National Library overrules protest, sticks to shifting plan (Times of India, 7th November 2013)

KOLKATA: They waited for the day for five long years and the day is finally here.

Come November 9, National Library will shift the old newspaper Reading Room in Esplanade to its Belvedere campus. Senior officials of the library consider it a "historic" decision for two reasons. Firstly, the Reading Room is the only remnant of the Imperial Library that wasn't shifted even during the Second World War and more importantly, the shift finally looks possible after fighting a pitched battle with a section of "readers" who went up to the PMO to stall the process.

The decision to shift the Reading Room was taken way back in 2008, when KK Banerjee was the library director. But relentless resistance from a section of readers, protesting under the banner of the 'Friends ofthe National Library' (FNL), did not allow library authorities to implement the project. Since then, there has been a change of guard at National Library twice, but none could carry forward the project. Back at the helm of affairs, Banerjee is now determined to shift the Reading Room, which houses a rich collection of 19th and 20th century newspapers.

"We'll shift the Reading Room keeping in mind the interest of readers and more importantly, preserve the rare collection of newspapers. We've all facilities on our Belvedere campus to take care of old newspapers," Banerjee said.

While Banerjee sounded resolute in his "mission", FNL members were not ready to give up their "fight". They promised to do "everything", albeit peacefully, to counter the move. FNL spokesperson Sital Adhikari argued, "It'll be suicidal to move brittle newspapers from the Reading Room. A chunk of the collection will be damaged in transit." In support of their agitation, FNL members put forward a three-point argument: it's absurd to tinker with a library of historical importance; the Reading Room is centrally located and it's logical to repair the damage caused to newspapers before transporting them.

But Banerjee maintained, "It's technically not feasible to carry out restoration work at the Reading Room, which lacks basic infrastructure. Also, the equipment required for microfilming and digitization of newspapers won't fit in the cramped facility." A senior library staffer iterated, "It's a criminal offence to work on newspapers with such archival value without digitizing them. It'll be wrong to believe they will be damaged in transit because they will be transported in specially designed cases that we'll handled by trained professionals."

It may be noted here the decision to shift the Reading Room was finalized after a meeting held between library authorities and FNL representatives on August 7, 2010. But FNL members TOI spoke to weren't ready to buy the argument. "None of our members were present at any such meeting," said FNL member Tarak Ganguly. However, National Library Staff Association spokesperson Saibal Chakraborty countered, "Only a handful of readers are opposing the decision for their own interest. How can the newspapers be restored at the Reading Room when all facilities are available at Bhasha Bhavan?"

Digitisation of presidential library high on Pranab's agenda

President Pranab Mukherjee is a man of many talents, at ease with a multitude of assignments of varying kinds. Besides managing the affairs of the state, the veteran politician is these days busy digitising historic records and books in the Rashtrapati Bhavan library, sorting his old 

sorting his old journals to put together  a book and restoring the British-era building to its pristine glory - and of course, reading.

Briefing the media at an informal interface in Rashtrapati Bhavan Tuesday, Mukherjee said the library was big enough for "anybody to spend five years reading".

"The library has records as old as government proceedings of 1891. Right now, the documents are dumped on the floor are being removed and put in order. After seeing the library in order, I will concentrate on reading.

"I want to read official records - the history of the transfer of power and how the financial business of the government was transacted. The first budget was passed in 1892," Mukherjee said adding digitisation of old books and reports was his priority.

An aide to the president said: "Out of the 24,000 documents and records, only 4,000 have been digitised during president A.P.J Abdul Kalam's tenure".

But the "hardware is outdated and restorers are trying to retrieve them in a user-friendly format".

The president is also keen on writing a couple of books.

"Not an autobiography or anything like it," he said.

The president said "he did not want to add anything new to Rashtrapati Bhavan but "just restore the building to its original glory".

"I will not change anything. I am traditionalist," he said.

Mukherjee said he has recently watched "Lincoln" that won its lead actor Daniel Day Lewis a Golden Globe award and has bought a copy of Ramachandra Guha's new essays.

