries get children hooked to reading

CHENNAI: On the glass wall of theHippocampus library in Adyar is a tree that seems to be growing almost every day, leaf by leaf. Called the reading tree, the paper cutout is the library's attempt to get children interested in reading. 

"If a child wants to recommend a book, he or she writes down the book title along with their name on a leaf and stick it on the wall, adding to the reading tree," says Chandni Khanna, director, Hippocampus Children's Co. 

The library also has plans to organise 'book picnics', where families will be brought in to "feast on books that are age-appropriate". "We are trying to get children interested in reading, especially now that summer vacations are here and it is too hot to go out during the day," says Khanna. 

And summer's not the only reason to get hooked to reading. With libraries popping up across the city, many of them online, borrowing of books has become hassle-free. "It's simple - you log in, become a member, pay your one-time fee and order books, which are delivered at your doorstep," says Amrutash Misra, of iloveread.in, an online library. Memberships are also quite cheap with a few libraries charging as little as Rs 100 a month. 

"When books are delivered home, there is no need to postpone reading," says Raji Divakar of bookandborrow.com, whose library has come up with special offers for children in the summer break. "It is helpful for children and older people who may not be able to get around on their own and for working people who may not find time to head to the library," she says. 

Vinay Grandhi, who runs the Just Books lending library in Indira Nagar says the trick is to make the system simple enough for a child to use. "Just Books runs on a franchise model and there are 58 across the country where you can swipe your card and borrow books," says Grandhi. The library functions almost like an ATM and members can place their card and books on a specially designed kiosk which reads the data and updates the system. 

This summer, on almost every Saturday, S Supraja, who runs an organisation called 'The Winners', is organising reading workshops. "Schools tend to focus on academic books and so summer vacations are a good time to get children to enjoy reading," says Supraja. "But reading is also about exploring the child's interests and we use these workshops and connect with the parents on what their child wants to read," she adds.

Friday, April 27, 2012

No social networking at digital library

CHANDIGARH: Accessing the digital library at Panjab University's A C Joshi library would now mean serious business, as social networking sites and personal mail accounts have been blocked. Research scholars used to line up to access academic journals at digital library, while students continued social networking at leisure, so far.

Hardly a deterrent for offenders in past, even a notice put up, stating "accessing your mails or other websites/chatting is not allowed," did not serve purpose.

"Blocking the sites will ensure that non-serious students do not occupy the terminals for long. Even the notice put up in past did not work. It's a big relief for MPhil and Phd students and a welcome move," says Chavi Garg, a PU research scholar.

While this library houses a mammoth range of at least 5,000 online full text journals and more than 225 journals as part of print journals subscription, the misuse of computer terminals at digital library had been a perpetual scene in past.

"We asked the computer centre to block all frivolous sites and internet access on terminals meant for academic work," says Raj Kumar, librarian, AC Joshi library.

Recently, a library staff during a surprise visit caught five out of 10 students accessing a popular social networking website at the digital library, while several research scholars had lined up to access the systems.

"We have been issuing warning to students. Blocking the websites is the only option," said a library staff member.

National Conference on “Trends in Developing and Managing e-Resources in Libraries” at Visvesvaraya Technological University

Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) is organizing National Conference on “Trends in Developing and Managing e-Resources in Libraries”, scheduled to be held on 25th & 26th May, 20012.
 Conference Theme: “Trends in Developing and Managing e-Resources in Libraries”.:-
 The following sub themes have been identified but not limited to them for submitting the papers
 Ø  Types of e-resources and its utilities;
Ø  Mandatory requirement v/s subscription of e-resources,;
Ø  Policies, selection and budgeting of e-resources;
Ø  Latest trends in collection development of e-resources;
Ø  Competitive skills and techniques of professionals in organizing e-resources;
Ø  Tools and techniques in organizing e-resources;
Ø  Organization of e-resources using Open Sources Software (OSS);
Ø  Need for management of e-resources;
Ø  Challenges, methods and impacts of e-resources;
Ø  Strategic planning and management of e-resources;
Ø  Provision to access virtual e-resources;
Ø  Effective usage of e-resources;
Ø  Optimum usage of e-resources;
Ø  Access patterns of e-resources using remote web portals;
Ø  Selecting patterns of e-resources for academic/research pursuits.
Who can Participate?
Library and Information professionals working in academic institutions, R & D Centers, Corporate and Public Libraries.


