शिक्षा की बेहतरी का जरूरी माध्यम

प्रेमपाल शर्मा

खुशी की बात है कि मानव संसाधन विकास मंत्रालय के एक विशेषज्ञ समूह ने राष्ट्रीय पुस्तक प्रोत्साहन नीति के तहत देश भर में पुस्तकालयों का संजाल बढ़ाने का फैसला किया है.

पिछले पांच-सात सालों में शिक्षा में सुधार के दर्जनों सुझावों के बीच गांव-गांव में पुस्तकालय खोलने की बातें भी होती रही हैं लेकिन ऐसी योजनाएं अब तक कागजों से बाहर रूप नहीं ले पाई हैं. उम्मीद है कि अब जल्दी लेंगी. ऐसा नहीं कि शिक्षा और साक्षरता के संदर्भ में पुस्तकालयों के महत्व की बात पहली बार उठी हो. साठ के दशक में सिन्हा समिति ने गांव-गांव पुस्तकालय खोलने की बात कही थी. योजना आयोग ने भी 1964 में एक नीति के तहत सार्वजनिक पुस्तकालयों की वकालत की. इस मामले में बिल भी पास हुआ. हालांकि कुछ राज्यों ने अभी भी वह बिल पास नहीं किया है पर जहां यह लागू है, वहां भी कार्यान्वयन की गति निराशाजनक रही है.

प्रश्न नियम, कानून या बिल का इतना नहीं है जितना इसकी जरूरत के अहसास का है. सूचना क्रांति के बाद तो यह और भी जरूरी लगने लगा है. साक्षरता पिछले एक दशक में बढ़ी है लेकिन उसके स्तर को लेकर तरह-तरह की शंकाएं की जा रही हैं. ये शंकाएं निराधार भी नहीं हैं. जब पांचवी या आठवीं का बच्चा सही ढंग से अपना नाम न लिख सके, कुछ हल्के-फुल्के गणित के जोड़, घटा न कर सके तो साक्षरता के आंकड़े तो बेहतर हो सकते हैं लेकिन उसकी समझ को लेकर प्रश्न बने ही रहेंगें.

बहरहाल, पुस्तकालय आंदोलन साक्षरता और शिक्षा की बेहतरी में तो मदद करेगा ही, एक बेहतर नागरिक बनाने में भी इसकी भूमिका उतनी ही महत्वपूर्ण होगी. दूसरे राज्यों से सबक लिया जाए तो केरल इसका सबसे अच्छा उदाहरण है जहां लगभग हर गांव में पुस्तकालयों की श्रृंखला मौजूद है. इसका फायदा भी उस राज्य को पूरा मिला है.

लड़कियों की शिक्षा हो या साक्षरता अथवा लिंग अनुपात या ह्यूमेन डेवलेपमेंट इंडेक्स- सभी में केरल बाकी राज्यों से बेहतर है. क्या ऐसे राज्य की सफलता पूरे देश में नहीं दोहराई जा सकती? इसके मुकाबले उत्तर प्रदेश, बिहार जैसे राज्यों की स्थिति उतनी ही खराब है. बल्कि लगता है कि पिछले दशकों में और भी खराब हुई है. कुछ समय पहले तक जिन स्कूल-कॉलेजों में नियमित तौर पर पुस्तकालय चलन में थे, आज वहां ये लगभग या तो हैं ही नहीं या बंद हो चुके हैं.

यहां कि तक महाविद्यालय विविद्यालयों में भी ऐसी गिरावट स्पष्ट है. देश में पिछले दिनों में इंजीनियरिंग या दूसरे व्यावसायिक कॉलेजों की बाढ़ तो आई है लेकिन पुस्तकालय उनके प्रबंधन की प्राथमिकता में नहीं हैं. कम से कम उत्तर भारत के शायद ही किसी नये कॉलेज में कोई समृद्ध पुस्तकालय चल रहा हो. जब डिग्री कॉलेजों और स्कूलों में ही पुस्तकालय नहीं हैं तो वहां पढ़ने वाले बच्चे पढ़ने की परंपरा कहां से सीखेंगे? उनके लिए शिक्षा का अर्थ लौट फिर कर कुछ कोर्स की किताबें, कुंजियां या उनके प्रश्न रटना भर रह गया है. सर्वे के अनुसार लगभग पचहत्तर प्रतिशत स्कूल और कॉलेज के विद्यार्थी कोर्स की किताबों के अलावा और कुछ नहीं पढ़ते. शिक्षा, शोध के गिरते स्तर के कारणों में एक बड़ा कारण यह पक्ष भी है.

भारत गरीब देश है जिसकी अधिसंख्य जनता बहुत कम सुविधाओं में गुजर-बसर करती है. यदि हर गांव में एक पुस्तकालय हो तो उन मजदूरों, किसानों के बच्चे भी उसका फायदा उठा सकते हैं जिनके अभिभावक न तो पढ़े-लिखे हैं और न ज्ञान के विभिन्न स्रेतों से परिचित हैं. पंचायती राज के माहौल में तो गांवों में बहुत आसानी से पंचायत भवन के एक हिस्से में पुस्तकालय की अनिवार्यता की जा सकती है.