Source: http://www.hindustantimes.com/Books/Chunk-HT-UI-BooksSectionPage-LiteraryBuzz/Digitisation-of-presidential-library-high-on-Pranab-s-agenda/Article1-990427.aspx

Lucknow University's Tagore Library needs Rs 9.48 crore for restoration

LUCKNOW: Fairing poorly on the infrastructure and human resources front, Lucknow University's Tagore Library may go for an overhaul. And, to set things straight, university administration via library officials have sought Rs 9.48 crore from the state government. The proposal was put up at the vice-chancellors meet held on December 12, 2012. 

According to LU authorities, the university plans to do digitisation, automation and equip the library with other modern facilities. One of the richest and biggest libraries in the country, LU's Tagore Library is seeking help. While the building is in a dilapidated condition, common room and reading halls remain vacant most of the times. The library still uses outdated computers that were bought more than a decade back. 

As per library officials, a sum of Rs 2.35 crore is required for server and browsing room, Rs 1.1 crore to purchase old journals that were discontinued two years back, Rs 1 crore for automation and training, Rs 10 lakh for Bar Code System, Rs 30 lakh for the stack room, Rs 12 lakh for CCTV camera system, Rs 20.5 lakh for fire safety and wiring and Rs 1.71 crore for annual maintenance, new books, and foreign journals. 

Besides, the university has also sought financial assistance of Rs 65 lakh for digitisation of the books. Deputy librarian Jyoti Mishra said that in the first phase, digitisation of 50,000 books will be done. "Under the process, we will get computerisation of books. An online catalogue of all the books will be created, so that it is easy to locate books," said Mishra. The university is also planning to get Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID) technology. The RFID tags are used in libraries as theft detection systems. "Just like in a mall, there is a tag on every material to avoid getting it stolen, RFID tags will help in avoiding thefts of books," said Mishra. 

Preservation of manuscripts, arts gallery: Tagore library has a heritage section called manuscript section. It consists of about 2,000 rare and valuable manuscripts, which are on paper and palm leaves. These manuscripts are in Sanskrit, Pali, Arabic and Persian. Gold coated illustrations can be seen in some manuscripts. Some of these manuscripts are 600 to 800 years old. 

To preserve them, the university has begun the preservation work. According to university officials, as many as 30 manuscripts are already preserved. The work is being carried by INTACH. The university has received a sum of Rs 2 lakh from the National Archives of India, Union ministry of culture. "The major amount is being spent on preservation of manuscripts. But we need more funds," said Mishra. With this amount, 13 or 14 more manuscripts can be preserved. 

The work of restoration of library's arts gallery that has rare paintings and sculptors is being undertaken by National Research Laboratory for Conservation of Cultural Property (NRLC). 

Times View 

It's really sad to see the state of the Tagore Library at Lucknow University. With its enviable collection, it was a place buzzing with scholars and students not very long ago. But, it's now a pale shadow of its past. crumbling cupboards and broken chairs hardly present an inspiring picture. Add to it the fact that the library hasn't purchased a single book in the past four years and journals in two years, and the picture turns even gloomier. This library doesn't belong only to the university but is an inseparable part of the city's heritage. It still has one of the richest collections of ancient manuscripts and rare books. It's the responsibility of not only the university administration but also the state government and LU alumni to ensure that this prized possession doesn't get destroyed by sheer neglect.

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/Lucknow-Universitys-Tagore-Library-needs-Rs-9-48-crore-for-restoration/articleshow/18054517.cms

Personal library donated to research centre

STAFF REPORTER

 GUWAHATI, Jan 13 – The personal library of the late Dr Dhrubananda Das, IAS, former Commissioner in the Assam Govt was recently donated to the Institute of Research and Documentation of Indigenous Studies, (IRDIS) by his wife Kumi Das in a special meeting of the executive committee of IRDIS in its office premises at the Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra complex, stated a press release.

