ABSTRACT
This article dives into a captivating journey, unraveling the intricate tapestry of challenges, opportunities, and Governmental strides shaping the vibrant realm of Public Libraries in India. Not just that, it delves into the fascinating history, dissecting the state of these libraries before and after independence. Venturing beyond the surface, this exploration delves into the heart of matters. It exposes the pivotal role the Government plays in nurturing these havens of intellect, sparking a deeper appreciation for their contribution. Going beyond surface-level observations, this discourse penetrates the core of the subject and highlights the indispensable role of government in nurturing these bastions of intelligence. The article does not end here; Instead, it serves as a repository of solutions, addressing urgent needs for financial support, essential resources and innovative strategies that highlight a visionary path forward. With its interesting, practical and forward-looking approach, this article serves as a guiding compass, taking us through the complex labyrinth of library development. Intriguing, insightful, and forward-looking, this article is a compass guiding us through the intricate maze of library development. It promises to captivate your mind and ignite your curiosity, leaving you with a newfound respect for the past, present, and the limitless potential of Public Libraries in India.
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Supplemental data
Supplemental data for this article can be accessed online at https://doi.org/10.1080/01616846.2023.2299501.
Correction Statement
This article has been corrected with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.
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Notes on contributors
Abhay Chaurasia
Abhay Chaurasia, holds a Master degree in Library and Information Science from Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi and availing UGC Senior Research Fellowship and presently doing a PhD degree from Department of Library & Information Science, Banaras Hindu University. He is researching the status of public libraries and assistive support for disabled persons in libraries. This paper shows some of the research results of it.
Ajay Pratap Singh
Ajay Pratap Singh holds a PhD in Library and Information Science. Presently, he is working as a Professor in the Department of Library and Information Science (On deputation), Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi. He serves as a Director General of the National Library of India, Kolkata, India, under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India and now he is Ex-Director General of Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation. He had research experience in OCR, public libraries, digital preservation, cloud computing applications, etc. He has published around 100 research papers in various national and international sources.