Important Dates
Paper Submission Deadline  : 30-04-2012
Notification of Acceptance   : 10-05-2012
Last Date for Registration      : 15-05-2012
Participation Fees
Library Professional          :  Rs. 500/-
Students of LIS Schools    : Rs. 300/-



 Accommodation:-
                Accommodation will be provided on request in VTU Campus.

Organizing secretory
Dr. K.R. Mulla

Librarian, Visvesvaraya Technological University,
“Jnana Sangama” Belgaum-590 018, Karnataka.
+91-9449873452 (M), +91-9448031969 (M)
+91-831-2498191 (O) +91-831-2498192 (Fax)

Project Assistant (at the Department of Library and Information Science, University of Delhi):

 Applications are invited for one Project Assistant position to work on the major research project entitled Design and development of Web-based Database of Aerospace Testing Facilities available in India sponsored by Aeronautics R&D Board, DRDO, Ministry of Defence, Delhi.
Project Assistant (at the Department of Library and Information Science, University of Delhi):
Minimum qualifications: Highly motivated Master’s degree in Library & Information Science/Computer Science with 55% marks from a recognized university. Practical experience and knowledge of Content Management Systems, Relational Database Management Systems, Hypertext Pre-Processor (PHP) and Web technologies are encouraged to apply. The initial appointment is for one year, but, extendable up to two years. Monthly salary:  Rs. 12,000/- consolidated.
Interested candidates may directly apply, along with their Resume with self attested photocopies of certificates/mark sheets, other testimonials and passport size photograph, to Dr. M. Madhusudhan, Department of Library and Information Science, North Campus, II Floor, Tutorial Building, University of Delhi, Delhi‐110007. Last date for applications is May 14, 2012. Shortlisted candidates will be called for an interview. No TA/DA will be provided to candidates for attending the interview.
For more information please contact:
Dr. M. Madhusudhan
Department of Library and Information Science
North Campus, II Floor
Tutorial Building
University of Delhi
Delhi‐110007
Email: mmadhu@libinfosci.du.ac.in

National Workshop on Design and Development of Digital Libraries using DSPACE”

The  Galgotias Business School, Greater Noida in association with Ranganathan Society for Social Welfare and Library Development (RSSWLD) is going to organize a “National Workshop on Design and Development of Digital Libraries using DSPACE” during May 25-27,2012.


The venue will be Galgotias Business School , 1, Knowledge Park II, Greater Noida – 201 306 . Professionals are requested to participate in the workshop and make it grand success. 


For Workshop Brochure and registration form, Contact the Organising Secretary, 
Mr. Shamsu Zama Khan
Galgotias Business School 
Ph: 0120 – 4513860/1, 
Mobile: 9910641070, 
Email: shamsajju@gmail.com

PRE AND MAINS EXAMINATIONS FOR THE POST OF JUNIOR LIBRARY ASSISTANT, LOK SABHA SECRETARIAT

PARLIAMENT OF INDIA
(JOINT RECRUITMENT CELL)

ISSUE OF CALL LETTERS FOR PRELIMINARY AND MAIN EXAMINATIONS FOR THE POST OF JUNIOR LIBRARY ASSISTANT (VACANCIES NOTIFIED VIDE ADVT. NO. 4/2011- SPECIAL RECRUITMENT DRIVE)
1. The Preliminary and Main Examinations for the post of Junior Library Assistant [(Special Recruitment Drive) (vacancies notified vide advertisement no. 4/2011)] will be held on Sunday, 27 May, 2012 at Delhi only.
2. Admit Cards/Call Letters to the eligible candidates are being issued separately.
3. Those eligible candidates who do not receive their call letter by 15 May, 2012 may contact Joint Recruitment Cell on telephone nos. 23034521/23035564.

