The National Library of India must act fast

Abstract

<smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="country-region"><smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="place"> Continuous downhill slide of the National Library [of India] over the last sixty years or so and the main causes of it are identified. This has to be stopped by initiating a few positive steps that are to be taken by the stakeholders immediately so as to allow it back on the rails. The two recently produced documents: NKC-WGL recommendations (2006) and NACONAL, 2006 on Indian library services, with proposals of its future role and growth pattern are critically examined. Some significant moves taken by the management of the British Library (national library of England) during this period to cater to the needs of its vast users are referred, as examples. Proposen some specific actions to be taken by the Government of India, National Library Advisory Board, senior management and the professional organizations of librarians, viz. implementing the National Library Act, 1976 (with some modification); make an immediate move to fill up the sanctioned posts of senior professionals and Director; conduct a comprehensive survey of the users and their present and future requirements; revise the Delivery of Books Act 1954,56; merger of CRL with the National Library and take initiative with full responsibility for creating the Digital Library of India. </smarttagtype></smarttagtype>