Development of Libraries in India Since 1900

 

The development of libraries in India since 1900 has seen a gradual evolution, marked by significant reforms, policy changes, technological advancements, and a growing recognition of libraries as crucial institutions for education, information dissemination, and cultural preservation. This evolution can be divided into various periods, each with its own set of challenges, achievements, and milestones.

1. Early 20th Century (1900-1947)

The early 20th century saw the establishment of libraries primarily in urban areas, driven by social reform movements, colonial educational policies, and the growing need for modern education and information dissemination.

Key Developments:

Public Libraries Act (1882): While the Public Libraries Act was passed in 1882 by the British colonial government, it did not get widespread implementation. However, the idea of public libraries began to take root during this period.

Establishment of Library Associations: During this period, a growing interest in libraries led to the formation of library associations such as the Bangiya Grantha Parekh Samiti (1907) and the Indian Library Association (ILA) (1933), aimed at promoting library education and professional development.

Growth of Regional Libraries: Libraries began to spread in the regions, primarily in cities like Calcutta, Bombay, and Madras, offering reading materials to the growing literate population.

Contribution of Social Reformers: Social reformers like Raja Rammohun Roy, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, and Mahatma Gandhi believed in the power of knowledge and contributed to the establishment of libraries for public education, especially for the underserved sections of society.

Challenges:

Lack of standardized library practices.

Limited library services due to colonial restrictions and budget constraints.

2. Post-Independence Period (1947-1970)

After India gained independence in 1947, there was a renewed emphasis on education, cultural preservation, and information access, which brought about considerable changes in library development.

Key Developments:

National Policy on Libraries: In the 1950s, India's government started acknowledging the importance of libraries as tools for national development. This led to the establishment of library policies to strengthen library services and to make libraries more accessible to the masses.

Formation of the National Library of India: The National Library of India in Kolkata, which was established during the British period as the Imperial Library (1903), was renamed and developed into a national library after independence, and it became a key repository of Indian knowledge and literature.

The S.R. Ranganathan Era: S.R. Ranganathan, a prominent librarian and scholar, significantly influenced the development of libraries in India. He is considered the father of modern Indian librarianship. Ranganathan’s Five Laws of Library Science (1931) became the foundation for library science education and practice in India.

Ranganathan also introduced the Colon Classification system and worked on the Indian National Bibliography.

Library Education and Training: The first library science course was established at the University of Delhi in 1941. Later, several other universities and institutions, such as the Aligarh Muslim University, began offering formal courses in library science.

Challenges:

Limited resources and inadequate infrastructure for libraries in rural areas.

Libraries were largely urban-centric, with a lack of outreach to rural populations.

3. 1970s to 1990s

The 1970s to 1990s saw a significant shift towards modernizing libraries, improving library services, and addressing the growing demand for information resources.

Key Developments:

National Policy on Library and Information Systems (1986): The Indian government formulated the National Policy on Library and Information Systems to guide the development of libraries across the country. This policy emphasized the establishment of a network of public libraries, the promotion of library education, and the enhancement of library infrastructure.

The National Information System: The Indian government began to focus on creating an integrated national information system to ensure that information resources were accessible to all citizens. Programs like INFLIBNET (Information and Library Network) were launched to connect libraries across the country and provide digital access to information.

Growth of Academic and Research Libraries: Libraries in universities and research institutions, such as the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), became more technologically advanced and began to offer electronic resources and journals.

Public Libraries Act (Further Implementation): Although the Public Libraries Act was passed much earlier, its implementation was further strengthened during this period. The aim was to establish a uniform system of public libraries across states and districts, ensuring equitable access to library services.

Professionalization of Librarianship: The formalization of library education, along with training programs and certification, resulted in a more professional approach to librarianship in India. By the 1980s and 1990s, several universities and colleges began offering postgraduate and doctoral programs in library and information science.

Challenges:

Many rural areas remained underserved in terms of library services and access to information.

The adoption of technology was slow, especially in smaller libraries.

4. The Digital Revolution (2000-Present)

The turn of the 21st century brought about profound changes in library services due to advancements in information technology and the internet. The digital revolution played a pivotal role in shaping the future of libraries in India.

Key Developments:

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Integration: Libraries across India started integrating ICT tools to automate library services, improve cataloging, and offer online databases. Online Public Access Catalogs (OPAC), digital libraries, and electronic resource management have become integral parts of Indian libraries.

Digital Libraries and Databases: Projects like the Digital Library of India and collaborations with global initiatives such as Open Access and Open Educational Resources (OERs) helped increase access to digital resources.

National Knowledge Network (NKN): The Indian government launched the National Knowledge Network (NKN) to connect academic and research institutions across the country and promote access to scholarly resources, digital content, and research.

National Digital Library of India (NDLI): Launched in 2016, the National Digital Library of India aims to provide free access to millions of digital resources for students, researchers, and general readers.

Public Libraries Expansion: Public libraries expanded their services to include internet access, digital literacy training, and e-books. The role of public libraries in promoting information literacy became more prominent.

Library Associations: Library associations, such as the Indian Library Association (ILA) and Indian Association of Special Libraries and Information Centres (IASLIC), continued to play an active role in professional development, advocacy, and the growth of library and information services in India.

Challenges:

The digital divide continues to be a major issue, with many rural areas and economically disadvantaged groups lacking access to modern digital resources.

Many libraries still struggle with inadequate infrastructure, limited funding, and a shortage of trained professionals.

Conclusion

The development of libraries in India has gone through significant stages, from colonial-era beginnings to post-independence modernization and technological advancements. While there have been tremendous strides in improving access to information, the challenges of bridging the digital divide, providing adequate resources in rural areas, and updating outdated infrastructure remain. The role of libraries in India today is more important than ever as they contribute to educational development, information access, and community empowerment, especially in an increasingly digital world. As technology continues to evolve, the future of libraries in India will likely focus on creating more accessible, inclusive, and digital-savvy information services for all citizens.