UNIT 2 PUBLIC LmRARY AND SOCIETY

Structure

20 Objectives
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Growth of Public Library as Social Institution
2.2.1 Impact of Renaissance and Industrial Revolution
2.2.2 Invention of Printing

, 2.2.3 Spread of Universal Education

2.2.4 Spread of Literacy
2.2.5 . Role of Enlightened Philanthropic Persons and Institutions
2.2.6 Urge for Knowledge and Information
2.2.7 Recreation and Use of Leisure Time
23 Public Library and Society
2.4 Characteristics of Public Library as Social Institution
2.4.1 What is a Public Library
2.4.2 Important Features of a Public Library
25 Public Library's Commitment to the Society: Social Role of Public Library
2.5.1. Self-education Center of the Society
2.5.2 Community Information Centre
2.5.3 Cultural Center for the Society .
2.5.4 Centre for Recreation and Healthy Use of Leisure Time
2.5.5 Supporting Role of Public Library in Literacy Activities
2.~.6 Developing Reading Habits and Creativity Among the Children
2.5.7 Services to the Disadvantaged Sections of the Society
2.5.8 Collection Development and Services Adopted to the Different Needs of the
Society
2.5.9 As an Impartial Democratic Institution of the Society
26 Summary
27 Answers to Self-Check Exercises
2.8 Key Words
2.9 References and Further Reading
Appendix

2.0 OBJECTIVES

After reading the unit you will be to:

• know the role of public library in the society;

• understand the characteristics of a public library; and

• appreciate the functioning of public libraries as social institutions.

2.1 INTRODUCTION

Public Library is a social institution. It is an institution created and maintained by the society
for its benefit and progress. It plays a vital role in the life of an individual and in enrichment of
community life. In this unit, the social role and functions of the public library and the
16
 commitment of the society towards the public library have been dealt with. This unit has been Public l.ibra'ry and Society
prepared in the light oflatest edition of the UNESCO Public Library Manifesto, 1994.

2.2 GROWTH OF PUBLIC LmRARY AS SOCIAL

INSTITUTION
The public library is one among the many institutions, which the society has founded. It
emerged to meet educational, recreational and information needs of the society. Public library
as we find today emerged in western countries in the nineteenth century. The following social
factors influenced the growth of the public library as a social institution:

2.2.1 Impact of Renaissance and Industrial Revolution

The Renaissance in Europe paved the way for revival oflearning and scholarship, which was
restricted in medieval Europe. It created urge for knowledge and learning. The Industrial
Revolution on the other hand sounded the death-knell of feudalism and created conditions
for the rise of capitalism. The people liberated from feudalism realized the necessity for
education. The spread of education created urge for reading, which ultimately led to emergence
"
of public and other libraries to provide facilities for reading and learning. .

2.2.2 Invention of Printing

The invention of ink and paper and, ultimately the invention of printing in early sixteenth
century, led to availability of many copies of a publication. This paved the way for development
of public library where printed copies were available for public use.

2.2.3 Spread of Universal Education

With the development of democracy and democratic institutions, it was felt that no social
, progress could be achieved without spread of education, which ultimately leads to economic
development of human resources. Demand for universal education was raised in different
countries of the world. While some countries achieved significant progress in respect of
universal education, many countries are yet fo achieve this goal. The spread of education in
different countries had direct impact on the growth of public library. The public library was
considered as an essential social institution for retention and expansion of acquired education
in formal institutions. '.

2.2.4 Spread of Literacy

The worldwide adult education activities in different countries created urge for development
of the public library. At the post-literacy stage, the public library is considered as an essential
social institution, which helps in retention and expansion of the newly acquired literacy.

2.2.5 Role of Enlightened Philanthropic

,
.
Several enlightened philanthropicpersons
Persons and Institutions
and institutions have played important role in the
development of public library. They branded huge financial assistance and also provided
leadership for the growth of public library. Role-played by Andrew Carnegie in the U.K. and
Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwar of Baroda in India can be cited as examples in this respect.

2.2.6 Urge for Kno.wledge and Information

With the spread of education, urge for knowledge and information developed in men and
women for the following reasons: a) to get themselves acquainted with the fast changing
environment of the society; b) to face the competitive world and to survive in the struggle for
existence; and c) for socio-economic and cultural development of an individual and the society.
To meet these urge for knowledge and information, common people rushed to the public
library to exploit its resources and services.

2.2.7 Recreation and Use of Leisure Time

The institution of the public library also developed due to the demand for recreational reading
and spending leisure time by reading books, periodicals, newspapers, etc. and also by
17
Pubt'le Library: Basle Concepti participating in different literary. cultural and educative programmes organized by the public
library.

2.3 PUBLIC LmRARY AND mE SOCIETY

The public Iibi-ary in'the modem sense of the term started developing in Europe in the nineteenth
century. The social situation in Europe was favourable for creation of public library. In addition
to the growing nationalism in Europe, which was a historical characteristic ofthe period, other
social factors, such as movement for political franchise, spread 'Ofeducation, popularization
of knowledge, spread of democracy and democratic institutions had direct impact in the
general urge for the growth of public, library. The growth of the public library initially was
largely due to enthusiastic efforts of liberal- minded individuals and a small progressive social
group. '

The society has established and maintained various institutions to meet it different needs.
The public library is one such institution which looks after its educational, cultural, recreational
and information requirements.