This personal collection of Dr Das running into thousands of books covering a wide variety of subjects including indigenous medicine, literature, social science, history and valuable manuscripts and gazetteers of the colonial era will afford access to scholars, researchers and interns at IRDIS.

It may be mentioned that Dr Das had authored several books on indigenous medicine and was a regular contributor to a number of regional and national periodicals and newspapers.

IRDIS is a centre of interdisciplinary research and documentation on Indigenous Studies working with diverse ethnic communities of Assam with collaborative outreach to other ethnic communities nationally and worldwide.

Source: http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/detailsnew.asp?id=jan1413/city05

Karnataka Education Minister 'Kageri' gets a library of letters

Bengaluru: The ‘Shaala Shraddha Vaachanalaya’ (school library) initiative launched by Primary and Secondary Education minister Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri on November 8 this year, has received overwhelming response from schoolchildren.

According to minister himself, till now, he has received more than one lakh letters from children across the state appreciating the programme and changes needed at the school level. The minister’s office has forwarded the consolidated feedback from the children to the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) to bring in reforms in the school library system.

Read More News at: http://www.deccanchronicle.com/121228/news-politics/article/minister-kageri-gets-library-letters

Rare historical books deck up Rashtrapathi bhavan library

NEW DELHI: A peep into history is at the centre of Rashtrapati Bhavan's initiative to refurbish its library with rare books dating back to 1800 on 'Tipoo' Sultan and another signed by Lord George Curzon in 1904 to find a place on its racks. This is part of efforts by Pranab Mukherjee, who after taking over as President in July this year, has been devoting time reviving places of historical importance within the sprawling 340-room Rashtrapati Bhavan here.

The look of the library is being recreated to match the ambience in 1950 when it started functioning with tables in the room also being aligned the way it used to be. The books, which can be a real treat to any researcher, date between 1800 and 1947. They include a rare book of 1800 written by Alexander Beaston on "A View of the Origin and Conduct of the War with Tippoo Sultan". The book is a narrative of the operations of the British Army under the command of Lieutenant-General George Harris, and of the siege of Srirangapatnam--near Mysore--and the defacto capital of 'Tippoo' Sultan. 

Read full story at :http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/et-cetera/rare-historical-books-deck-up-rashtrapathi-bhavan-library/articleshow/17636245.cms

Mobile library celebrates 25 years

Ritesh Mishra, Hindustan Times

Indore, December 15, 2012

Shyam Agarwal's teenage hobby is paying dividends, having served book lovers of Indore for 25 years.

Agarwal's mobile library on wheels, Shyam Library and Suvidha Agency, delivers books, comics and also competitive examination magazines to thousands of readers across the city.

The venture that started with six novels and some magazines bought from a bus stand for R100 in 1987 today pays Agarwal "more than R1 lakh per month".

The library on wheels now has 5,000 members including the first 10 who helped shape a 15-year-old's dreams. Now 40, Agarwal, a commerce graduate, has moved on from a cycle to a scooter.

"I have hired four persons to distribute the books," he said. Agarwal got the idea for his unique library after seeing people approach his brother, a newspaper agent, for free delivery of books and magazines.   

The library's monthly membership fee has gone up from the initial R25 to R350.

Business has thrived, but Agarwal believes it will be tough for others to emulate him.

"Today, everything is available on the internet."

Read more news at: http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/MadhyaPradesh/Mobile-library-celebrates-25-years/Article1-972950.aspx

Librarian transforms tribals into bookworms

MYSORE: He has a passion to encourage nomadic tribes to develop the habit of reading. Y Kumar, who belongs to Dombidasa community, runs a library exclusively for nomadic tribes at Ekalavyanagar in northern Mysore, where 354 families have settled.The small library, which was opened with the help of government in 2008, had a few takers initially. But due to the efforts of Kumar, people, especially women and girls, have developed the habit of reading. 