Thursday, April 26, 2012

किताबों की खरीद में करोड़ों का घपला

कोलकाता: सरकारी कोष से देश भर में पुस्तकालयों के लिए किताबें खरीदने का मानक तय करनेवाले राजा राममोहन राय पुस्तकालय प्रतिष्ठान पर मिलीभगत से पुस्तकों की खरीद-बिक्री का गंभीर आरोप लगा है.
अखिल भारतीय हिंदी प्रकाशक संघ ने इस संबंध में केंद्रीय मंत्री और विभिन्न सरकारी विभागों का ध्यान आकर्षित करते हुए कहा है कि हाल में पुस्तकालयों में पुस्तकों की खरीद के लिए आवंटित करोड़ों रुपये नियमों को ताक पर रख कर कुछ प्रकाशकों और सरकारी अधिकारियों की जेब में पहुंचाये गये हैं.
पुस्तकालयों के लिए पुस्तकों का चयन करनेवाली कमेटी के कुछ सदस्य भी संदेह के घेरे में हैं. राजा राम मोहन राय पुस्तकालय प्रतिष्ठान की स्थापना 1972 में केंद्र सरकार के संस्कृति मंत्रलय द्वारा की गयी थी. राज्य सरकारों, केंद्र शासित प्रदेशों के प्रशासनों व संस्थानों के सहयोग से देश भर में लाइब्रेरी परिसेवा का विस्तार करना ही इसका लक्ष्य तय किया गया है.
पुस्तकों की खरीद के लिए हर वर्ष इसमें केंद्रीय चयन समिति की बैठक होती है. इसके जरिये निर्धारित करीब 10 करोड़ रुपये के बजट से खरीदी जानेवाली पुस्तकों की सूची को अंतिम रूप दिया जाता है. अधिकतर राज्य सरकारें भी पुस्तकालयों और वाचनालयों के लिए पुस्तकों की खरीद के लिए राजा राममोहन राय लाइब्रेरी फाउंडेशन के ही नियमों का पालन करती हैं. फाउंडेशन की चयन समिति की 41वीं बैठक गत वर्ष नौ व 10 दिसंबर को कोलकाता में हुई थी. बैठक में इसके 16 में से 11 सदस्य उपस्थित थे. बैठक में जो फैसले लिये गये उस पर सवाल उठ रहे हैं.