ग्रामीण विकास की सैकड़ों परियोजनाओं के बीच इस पर बहुत ज्यादा खर्च भी नहीं आएगा. सामाजिक क्रांति के लिए पुस्तकालय सबसे बेहतर धर्मनिरपेक्ष स्थान साबित हो सकता है-धर्म, जाति किसी भी विचारधारा से ऊपर. क्या एक सच्चे लोकतंत्र की दिशा में बढ़ने के लिए हमें ऐसे नागरिकों की जरूरत नहीं, जहां पुस्तकों की रोशनी में बेहतर नागरिक बन कर निकलें? अंधविास, पाखंड, जाति-धर्म के खिलाफ लड़ाई में भी पुस्तकालय कारगर भूमिका निभा सकते हैं.

पुस्तकालयों की व्यावहारिक जरूरत पर भी एक नजर डाली जाए. सवाल है कि क्या उत्तर प्रदेश, बिहार जैसे राज्यों के विद्यार्थी रहने या खाने-पीने की सुविधाओं के लिए ही महानगरों में आते हैं? बिल्कुल नहीं. वे इसलिए आते हैं क्योंकि दिल्ली, मुम्बई, कोलकाता जैसे महानगरों में पढ़ने-लिखने, पुस्तकालयों व विविद्यालयों की बेहतर सुविधाएं हैं. अस्सी के दशक में जब मेरी पीढ़ी दिल्ली पहुंची तो इन पुस्तकालयों की बदौलत ही रास्ते खुलते गये. दिल्ली पब्लिक लाइब्रेरी की शाखाएं दिल्ली के कोने-कोने में थीं.

अंग्रेजी, हिंदी के अखबारों समेत नई से नई किताबों से भरी हुई. पुराने प्रतिष्ठित पुस्तकालय हरदयाल लाइब्रेरी और तीन मूर्ति लाइब्रेरी तो थी ही, मंडी हाउस पर साहित्य अकादमी, आईसीसीआर लाइब्रेरी, आईटीओ पर मौलाना आजाद लाइब्रेरी समेत दिल्ली विविद्यालय और जवाहर लाल नेहरू विविद्यालय के पुस्तकालयों की बदौलत हिंदी भाषी राज्यों के युवक दिल्ली की तरफ खिंचते चले आए और आज भी यह क्रम जारी है. लेकिन क्या दिल्ली या किसी बड़े महानगर में पहुंचना ही एक रास्ता है? और क्या पूरा देश दिल्ली पहुंच सकता है?

सच यह है कि जिन पुस्तकों, ज्ञान सूचना के स्रेतों के लिए शहर भागना पड़ता है, यदि वे गांव में उपलब्ध हो जाएं तो सीमित संसाधनों के चलते कोई भी नौजवान अपने ही घर गांव में प्रतियोगी परीक्षाओं से लेकर बेहतर शिक्षा अर्जित कर सकते हैं. इसीलिए जितनी जल्दी हो, सरकार को इस दिशा में आवश्यक कदम उठाने चाहिए और केवल सरकार ही नहीं, उन प्रबुद्ध बुद्धिजीवियों या समाज के उस पढ़े-लिखे हिस्से को भी सक्रिय रूप से आगे आना चाहिए जो चाहता है कि भविष्य के लोकतांत्रिक भारत में सभी की समान रूप से भागीदारी बढ़े.

पुस्तकालयों के नाम से ही कुछ लोग बहस को विपरीत दिशा में ले जाने की कोशिश करते हैं कि इंटरनेट, ई-मेल, टेलीविजन के इस युग में किताबें पढ़ता कौन है ? कितना भोला है यह तर्क? यदि किताबें इतनी अवांछनीय हो गई हैं तो इनसे पूछा जाना चाहिए कि वे अपने बच्चों को स्कूल क्यों भेज रहे हैं? क्यों अपने बच्चों को स्कूलों में किताबें पढ़ने दे रहे हैं? इंटरनेट और दूसरे संचार माध्यमों का पुस्तक से कोई विरोध नहीं है. शिक्षा की शुरुआत तो किसी न किसी किताब से ही करनी पड़ेगी और जब पुस्तकालय की बात की जाती है तो इसका उद्देश्य बहुत सहजता से उन लोगों के बीच पहुंचाने का है जो पीढ़ियों से निरक्षर बने हुए हैं. पुस्तकालय योजना तो उनको उस निरक्षरता के अंधेरे से बाहर लाने का सबसे सार्थक कदम है.