READ FULL NEWS AT : http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mysore/Librarian-transforms-tribals-into-bookworms/articleshow/17555764.cms

Library at home for book lovers

Taking care of books can be a challenge especially if you have a large collection. Even though there are a substantial number of people who have taken to e-books, loyalists still prefer paperbacks for various reasons. Some say they love the smell of books, others say just sitting in a comfortable place and holding a book makes them feel like they’re actually learning something.

READ FULL NEWS AT: http://www.thehindu.com/homes-and-gardens/library-at-home-for-book-lovers/article4150936.ece

Landmark 2.0: bookstore as library

Tatas-owned Landmark will soon add a new chapter to its bookstore business. The retailer that sells books, music and toys plans to introduce books on rent to boost customer loyalty.   "Books on rent is an excellent concept and successful entrepreneurs are doing it already. 

 

With rising rentals and waning consumer interest in direct purchases amid the rise of online bookstores, brick-and-mortar book shops are evolving, trying new tricks. These include providing space for peaceful readings, interactive gaming and music sales and sessions.

Read Full  News at: Hindustan Times, 23rd November 2012

India may win patent claims due to Traditional Knowledge Digital Library: Manmohan Singh

HYDERABAD: India could win 105 claims on international patents due to its Traditional Knowledge Digital Library(TKDL), Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said here today, opening the high-level segment meeting at the Conference of Parties to Convention on Biological Diversity.

"We decided to build this knowledge database because of the patent on the use of neem extract in Europe and another patent on the use of turmeric as a healing agent. Since then, because of this database, over 1000 cases of biopiracy have been identified and over 105 claims withdrawn or cancelled by patent offices," he said.

The treasure trove of traditional knowledge should be used for the benefit of all humankind rather than for private profit, he said. In recent years, there has been concern that this public knowledge may become restricted in its use because of the application of the modern intellectual property system, he said.

India has tried a unique approach to protect its traditional knowledge by establishing a Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL), which promoted the objectives of the Nagoya Protocol on the issue of protection of codified traditional knowledge systems such as Ayurveda, he said.

The vast database created by India has 34 million pages of information in five international languages in formats easily accessible by patent examiners, he said.

He said that the government of India would continue to work to strengthen its institutions to record this knowledge, to value its science and to provide benefits to its custodians.

Multilateral agencies like the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) and some countries have approached India for assistance in setting up such libraries and the government would be happy to provide assistance, he told delegates from over 190 countries attending the CoP-11 of which India assumed presidency during the ongoing convention.

India's approach to protecting and promoting biodiversity has been guided by the belief that all three objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity - conservation, sustainable use and sharing of benefits from the utilization of genetic resources - should receive adequate and equal focus, he said.

"This approach is the basis of India's Biological Diversity Act of 2002. The 2008 National Biodiversity Action Plan further identifies specific action points by various government agencies," he said.

Despite the pressure on land, India has more than 600 protected areas, covering approximately five per cent of the total geographical area, in a network of national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and conservation reserves.

"We have special programmes for some high-profile endangered species like tigers and elephants. In 2010, the country level status assessment for tigers showed an increase in their number to an estimated 1706 from an estimated 1411 in the year 2006," he said.

He said that there was a need to look beyond large animal species and take a "more organic approach" towards conservation. Work has been initiated on a species recovery programme covering 16 identified endangered species including the snow leopard, hangul and lion. Such country-level efforts at preservation should be complemented by enhanced global collaboration to check wildlife crime, he said.

Union Minister of State for Environment and Forests Jayanti Natarajan said resource mobilisation was the most important "unfinished agenda" that was inherited from CoP-10 as "we could not succeed in adopting targets for resource mobilisation" as a means to achieve the Aichi Targets.

"I urge parties to CBD to agree to some measures, commitments and targets on resource mobilisation, even on an interim basis, to infuse confidence and generate momentum for implementation of Aichi Targets," she said.