डिजिटल जमाने में दम तोड़ रहे है पुस्तकालय


बुलंदशहर : सूचना प्रौद्योगिकी के दौर में पुस्तकालयों की स्थिति बदहाल है। लैपटॉप और टेबलेट कंप्यूटर के क्रेजी युवा पीढ़ी 'गूगल' एवं ऑनलाइन लाइब्रेरी पर भरोसा कर रही है। घर बैठे किंडल से मनपसंद उपन्यास और किताबें पढ़ रहे हैं। दूसरा पहलू यह भी है कि पुस्तकालय एवं बाचनलयों में साहित्यिक एवं वैचारिक बहस-मंथन का माहौल भी अब नहीं रहा। सरकारी एवं निजी पुस्तकालयों की रौनक लगातार कम हो रही है।
डिजिटल जमाने में पुस्तकालय दम तोड़ रहे हैं। इसके दो कारण है। पहला कि सूचना प्रौद्योगिकी के दौर में 'गूगल', 'एमएसएन' जैसे सर्च इंजन और ऑनलाइन लाइब्रेरी पुस्तकालय के विकल्प बन गए है। माउस पर एक क्लिक करने से सूचना का संसार हाजिर हो जाता है। वहीं दूसरा कारण है युवाओं में साहित्यिक पत्र-पत्रिकाओं, पुस्तक आदि को लेकर रुझान कम हुआ है। जमाना था जब पुस्तकालयों में युवा कार्ल मा‌र्क्स और गांधी पर बहस करते नजर आते थे। मा‌र्क्सवाद, पूंजीवाद, गांधीवाद आदि पर लंबी-चौड़ी बौद्धिक बहस होती थी। अब ऐसा नहीं दिख रहा है।
जनपद के अधिकांश पुस्तकालयों की रौनक फीकी हो गई। नगर के राजेबाबू रोड स्थित राजकीय पुस्तकालयों में गत एक दशक पूर्व लोग रोजना 130-150 किताबें इश्यू कराते थे। घर ले जाते और पढ़ने के बाद लौटाते थे। अब तो महीने भर में 65 पुस्तकें लोग घर ले जा रहे हैं।
राजकीय पुस्तकालय में फणीश्वर नाथ रेणु की मैला आंचल पढ़ रहे 65 वर्षीय डा. डीके शर्मा कहते हैं वह गत डेढ़ दशक से इस पुस्तकालय से जुड़े हैं। जमाना था जब रीडिंग टेबल पर दर्जनों लोग नजर आते थे। कुर्सियां कम पड़ जाती थी। अब तो गाहे-बगाहे की तीन-चार लोग एक साथ दिखते हैं।
डीएवी पीजी कालेज के प्राचार्य डा. एके शर्मा ने बताया कि इंटरनेट ने दुनियां बदल दी है। अब पुस्तकालयों में जाना जरूरी नहीं है। लैपटॉप खोलिए हर पुस्तक मौजूद है। इसका भी असर हुआ है।
समाजशास्त्री डा. केके सक्सेना की राय कुछ अलग है। उनका कहना है कि साहित्य, कला, बौद्धिक चर्चा का जो माहौल पहले था, अब नहीं है। बच्चों को पहली कक्षा से ही सिखाया जा रहा है कि उसे डाक्टर बनना है या इंजीनियर। करियर को लेकर अंधी दौड़ है। सबसे महत्वपूर्ण मोटी कमाई वाली नौकरी हो गई है। साहित्य के प्रति लोगों में ललक कम हुई है।

Library sans space in Jayanagar


BANGALORE: Books enhances a person’s knowledge, while libraries encourages one to get involved in reading, as there is calm, peace and silence maintained in its surroundings. But libraries are not free of problems. One such library is the City Central Library in Jayanagar 5th Block, although well-maintained, but it lacks space.
The library has over 60,000 books belonging to different subjects and languages. Library Assistant Savitramma S N said that the library lacks space to accommodate new books. “We are provided with minimum 4,000 to maximum 5,000 books. In a year, we get 3-4 times more the number of books. So, we lack space to place the books in order, making it easier for the readers to pick it up,” she added. Savitramma also said that the same copies of books are listed out, and if there are new libraries coming up in the city then, those copies are supplied according to the instructions of the authorities.
“We have fewer copies of English novels and academic related books. But those are the books which are in demand and not supplied to our library. Readers also demand Kannada novelist, Byrappa’s novels but there are hardly any copies here.” The library is well-maintained with respect to cleanliness. As the library is located in a residential area and next to a park, where the� lush green environment provides a calm and peaceful ambience for the readers to involve themselves in reading. “Earlier, we had parking problems. But now the readers park their vehicles close to the park,” said she.
The library also lacks staff. This library has just a library in-charge and a cleaner, who is paid a voucher payment. “It is difficult to manage during those times when books are supplied to the library. Since I am the only person to look after the library, responsibility lies on me to list out the books, issue books to the readers and also keep track of the newspaper section. When I am on leave, the library has to be shut down,” she said.
Prakash M, a regular vistor of this library and also preparing for his CA examination said that he spends over three hours a day in this library. “There are books which are related to the basics of commerce subject and it is calm and quiet here,” he concluded.

Barkas to go tech-savvy, works for e-library to start soon (Hyderabad)



HYDERABAD: Winds of change are being felt in several Old City areas and Barkas is no exception. Though development had taken a backseat in Barkas for decades, things are all set to change. A swanky e-library is on the cards in this neighbourhood where more children, both boys and girls, are now going to schools and colleges than in the past.