इन पुस्तकालयों में भविष्य में ऑडियो, वीडियो या कंप्यूटर की दूसरी सुविधाएं भी जरूरत के हिसाब से बढ़ाई जा सकती हैं. दुनिया के विकसित देश अमेरिका, यूरोप में भी सार्वजनिक पुस्तकालय अभी भी उतना ही महत्वपूर्ण स्थान रखते हैं. विकसित देशों में तो पुस्तकालयों की इतनी लम्बी फेहरिस्त है और इतनी सुविधाओं के साथ कि आप किसी भी पुस्तकालय से पुस्तक ले कर कहीं भी जमा करा सकते हैं. शोध और बैठने की तमाम सुविधाओं के साथ राज्य का काम ऐसी सुविधाओं को हर व्यक्ति तक पहुंचाना होता है.

क्या समझदार नागरिकों के बिना लोकतंत्र की कल्पना की जा सकती है? और इस दिशा में पुस्तकालय आंदोलन प्रभावी भूमिका निभा सकता है. पुस्तकालय आंदोलन विशेषकर हिंदी पट्टी में साहित्य, संस्कृति के प्रति जागरूकता भी पैदा कर सकता है. यदि किताबें सहज और सस्ती उपलब्ध हों तो धीरे-धीरे उन्हें पढ़ने की आदत भी पड़ेगी. इससे पुस्तक की बिक्री और प्रसार में भी शायद आसानी हो. अभी तो प्रकाशक सिर्फ पुस्तकालय संस्करण के भरोसे इतनी ऊंची कीमतें रखते हैं कि आम आदमी इन्हें खरीद ही नहीं पाता. नुकसान दोनों ही पक्षों का है. लेखक और पुस्तक का भी और उस ज्ञान से वंचित जनता का भी. भारत सरकार के नेशनल बुक ट्रस्ट, प्रकाशन विभाग जैसे संस्थान सस्ती पुस्तकें उपलब्ध कराते हैं. विभिन्न भाषाओं के दूसरे प्रकाशकों को भी इस आंदोलन में हाथ बढ़ाने की जरूरत है. शिक्षा के उदारीकरण के इस दौर में क्या कोई काम गरीबों के लिए भी क्रियान्वित होगा?

साभार: प्रेमपाल शर्मा एवं http://www.samaylive.com/

बिहार के जेलों में खुलेंगे जिम, पुस्तकालय

पटना : बिहार सरकार ने देश में अपने तरह का अनूठा प्रयास करते हुए राज्य के सभी जेलों में कैदियों के शारीरिक और मानसिक स्वास्थ्य को दुरुस्त रखने के लिए व्यायामशालाएं (जिम्नेजियम) और पुस्तकालय खोलने का निर्णय किया है।
पूरी खबर के लिए देखें: http://zeenews.india.com/hindi/news/प्रदेश/बिहार-के-जेलों-में-खुलेंगे-जिम-पुस्तकालय/151478

Ten libraries and museums across the country are being honored at the White House

WASHINGTON — Ten libraries and museums across the country are being honored at the White House for contributions they have made to their communities.

Source:http://online.wsj.com/article/AP2fe2e4ad0bb548d6a31874ec65f58cef.html

Online craze deals bodyblow to library culture

PATNA: The old libraries of the state capital, like Sinha Library and Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Public Library, which once upon a time were among the pride of Patna, have been thumbed down by city youth. With the advent of e Notes, GradeSaver, Cliff Notes and Wikipedia, the cult of thronging libraries and browsing through piles of books has been shown back door by them, as now not books but Internet is considered the best friends by theseNet-savvy youngsters.

Empty reading rooms and dusty tables and chairs are a common sight in most of the city libraries. It is sad to note that world-renowned Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Public Library, which has stood tall against time and tide since 1891 and is known for its rare collection of Persian and Arabic manuscripts around the globe, now attracts only a handful of readers.

Read More News at: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/Online-craze-deals-bodyblow-to-library-culture/articleshow/17223270.cms

Online Apply for the post of Library and Information Centre Executive at IIM Kozhikode Satelllite Campus, Kochi

Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode 

IIM Kozhikode Campus (PO), Kozhikode - 673 570, Kerala, India 

Phone: 0495-2809132  Fax: 0495-2803010-11 

Advt No.R-04/2012

RECRUITMENT OF CONTRACT STAFF FOR IIMK SATELLITE CAMPUS, KOCHI

Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode invites online applications from 11.11.2012 to 24.11.2012 for the following positions to be filled on contract for its Satellite Campus, Kochi and will hold Walk-in-Interview between 26.11.2012 and 06.12.2012 at IIM Kozhikode Campus.

Post-Library & Information Centre Executive

No. of Post-One Post

Qualifications-M.LiSc with two years desirable post qualification experience in Library & Documentation  

OR 

B.LiSc with three years desirable post qualification experience in Library & Documentation.  

Selected Candidate has to provide support to Faculty on various aspects of Course handling, besides functioning as Information Centre Executive.