Read more at: http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2012-10-16/news/34498963_1_traditional-knowledge-digital-library-patent-examiners-patent-offices

Newspaper section of Hardayal Municipal Public Library, Delhi may face closure

NEW DELHI: It has been four months since the staff of the Hardayal Municipal Public Library was paid its salary. With the trifurcation of MCD earlier this year, there was initially some confusion over the jurisdiction of this library with 31 branches across the city. The Chandni Chowk region, where the central library and the head office are, falls under the North Delhi Municipal Corporation . The official NDMC budget estimate lists "Grant-in-aid to Hardayal Mpl. Public Library" as Rs 3 crore for 2012-13 .

The honorary secretary of the library, Yashpal Arya, says he will have to shut down the newspaper section by next month if he does not receive funds. HMPL's newspapers section that subscribes to 31 newspapers from the English, Hindi and Urdu press is open to all. "There are so many students who have done their PhDs from here. I only have hope until the end of August," says Arya.

The staff have submitted a memo to chief minister Sheila Dikshit asking for release of provisional funds for salaries and other expenses. A copy of the memo bearing the CM's handwritten note to NDMC commissioner PK Gupta is with TOI. "There are audit problems. We are looking into it," said Gupta.

More News at: http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-08-29/delhi/33474637_1_central-library-ndmc-yashpal-arya

Former Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP) librarian selected for award

Visakhapatnam, Aug 9 (PTI) Former librarian of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP) PSN Murthy has been selected for Dr Ranganathan Kaula award for year 2011 in recognition of his service for the cause of library and information science. The award will be conferred upon Murthy by the Andhra Pradesh Minister for Infrastructure and Ports Ganta Srinivasa Rao at a function organised here on the occasion of the Librarians' Day on Sunday, said Muralidhar Rao, secretary of Society for Promotion of Public Libraries. The award comprises Rs 5000 in cash and a citation, he told reporters. The award has been given by Prof Kaula Endowment for Library and Information Science since 1980 to persons who have rendered eminent service to the cause of library science.

MORE NEWS AT: http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/former-vsp-librarian-selected-for-award/1039128.html

District library found them jobs and friends

K Narasimhamurthy, Kolar, July 28, 2012, DHNS:

Common ground

They all come from villages and belong to agricultural families. These youth appeared for various competitive examinations and have been successful. 

Preparing for competitive examinations is no easy task. One needs to do a lot of reading and this requires the purchase of expensive books. These youth were in no position to afford expensive books. Yet they were successful in appearing for the examination and emerging successful.

There is no great secret behind their success. In addition to their hard work, the backbone for their studies was the District Central Library. They did not learn how to use the library from anyone, but they made the best use of it.

Venkatapara Srinivas Reddy of Bethmangala hobli of Bangarpet taluk, who has been selected as statistical officer; Malappanahalli Malathi of Devarayasamudra Gram Panchayat in Mulbagal taluk  has been selected as principal of Morarji Desai School; Arathi of Yanadahalli of Kolar taluk is the superintendent of Backward Class Minorities Hostel; B S Vijayalakshmi of Byalahalli is the statistical officer. This list goes on.

They were all strangers in the beginning, but became friends at the central library. They all had one ambition - to get a job. It is not easy to appear for competitive examinations and face the challenge from urban candidates. Regular studies, constant reference to resource books and guides. Study materials and coaching classes are expensive.

Therefore they all depended upon the  Central library. They went through every available books and guides on competitive examinations available in the library. Requests for particular books made to the library authorities got quick response and books were made available as early as possible. 

These aspirants used to come to the library at 10 am and stayed back till 6 pm. They brought lunch from home. Having broken the ice, they became friends and during the lunch hours held group discussion. 

“We were not used to visiting libraries and making use of it. After coming here we became familiar with books. We discussed what we read,” says Ramesh.

Says Srinivas Reddy, “In our group of seven members, five secured jobs in one go. One of our members is studying for his Karnataka Administrative Service examination.” They are unanimous in their opinion that all this happened because of the library.

More News at :http://www.deccanherald.com/content/267709/district-library-found-them-jobs.html