Locals, the Arab-Indian populace of Barkas, share that they are indeed witnessing the change taking place. "We don't have the statistics. But we can tell you that now we have engineers and doctors and other professionals from this locality," Khalid bin Abdullah, a middle-aged businessman, said.



It was in 2011 that the residents of Barkas voiced their demand for a library. A survey by local leaders in collaboration with civil society organizations of 2000 households conducted in the area shed light on the demands of the residents. Among those was a demand for a new library with facilities for the tech-savvy youngsters of the area. When chief minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy visited Barkas last year during the Rachabanda, foundation stone for the e-library was laid. But the proposal has taken a year to finally translate into work.



Ayesha Rubina, GHMC co-option member associated with ward development in Barkas, said that work on the library would be starting soon. "Earlier it was not clear if GHMC officials or the officials of the Directorate of Public Libraries would take up the work. That has now been resolved. The officials of the libraries department are set to take up construction and management of the library at an estimated cost of Rs 50 lakh. Work is likely to begin in two weeks," she said. It would take about a year for the new library to start functioning, she added.



The new library will come up in the vicinity of the Barkas football ground where an old library exists. For decades now, the residents of Barkas, Chandrayangutta and surrounding areas have had to contend with the existing library which is in a crumbling state with the books in dire need of restoration.



Rubina said that the new library is expected to start operations with 15 computers and access to online library database.



"We have few tentative plans as to how the e-library would function under the aegis of the public libraries officials but the details will be worked out after the infrastructure is in place. More books will be procured and restoration of old books will also be considered," she said.

Monday, April 23, 2012

A tribute to Khuda Bakhsh

The founder of the world famous Oriental Public Library Patna

WORLD BOOK DAY 23RD APRIL BY DR. ABDUL MAJID BABA

When the world is celebrating World Book Day, let us pay our tribute to Khuda Bakhsh Khan Founder of Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Public Library Patna Bihar. This Library is considered as Treasure House of Muslim Art and Literature. Established in 1891, the Library –The product of a Bibliophile’s labour of love- boasts of one of the world’s richest collections of rare books, manuscripts and original paintings, each an outstanding example of the best of Muslim art and literature. It enshrines the memory of scholars and kings long gone, of causes lost and won, and of a vibrant culture which in its time had a profound influence and inspired some of the greatest master pieces.
 Today it is an institution of national importance having been declared so by the Government of India which took over control of the Library by an Act of Parliament in 1969. It houses thousands of Urdu, Persian and Arabic manuscripts - the world’s second largest collection, after the one at the Istanbul Public Library (Turkey).
 Khuda Bakhsh Khan was born into a highly educated family of North Bihar, one of whose members, it is said, assisted in compiling the Fatwa-i-Alamgiri, the institutes of Aurangzeb. Khuda Bakhsh’s father, Mohammad Bakhsh, an advocate and a scholar, had built up a valuable collection of about 1400 Books, some of which he had inherited, these he bequeathed to his son with a death bed wish that they be made the nucleus of a great collection which would foster oriental learning. The son, with no patrimony other than these volumes, established the Library in 1891 in Patna and by a deed of trust “donated” the entire collection to the public.  Then called the Patna Oriental Public Library, it was renamed after Khuda Bakhsh’s death in 1908. He died at the age of 66 and was buried within the Library premises.
 The founder’s will specifies that under no circumstances can the Library be shifted from where it is now, Ashoka Rajpath, popularly known as Bankipore, in Patna. A man from Chapra, Khuda Bakhsh had reasons for coming to Patna to establish his Library. To him, Patna had great historical significance.
 An advocate and later, a judge, Khuda Bakhsh travelled extensively all over India, his fame as a book collector spreading all the while.
  Khuda Bakhsh’s son, Salahuddin Khuda Bakhsh, in his book, My Father: His Life and Reminiscences, admits with pride that many of the manuscripts in the Library had been stolen from elsewhere. Khuda Bakhsh himself was not ashamed of it. The Book quotes him as having told a friend, Sir Ali Imam, “The art of collection is one that soars above and defies the provisions of the penal code. There are three classes of blind men- those who are bereft of sight; those who (lend) valuable books even to a friend; and those who return such volumes, once they have passed into their possession”.
 Khuda Bakhsh’s passion for books was intense. The British Museum made him a magnificent offer for his collection, but he turned it down saying, “I am a poor man. The money that has been offered is a Princely fortune. But how can I ever part for money with that to which my father and I have dedicated our lives.”
 Descriptive Cataloguing of the Library’s Manuscripts was initiated by the Scholar- Administrator Lord Curzon in 1905 under the supervision of Sir Denison Ross, a British Indologist. Acquisition of manuscripts continues regularly. Rare books were donated from donors in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Italy, Iran, United States, and Saudi Arabia during 1990’s
 Jawaharlal Nehru, while visiting the Library in 1953, expressed his desire to see the rare materials reproduced and reprinted so that those who could not come to Patna would still have access to them. Thereafter, large number of volumes rare and old prints were edited and published. Large numbers of manuscripts have been digitized. Large numbers of Scholars throughout the world visit this Library.
J&K Scene
We wish to have the Library like Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Public Library and person like Khuda Bakhsh Khan in J&K State. No doubt we have the great persons who donate or gift their rare collections to the Libraries without demanding any amount.  But unfortunately we have the persons in J&K State particularly in Kashmir who demand high amount for their personal collections posing that they possess rare collections. I have my personal experiences during the last few decades and at certain times I feel disheartened when people charge for the manuscripts in their possession without knowing that the manuscripts are already published.  Even we have the people who charge for the trash collections. During these days we have to keep in view the availability of space in different Libraries. We must work hard to get only those rare collections which are really beneficial for the future generations.
Author is Deputy University Librarian, University of Kashmir. Reach him at
abmbaba@kashmiruniversity.ac.in
source: http://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/2012/Apr/23/a-tribute-to-khuda-bakhsh-36.asp