Monthly Remuneration-15000

Important Instructions

• Application fee is Rs.100/- for each position and fee can be remitted either through online payment or drawn as demand draft from State Bank of India  in favour of ‘Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode’ payable at IIM Kozhikode Campus.  Demand Draft is to be drawn at the time of submission of online application. There is no application fee for SC/ST/Differently Abled.  Application fee once remitted will not be refunded.
• Application is to be submitted  ONLINE from  11.11.2012  to  24.11.2012 (upto 23.59 hours). 
• For calculation of age, 24.11.2012 ie. the last date of submission of online application will be taken into account

Recruitment of contract staff for various positions in IIMK Satellite Campus, Kochi

CLICK HERE TO APPLY ONLINE    

Special Recruitment Drive for Backlog/Vacancies of SC/ST/OBC/PWD at Gurukula Kangri Vishwavidyalaya, Haridwar

Gurukula Kangri Vishwavidyalaya, Haridwar

(Deemed to be University fully funded by UGC/Govt. of India)

Special Recruitment Drive for Backlog/Vacancies of SC/ST/OBC/PWD

Adv. No. GKV/Estt./01/2012

Applications in prescribed format are invited from suitable candidates for appointment to the following teaching and non-teaching posts, available from the office of Registrar, Gurukula Kangri Vishwavidyalaya, Haridwar-249404 (Uttarakhand) on payment of Rs. 550/- (Rs. 150/-for SC/ST/PWD) in cash or through demand draft in favour of Registrar, Gurukula Kangri Vishwavidyalaya, payable at Haridwar. Application form can also be downloaded from the website www.gkvharidwar.org. The minimum eligibility/essential qualifications/pay bands & grade pay etc. are also available on this website.

Completely filled application in a sealed envelope superscribed with Adv. No. and the name of the post applied for should reach the office of the Registrar, Gurukula Kangri Vishwavidyalaya, Haridwar 249404(Uttarakhand) by Speed Post/Registered/In person.

Last date for submitting the Application form: 10.12.2012

Non- Teaching Posts (Technical) (For male candidates only) :
(Sanctioned under OBC grant)
Library Assistant (Central library)-01

Name of Post	Library Assistant
Scale of Pay	Rs. 5200-20200 +GP 2000
Age Limit for direct recruits	35 years
Educational and other qualifications required for direct recruits	Essential:- B.Lib.Inf. Sc./B.Lib.Sc. or equivalent  Desirable:- Lower Grade Typing, data entry operation or experience of working in a computerized library.

Library Attendant (Bot. & Micro. Dept.) -01(OBC).
Click here to download the advertisement in English
Click here for detailed description of posts / department / number of vacancies etc.
Click Here to download the application form for Non Teaching Posts
Click here to download qualification for Non-Teaching Staff

Call for Nominations: IFLA 2013 Honours and Awards

The IFLA Governing Board bestows Honours and Awards to recognise individuals contributing to IFLA and the international library and information services sector. All authorized representatives of Members and Personal Affiliates are eligible to make nominations.

DEADLINE: 1 March 2013
(late submissions shall not be considered)

Honorary Fellow

Honorary Fellow is IFLA's highest award, and is awarded on the basis of merit. It may not necessarily be awarded every year. A nomination for Honorary Fellow is required to be supported by at least threenominators who are current IFLA Members. Nominations must include evidence to support any claims against the criteria. A nomination must be accompanied by at least two written referee reports. Referees should not also be nominators, and at least one referee should be an IFLA Member. Referees should address the nominee's suitability for the award, in relation to the criteria and may provide further information relevant to the award if desired.

In making its decision, the Executive Committee will examine only the evidence and referee reports provided to it through the nomination. The evidence and referee reports you provide should be based on the following required criteria:

1. Length of service to IFLA;
2. Type(s) of service to IFLA;
3. Outstanding achievements within that service to IFLA; and
4. Service that has brought distinction to IFLA in the international arena.

IFLA Medal

IFLA Medal is conferred on a person who has made a distinguished contribution either to IFLA or to international librarianship. It is also anticipated that one medal would be awarded each year, to a nominee from the country hosting the IFLA WLIC.

A nomination for the IFLA Medal is required to have at least twonominators who are current IFLA Members. A nomination must include evidence to support any claims of the nominee's distinguished contribution either to IFLA or to international librarianship. Each nomination shall be accompanied by at least two written referee reports. Referees should not also be nominators, and at least one referee should be an IFLA Member.

In making its decision, the Executive Committee will examine only the evidence and referee reports provided to it through the nomination. The evidence and referee reports you provide should be based on the following required criteria:

1. Length of service to IFLA or the profession;
2. Nature of the contribution to IFLA or to international librarianship;
3. Significance of that contribution to IFLA or to international librarianship.

IFLA Scroll of Appreciation

IFLA Scroll of Appreciation is awarded annually by the IFLA Governing Board to the IFLA World Library and Information Congress (WLIC) National Committee for that year.  Additionally, any Member may nominate an individual who has given distinguished service to IFLA. Staff, including core activities staff, is eligible for nomination.

In making its decision, the Executive Committee shall examine only the evidence provided to it through the nomination.

