Library Herald Year : 2007, Volume : 45, Issue : 2 First page : ( 93) Last page : ( 106) Print ISSN : 0024-2292. Online ISSN : 0976-2469. Public Library as Rural Community Resource Centre
Vashishth C P Former President of Indian Library Association and Professor of Library and Information Science, University of Delhi. Text of the Dr. P S G Kumar Oration Second Series on Library & Information Science delivered on February 14th & 15th, 2007 in RTM Nagpur University.
Abstract Brings out the importance of library as self learning centre. Discusses the steps taken by the successive governments so as to bring the books to the door steps of rural people. Describes the empowerment of village panchayat/samiti panchayat/parishad panchayat by the centre through 73rd amendment in the constitution so as to take appropriate decision to provide library and information services to residents of the village. Discusses about the new challenges and new role of public library in view of the ‘open school’/‘open university’ system, which is becoming quite popular in all parts of the country. Examines the sphere of activities to be under taken by rural library community centre. Cites an example of British experience in this regard.