Fresh salvo against Rajan Gurukkal (VC-MGU)


KOTTAYAM:� Triggering a fresh controversy against Mahatma Gandhi University Vice-Chancellor Rajan Gurukkal and the varsity administration, a section has alleged that anomalies were found in the recruitment of the deputy librarian in the University library.
The pro-UDF syndicate members, who have been at loggerheads with the VC for sometime, are all set to raise more irregularities that allegedly exist in the recently constituted Centre for Advanced Research in Library Information Science (CARLIS), it is learnt.
"Irregularities were found in the admission process to the CARLIS. According to the UGC regulations in 2010, the post of deputy librarian has been upgraded to one that equals to associate professor’s and PhD is mandatory in the appointment. However, the former pro-LDF Syndicate promoted an assistant librarian, who does not have PhD, as deputy librarian,” said a Syndicate member.
The assistant librarian was promoted to deputy librarian on June 30, 2011. The pro-UDF members alleged that since the recruitment has not got concurrence from the govt, the university administration has initiated steps to award PhD to this deputy librarian.
“The deputy librarian, who is doing his PhD at CARLIS, sought time relaxation to submit his report, asking the university to let him file it an year ahead of the stipulated three years time frame. To regularise this irregularity, the deputy librarian required an immediate PhD. If the university gives nod for time relaxation then it would be a clear case of nepotism,” the member said.
The university had earlier in its first notification confined the eligibility for applying to the PhD to CARLIS employees only. However, but later it allowed others to register for MG University PhD. However, Gurukkal denied the reports of allowing time relaxation for the deputy librarian to submit his reports.
“These are only rumours. We cannot move against the UGC regulations,” Gurukkal said.
However, he said that if anybody, who did not have PhD, had been promoted to deputy librarian’s post, it should be examined.
“I have not appointed anybody as deputy librarian, using my special power, he said.