The evidence provided should be based on the following required criteria:

1. Length of service to IFLA;
2. Nature of the service to IFLA;
3. Significance of that service to IFLA, and its impact on IFLA.

The Executive Committee of the Governing Board considers all nominations in committee and in confidence. The Executive Committee bases its decisions only on the evidence submitted with the nominations and any further evidence sought from the nominees or referees.

The Executive Committee and the Secretary General shall not enter into correspondence on individual nominations. Only successful nominations will be published.

Wherever possible honours and awards shall be announced and conferred at the annual WLIC.

NOMINATION FORMS:

• Honorary Fellow [DOC] | [PDF]
• IFLA Medal [DOC] | [PDF]
• IFLA Scroll of Appreciation [DOC] | [PDF]

Nominations for awards to be conferred in 2013 are invited, in confidence, on this form which may be sent by e-mail as an attachment, by FAX, or post:

e-mail: ifla@ifla.org

FAX: +31 70 3834827

Post:

HONOURS and AWARDS
IFLA
P.O. Box 95312
2509 CH The Hague
The Netherlands

Vacancy of Consultant, Catalogue- In- Publication Project (CIPP) at Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation

Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation

Applications are invited from established library professionals from state and central government to the post of Consultant, Catalogue- In- Publication Project (CIPP) purely on contract basis. The work involves co- ordination with publishers of India, various Government agencies, Data collection agencies assigned by the project (RRRLF) throughout India, regular uploading of the CIP data after editing and administrative & other official correspondences.

Qualifications required: Graduate in any discipline with Post Graduate Degree/ Ph.D in Library and Information Science

Experience:

1. Minimum ten years administrative experience in a Central or State Library or large library of repute in the Grade pay of Rs. 6600/- or Five years in Grade Pay of Rs. 7600/-.

2. Sufficient experience in handling Indian Language collection.

3. Minimum 10 years experience in classification (DDC) and cataloguing (AACR2) of Indian language materials.

4. Good Knowledge of creation of multilingual data in MARC 21

The post is on contractual basis with consolidated remuneration as per Govt. of India norms for consultants.

Application with details of qualification experience etc may be forwarded to the Director General, Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation, Block- DD- 34, Sector I, salt Lake, Kolkata- 700064 superscribing the name of the post on the envelope by 30th November, 2012. Application received after last date will not be considered. RRRLF reserves the right to reject any application without assigning any reason therefore.

Details at: 

Recruitment of Consultant, Catalogue- In- Publication Project (CIPP)

Jawaharlal Nehru’s legacy crumbles, literally

Published: Wednesday, Nov 14, 2012, 6:00 IST 
By Kanchan Srivastava | Place: Mumbai | Agency: DNA

Had he been alive, Jawaharlal Nehru would have cringed at the sight of the pathetic condition of a library named after him at the Mumbai University. The Jawaharlal Nehru Library, a 30-year-old structure, is crumbling. The three-storey building in Kalina which houses more than seven lakh books has become so weak that a large portion of the ceiling slab on the second floor has fallen over the years, putting the lives of those visiting the library at risk.

“I want to study here, but I don’t want to lose my life,“ said a professor of a nearby college. The deplorable condition of the library has meant the place which was once a favourite among book lovers, especially students, sees very few people.

Read Full News at: http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report_jawaharlal-nehrus-legacy-crumbles-literally_1764274

Tax collecting agencies owe Rs 7 cr cess to library department

MYSORE: Tax collecting agencies owe nearly Rs 7 cr to department of public libraries since several years.

Deputy Commissioner P S Vastrad on Tuesday disclosed that Mysore City Corporation owes Rs 5.22 cr, Mysore Urban Development Authority Rs 29 lakh and Gram Panchyaths Rs 1.14 cr to the department. Though these bodies have been collecting library cess from public they have not paid to the department which is affecting smooth functioning of libraries which have to procure newspapers, journals and books.

Vastrad, who is chairman to District Library Authority, told reporters that we will organize a campaign to collect the cess dues from the tax collecting authorities during National Library Week celebrations scheduled between November 14 and November 20.

Drive to collect 40000 books

On the occasion, the district library authority, an apex body of District central library and City central library will appeal its members to return books that they have borrowed from Mysore district and city libraries. Vastrad said nearly 40000 have not been returned by the members of 306 libraries including 25 in Mysore city, since five years. We have records of its borrowers and will get back the books to the libraries during the week long library week celebrations

The authority with an aim to increase reading habit among public will organize drive to increase library members especially in rural areas by way of organizing events and books exhibitions during the week. We have over 88000 members including 45000 in the city.

On the occasion, all libraries will be illuminated, the DC stated.

Library will come up at People's park

Deputy Commissioner P S Vastra said they will start modern library work, which was stalled following protest by a section of Mysoreans, at People's Park shortly.

In June this year, a bunch of students and citizens led by members of Mysore Grahakar Parishat, a body of citizens, opposed the move to construct the library block inside the park premises claiming it is against law governing parks and open spaces. Then the work was temporary stalled.

