Mysuru: “Most of the libraries in the country lack basic infrastructure,” opined P. Jayarajan, former Head, British Council Library.

He was speaking on ‘Public library system in India: Future avenues’ at a function organised by the Department of Studies in Library and Information Science, University of Mysore, at its premises in Manasagangothri here recently as part of  National Librarians’ Day.

Jayarajan said that as per the International Federation of Library Association and Institution, India has 1.46 lakh libraries which appears wrong. As per a local survey, he contended that the country has only 46,000 libraries and added that India has more libraries than China.

Libraries have been established at prominent locations in Delhi, Bengaluru and other places, but the problems are poor infrastructure, books in bad condition and improper maintenance. 

The compiled data is also not trustworthy at the State and National level. The lag in technology is enormous possibly owing to fund crunch. There is no exclusive policy for libraries despite many Commissions being constituted. There is no clarity on quantum of salary for a librarian, staff appointment, administration and maintenance,  bemoaned Jayarajan.

Retired VC P. Venkataramaiah, retired Professor K.S. Raghuvan, Department Head Khaiser Jahan Begum were present.