Management and Development of Public Libraries

The flood of literature and the explosion of information are the twin basic ingredients which underline the philosophy f socialisation of knowledge and enlightenment. The dissemination of information is conceivable only through a network of a stable Public Library System which in turn acts as the tributary of knowledge. An efficient, effective and adequate Public Library System, therefore, is sine qua non of social development and cultural maturation.

The advent and advancement of democracy, the extension of the horizons of education, the intensification of research and the virtual explosion of knowledge and information have necessitated the services of a well-stocked, well-staffed, well-organised and up-to-date libraries. Further the progress of country depends largely on education which provides to its citizens who are surpassingly aware of their environment and well acquainted with the cultural, social, political and economic heritage of their country. This type of education is possible necessarily through an effective Public Library System.

The success of a Public Library System depends on the organizational structure and administrative setup, which should be able to utilize the resources to the best possible extent. This book is a detailed study of the administrative structure, organizational set up, personnel management, day-to-day functioning, finances, library maintenance, readers amenities and public relations. The book studies the problems related to the public libraries with a view to promote performance standards through reorganization and reorientation in order to make the Public Library System truly effective and service-oriented.

The book based on primary and secondary sources of information discusses all the important aspects of a Public Library System including the historical factors responsible for the growth of the libraries, to review library legislation, to analyse the administrative structure, to assess the organizational structure, to evaluate the personnel policies, to describe the working of public libraries, to test the perceptions of the public towards performance and to discuss the problems related to the working of public libraries. The added utility of this book is the suggestions it offers on the improvement of the Public Library System.

The book is indeed, a path-breaking study and will be an invaluable addition to any library shelf.