However, the DC has another version. He says the work was shelved as the soil was loose. We will start the work immediately on an area measures 1500 sq ft to establish a modern library. This is an old project. To a query, Vastrad said many libraries are inside parks. It is for public use and we will continue with our plans with this regard.

News Courtesy: Times of India, 13 November 2012

Defunct CCTV cameras aid book lifters at library

By Srinivas Reddy

HUBLI: A total of 16 CCTVs were installed at the Central Library in Lamington Road here in 2009. But within a year of installation, the cameras stopped working and have not been repaired ever since. 

This has led to the stealing of new books by some "readers" and has also become troublesome for girls who frequent the library. 

Despite repeated complaints to the department of public libraries, which is responsible for the maintenance of these cameras, no action has been taken to rectify the problem. Knowing well that the CCTV cameras are not functioning, some readers have started stealing books and creating trouble for other readers. In the absence of cameras, monitoring readers' activities and preserving the 18,000 odd books in the library has become a challenge for its staff.

Read Full News at:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hubli/Defunct-CCTV-cameras-aid-book-lifters-at-library/articleshow/17187853.cms

A library in Dal Lake The only library in Dal maintained by a school dropout Book Lover MAJID MAQBOOL

In a modest cottage near gate number one in the interiors of Dal, a small wooden door opens into the only library in Dal Lake. Named ‘Travelers Library’ by its passionate 43-year-old owner, Muhammad Latif Oata, the library houses an eclectic collection of over 500 books in many languages, including Germen, French, Spanish and Hebrew . The personal collection of books would not have become a library had Latif, a third standard school dropout, not loved the idea of collecting and exchanging books in return for getting to know the stories.

Latif cannot read books but he loves them. He identifies his books by their colour and publisher’s mark. The books are placed alphabetically—from A to Z—on multiple shelves spread over a wall adorned with Allama Iqbal’s life size poster. There are separate, smaller shelves for books in French, German and other foreign languages.  Every book in his collection evokes memories of those who exchanged books with him. He gets up and carefully pulls out a special, original edition of Ian Fleming’s novel Goldfinger gifted by a foreign visitor. He has many original, old and rare editions of books in his collection.  On the desk lie five books in French language. Few days back a French visitor had come with his books for the library.

Read Full News at:http://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/2012/Nov/12/a-library-in-dal-lake-17.asp

Professional Assistant Vacancy at J.N.U, New Delhi

JAWAHARLAL NEHRU UNIVERSTIY
ADMINISTRATION BRANCH-IV

10th November, 2012

ADVERTISEMENT NO. Admn.IV/02/2012

Applications are invited from the eligible candidates for the following non-teaching posts in the Jawaharlal Nehru University as per details given against each :

Post No.	Name of Post	Group	Number  of Post	Age Limit	Pay Band & Grade Pay
1.	Professional Assistant	B	03 (UR )	35 years	Pay Band-2 Rs. 9300-34800 plus Grade Pay Rs.4200/-
Essential Qualifications: M.Lib. Sc./MLIS or equivalent with 50% marks. OR  Master's Degree in Arts/Science/Commerce or any other discipline with 50% and B.Lib.Sc./BLIS with 50% marks. Post Graduate Diploma/Certificate Course in Computer Application/ Science/Library Automation from a recognized institute with minimum of 6 months duration. Desirable Qualifications: Atleast three years' working experience in a reputed library. Knowledge of Library Automation activities. Knowledge of any foreign language. Post Graduate Diploma/Certificate Course in Computer Application/Science/Library Automation from a recognized institute with minimum of 6 months duration.

http://www.jnu.ac.in/onlineApplications/advt_AdmnIV_02_2012.htm

Openings for the position of Library Trainees inIndraprastha Institute of Information Technology, Delhi Library & Information Centre

Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology, Delhi (aka. IIIT-Delhi or IIIT-D) was created as a State University by an act of Delhi Government (The IIIT Delhi Act, 2007) empowering it to do research and development and grant degrees. IIIT-Delhi was officially established on 10th June, 2008 as per this notification in the Delhi Gazette. First class (for BTech(CSE) students) was held on 8th September, 2008.

The Institute invites applications for the position of Library Trainee (s) on purely contract basis.

Required Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree  in any discipline with Certificate/Diploma/ Degree in Library and Information Science.

Maximum Age Limit: 25 Years (As on 31.10.2012)

Stipend: Between Rs.8,000/­ and Rs.10,000/­ p.m. depending upon qualification, experience etc.

Selected trainees will be trained in various aspects of Library such as Acquisition, Cataloguing, Classification, Serial Control, New   subscription/Renewal   of   Print   and   Electronic   Journals,   Circulation,   Reference   Service,   Working   on   Institute Archive/Institutional Repository, RFID etc. The Library and Information Center may remain open till late hours on holidays and weekends.  The Institute shall, however, try to accommodate schedule constraints.