Libraries set the stage for summer book binge


By-LIFFY THOMAS
The days when the pleasure of reading a library book was tempered by the hassle of having to renew it after a fortnight or pay a fine are suddenly gone. Now, get waivers on the membership fee, find help in choosing age-appropriate books for new readers and participate in activities related to reading. Welcome to the new-age library.
As the summer vacation begins and parents seek to initiate children into reading or even browse through a few favourites themselves, neighbourhood libraries are offering a variety of new schemes to get people to read.
JustBooks, which is one of the newest community library chains, opened its first branch in the city at Indira Nagar three weeks ago. Here, members have the advantage of returning and borrowing books from any one of its 58 branches located in nine cities. Plus, it is offering a two-month fee waiver on its annual membership with no late fee charges on both monthly and annual members as far as the plan allows.
Easwari Lending Library, which usually charges 10 per cent of the cost of a book, now allows members to borrow three books at a time with no restriction on the number of days they can be kept.
All its 13 branches in the city are offering the scheme, and the three books can be borrowed at a cost of Rs.120 per month.
Online book rental service Book and Borrow promises to surprise adults with gifts if they register between April 23 and May 23, and will offer an age-appropriate book for young readers who register between April 20 and June 20.
The iloveread library is also offering discount on membership for April and May.
If discounts on the membership fee or books do not attract you, places such as Hippocampus are organising a book fair where four publishers are sure to help you select the best range of books. To celebrate World Book Day (April 23), a two-day book fair was held on April 21 and 22nd. Events related to reading promise to get children closer to books through may.
Also in the fray is the Book World Library, with five branches in the city, where one can borrow 25 books over a month (children's collection only) at a cost of Rs. 50.
Children such as Akshara T.V., going to class IX, are excited that libraries have so many offers. “I like to read action and comedy-based books and if my library can get me the best collection, nothing like having them as company for the summer,” says Akshara, who wants to read at least 50 books this vacation.

Manipur Public Library Act, 1988 will be implemented Very soon

Imphal, April 22 2012: The State Government should implement the Manipur Public Library Act and constitute Library Directorate in order to promote public library in the State.
This was resolved during a panel discussion organised by the Manipur Library Association, Imphal with the theme Legislation Based Public Library Service in Manipur: Challenges and Opportunity today at the State Central Library, Keishampat.
The panellists pointed out that the Manipur Public Library Act was enacted in 1988 .
However, it has not been implemented till date.
The panellists contended that Public Library in the State could not make headway due to nonimplementation of the Act.
Speaking at the occasion, General Secretary of the Manipur Library Association, Dr Ch Ibohal pointed out that libraries in 19 Indian States where the Library Act has been implemented flourish.
He maintained that Manipur was the sixth State to have enacted the Public Library Act in India but the same has been kept in cold storage for the last 24 years.
While reiterating that the State Government should implement the Act, Dr Ibohal further said that the State Government has been urged on several occasions through memorandum for the immediate and effective implementation of the Act.
Another panellist, Dr Th Khomdon, Librarian in MU said public library gains significance in conformity with Article 12 of the Indian Constitution.
He stressed that the promotion of library is a State subject and hence the State should take adequate measures for its promotion.
Dr Khomdon is of the view that a Library Directorate be constituted to look after the welfare of libraries�from village and club level library to State Central library.
As a result of not receiving any patronage from the Government, all libraries in the State from State Central library to village/organisation/club run library are unable to function effectively, Dr Khomdom maintained.
Taking part in the discussion, MLA Karam Shyam said there are around 300 public libraries in the State.
He also assured to work consistently towards the welfare of library in the State.
Throwing in his opinion, founder Secretary of MALA, K Chaoba stated that the public library is under the Art and Culture department.
Stating that public library is in great demand in the State, he said the Government could not meet the demand on the pretext of lack of fund.
He said political support is needed for the promotion of public library.
The cabinet should take a decision for the implementation of the Public Library Act.
The Government should also provision in its budget for providing grant in aid to all libraries of the State.
Assistant Registrar of Gauhati High Court, MC Tiken opined that the Public Library Act, which was passed over two decades back, needs amendment.
The members present also felicitated MLA Karam Shyam, Life Member of MALA, on his success in the 10th Assembly election.
Source: The Sangai Express