Interested   candidates   may   send   their   resume   along   with   a   recent   color   passport   size   photograph   via   e­mail   at  library    @    iiitd.    ac.    in latest by 22.11.2012.

Download (Advertisement). 

User awareness programme on N-LIST organised at Allahabad University

ALLAHABAD: The authorities of the Central Library of Allahabad University in collaboration with INFLIBNET Centre, Ahmedabad (an IUC of University Grants Commission) organised a day's user awareness programme on N-LIST, on Friday. Organised at the seminar hall of AU's guest house, the awareness programme was attended by representatives of over 75 different educational institutions of higher studies, not only from city but from various other districts too.

Detailing on the successful programme, deputy librarian, Dr B K Singh said that the project entitled 'National library and information services infrastructure for scholarly content (N-LIST), is being jointly executed by the UGC-INFONET digital library consortium, INFLIBNET centre and the INDEST-AICTE consortium. The N-LIST project provides access to e-resources to students, researchers and faculty from colleges and other beneficiary institutions through server(s) installed at the INFLIBNET centre.

The authorized users from colleges can now access e-resources and download articles required by them directly from the publisher's website once they are duly authenticated as authorized user through servers deployed at the INFLIBNET centre.

Faculty members, staff, students and researchers from eligible colleges covered under Section 12B/2F of UGC Act and Non-Aided colleges (except Agriculture, Engineering, Management, Medical, Pharmacy, Dentistry and Nursing) are eligible to access e-resources through the N-LIST project. Members can access more than 4000 e-journals and 80000 e-books through this project. tnn

There were more than75 participants in this programme which includes the principals, librarians and faculty members of the constituent colleges of AU as well as other colleges situated in eastern Uttar Pradesh. Dean Research and Development Prof NR Farooqi, inaugurated the programme. He stressed on maximum usage of AU's library and motivated those attending the programme that as authorities put so much of efforts in providing various amenities in the library, the real beneficiaries should come forward and make use of the library.

Prof-In-Charge of the Central Library of AU, Prof HD Sharma, welcomed the guests and participants while senior scientists of INFLIBNET, Ashok Kumar Rai gave the detailed exposition of N-LIST. The deputy librarian, who was also the coordinator of this programme delivered the vote of thanks.

read more news at: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/allahabad/User-awareness-programme-on-N-LIST-organised-at-Allahabad-University/articleshow/17161272.cms

Vacancy of Sr. Library Information Assistant (SLIA) in scheme (Project Mode) at Central Library, IIT Mandi.

Applications are invited for one temporary post of Sr. Library Information Assistant (SLIA) in scheme (Project Mode) at Central Library, IIT Mandi.

The essential and desirable qualifications proposed for this post may be as mentioned below:

Bachelor's degree (B. Library) or equivalent diploma in Library Science from recognized University / Institute or equivalent, obtained after graduation from a recognized university.
Experience of two years in a Library or a one year Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Applications from a Government Institutions or a University.
Post is purely temporary.
Consolidated emolument in the range of Rs. 20,000 to 25,000/- p.m.

Desirable:

Master in Library Science
Experience of working in IITs/IISERs/IIMs/NITs system

Application

Please send your application on plain paper giving your name, date of birth, age, address, full details of your educational qualifications (stating the marks, year of passing) and experience etc., along with copies of certificate to the address below. Your application must reach on or before November 20, 2012 to:

Dean SRIC
Indian Institute of Technology Mandi
Himachal Pradesh - 175 001

 

Courtesy: Gaurang Rawal's Post in Library Soup Group

Librarian Vacancy at Modern Indian College, Rewari, Haryana

Source: Rashtriya Sahara

Librarian Vacancy at All India Shri Shivaji Memorial Society, Pune

Source: The Times of India

SCIENTIST (LIBRARY SCIENCE) VACANCY at INFORMATION AND LIBRARY NETWORK (INFLIBNET)

INFORMATION AND LIBRARY NETWORK CENTRE invites applications from Indian Nationals on direct recruitment basis for the posts in Library and Information Science as well as in Computer Science and Administrative area. 

INFLIBNET Centre is an autonomous body of the University Grants Commission with its head-quarters at Ahmedabad. The Centre has taken up major programmes for modernization of libraries and information Centres in universities, colleges, institutes of higher learning and R & D institutes in India with application of computer and communication technology. Some of the major programmes being executed by the INFLIBNET Centre include UGC-INFONET Digital Library Consortium, Shodhganga, Shodhgangotri, OJAS and N-LIST etc. The Centre invites applications from Indian Nationals on direct recruitment basis for the under-mentioned posts in Library and Information Science as well as in Computer Science and Administrative area:

1. SCIENTIST-D (LIBRARY SCIENCE) : 1 Post reserved for OBC(non creamy layer)

2-A. SCIENTIST-C (COMPUTER SCIENCE) : 1 Post, Open Category.

2-B. SCIENTIST-C (LIBRARY SCIENCE) : 1 Post. Reserved for OBC (non creamy layer)

3-A. SCIENTIST-B (COMPUTER SCIENCE) : 1 Post, Open Category

3-B. SCIENTIST-B (LIBRARY SCIENCE): 2 posts.Reserved Category(1-UR, 1-OBC (non creamy layer)

4. SCIENTIFIC/TECHNICAL OFFICER-I (LIBRARY SCIENCE) : 1 post

5. SCIENTIFIC & TECHNICAL ASSISTANT (LIBRARY SCIENCE) : 1 post

6. SECTION OFFICER : 1 post

Last Date of Application: 27/11/2012 

Original Advertisement:

http://www.inflibnet.ac.in/jobs/Advt042012.pdf 

[ Application form (Doc)] 

Librarian Vacancy at Pristine Public School, Gurdaspur

Source: The Tribune, Chandigarh Ed, 09 November 2012

Harvard Library To Contribute "Crown Jewels" to Digital Public Library of America

By RADHIKA JAIN, CRIMSON STAFF WRITER

When the Digital Public Library of America officially launches on April 18, 2013, anyone with access to a computer will be able to study and enjoy the “crown jewels” of Harvard’s Library system, which spans 73 physical libraries and approximately 17 million volumes.

The Harvard Library announced last Wednesday that it will contribute content from a number of its special collections to the DPLA, an online, not-for-profit initiative to digitize scholarly material from public and private libraries across the country.

“That, in general, is what I feel our responsibility is here at the library,” said Robert C. Darnton ’60, Harvard University librarian and one of the original visionaries behind the DPLA. “We have these great collections and now thanks to modern technology we can share our intellectual wealth.”

The announcement makes Harvard the DPLA’s first individual ‘content hub’—the term DPLA has given digital libraries with which it will work directly to acquire material. Leaders agreed that Harvard’s commitment is a big success for the endeavor.

“It is a major vote of confidence in the system,” said John G. Palfrey, Jr. ’94, President of DPLA’s Board of Directors. “What Harvard is planning to do is share some of the crown jewels of its library collections.”

Darnton cautioned against “exaggerated expectations” and emphasized that the launch will be only the “beginning” of a massive digital library. But Harvard’s special collections represent a unique contribution to the DPLA’s offerings and feature some “fabulous” content, he added. University collections that have already been digitized include a plethora of mediums, from daguerreotypes of the moon and early manuscripts of musical scores by J. S. Bach and Mozart, to field notes and diaries from naturalist Louis Agassiz and original trial records and maps from around the world.

The library has not yet finalized which of these materials will go online first, but the decision will be made in “a matter of weeks, not months,” Darnton said.

Material in the special collections is usually older and already in the public domain—a huge advantage as the DPLA continues to navigate copyright law in striving for open access to as large a collection of material as possible.

“The copyright issue is, in my opinion, the most difficult problem that the DPLA faces—and we’ve got lots of problems,” Darnton said. “It won’t be a great library if we can’t make material available from 1964, 1923. We’ve got a third possible copyright date of 1893. Imagine if we were unable to make available to the American public any book published after 1893.”

There are certain ways to work around copyright law—especially for material out of print—without hurting authors or publishers, he said. The DPLA is also exploring the fair use element of copyright law, which allows a book under copyright to be digitized depending on the purpose of its use.

The DPLA already has seven ‘service hubs’—including the Kentucky, Oregon, and South Carolina Digital Libraries, in addition to the Boston Public Library’s Digital Commonwealth Project—that aggregate content and metadata from surrounding public and private libraries. In return, said Kenny Whitebloom, a member of the DPLA secretariat, these repositories help local libraries increase digitization efforts and expose rich, but often unknown, collections.

“DPLA is seeking to connect our various digital repositories and institutions across the United States through a single outlet,” said Whitebloom. “The really amazing stuff is going to get more visibility—reignite some sort of interest in local history.”

As the DPLA looks to expand the content it will make available in April, Harvard’s involvement is especially promising because of its potential to inspire support from other universities, who often think that transferring content from existing digital databases to the DPLA is cost-prohibitive, according to Darnton.

“We have to convince them that it won’t cost anything,” he said. “The DPLA’s front-end interface has been designed in such a way to favor this.”

A number of institutions have already expressed interest following in Harvard’s footsteps, said Palfrey. “We are very hopeful that other libraries will follow suit,” he said.

The Harvard Library’s decision to support DPLA is the most recent in a number of efforts by the country’s second-largest library to promote digitization of collections and open access. After expressing concerns about Harvard’s ability to maintain journal subscriptions in tandem with rising costs from publishers, the library made 12 million bibliographic records public in April of this year. The Faculty Advisory Council to the Library also circulated an appeal to faculty in the spring, encouraging professors to publish in and patronize journals committed to free, open access.

—Staff writer Radhika Jain can be reached at radhikajain@college.harvard.edu.

Source: http://www.thecrimson.com/article/2012/11/7/library-contributes-jewels-dpla/