Examples of different institutions that 'take care of educational, cultural, recreational, and
information needs of the society are given below:

. Activities Social Institutions

Fofmal education of schools (primary and secondary), colleges,

different levels universities, professional and vocational
institutions, TV (distance education), etc.

Cultural activities different literary, music, dance, drama, fine arts

folk literature and arts, academics and cultural
, organizations, TV, radio, etc.

Recreational and Leisure theatres, cinemas, sports! & games organizations,

time activities TV, radio, etc.

Information activities different government and non-government

institutions and organizations, newspaper, radio,
rv.ee,
Bducational; cultural, libraries and museums - public libraries
Recreational and societal
'Information activities

The relation between public library and the society can be properly understood ifit is examined
from following viewpoints:

a) What is a public library and what are its features as social institutions; and

b) Missions for public library service or social functions ofa public library.

2.4 CHARACTERISTICS OF A PUBLIC LmRARY AS

SOCIAL INSTITUTION
The public library emerged in a particular situation of the society to meet the· educational,
cultural, and recreational and information needs of the society, The public library's commitment
to the modem democratic society-is clear from its scope ana characteristics. The Unesco
Public Library Manifesto (First published in 1,949, later revised in 1972 and 1994) has suggested
the scope and characteristics of a public library, which are clear manifestations of social
institution. These characteristics or features ef a.public library ar~:
18
 2.4.1 What is a Public Library Public library and Suciety

The public library, the local gateway to knowledge, provides a basic condition for life long
learning, independent decision-making and cultural development of the individual and social
group. It is a local centre of infonnatio 1, making all kinds of knowledge and information
available to its users. It is a living force for education, culture and information and an essential
agent for fostering of peace and spiritual welfare among people

2.4.2 Important Features of a Public Library

Some of the important features ofa public library are:

a) Equality of access' The servicesofpublic library are provided on the basis of equality of
access, regardless of age, race, sex, religion, nationality, language or social status. In
other words, it is open to the entire society. .

b) Free Services: The public library shall in principle be free of Charge. In other words, any
member of the society can avail a himself/herself of the services of a public library
without any fee.

c) The public library is the responsibility of local or national authorities.

/ d) Legal and financial basis ofa public library: The public library must be supported by
specific legislation and financed by national and local governments. It has to be an
essential component of any long-term strategy for culture, information provision, literacy
and education. 'The public library legislation is a mandatory social action in support ofa
popular demand of the society. Similarly, financial responsibility by the local and national
governments not only gives recognition to a social demand but also assures continuity
and development of its services, '

In the light of the above discussion, it can be concluded that a public library has been created,
maintained and operated by the society for progress of its members.

2.5 SOCIAL ROLE OF PUBLIC LmRARY

The Unesco Public Library Manifesto (1994) has suggested the following missions ofa public
library. These are essentially the public "library's commitment to the society:

2.5.1 Self-education Center of the Society

Persons having formal educatiori, whatever may be their level of education, will have free
access to the resources of a public library for retention. improvementand expansion of their
acquired education; again, persons having no formal education can also utilize the resources
of a public library for self-education. The public library services should support both individual
and self-conducted education as well as formal education at all levels. It should also provide
opportunity for personal creative development. In other words, a public library is the social
institution fo~ life-long learning and independent decision-making.

There is a difference between formal education and public library service. In formal education.
one has to learn in a structured way. following a syllabus in a particular field of knowledge and
undergoing a particular method of teaching and evaluation system, where as the public library
provides self-education in a very informal way without any formality, restriction and imposition.
Secondly, the formal education, whatever may be the level, ends at a stage, whereas the scope
of self-education through the public library is lifelong. '

2.5.2 Community Information Centre

One of the major social functions of 'a public library is to provide up-to-date facts and
information on all subjects and topics to one and all. 'In organizing community information
services through the public library the following points need to be considered:

a) (t should furnish information on the life and living of an individual and of the community;

b) It should ensure access to all sorts of community information to all citizens,

19
Public Library: Basic Concepts c) It should also provide adequate information services to local enterprises, associations
and interest groups;

d) Its collection and services be so organized that it is capable to cater the information
needs of various sections of the local community in rural and urban areas;

e) It should foresee both actual and potential demands of the individual and society; and

f) In the context ofapplications of modern technologies in public library service. it should

facilitate development of information a~ computer literacy skills and also skills for
network search.

Besides having general 'reference and information services. the public library organizes
community information services considering the specific information needs of the local people.
Community of one locality may differ with the community of another locality in respect of
social, economics cultural and educational levels. employment opportunities. racial, linguistic
and religious differences, etc. In organizing community information service. all these factors
of the locality are to be taken into consideration.

The community' information service attends the following two types of information
requirements of the society:

a) Information requirement of an individual a elated to food, clothing, health. shelter,

education. savings, investment, material problems, legal right, employment, travel,
environment, business, etc.: .

b) Information related to social, economic and political responsibilities and duties of citizens.
functioning of local-self government, pollution control, developmental project, etc.,

The public library belongs to' the communityand it is the only community agency that is
concerned with the information needs of all its citizens.

2.5.3 Cultural Center for the Society

To fulfill its commitment to the society, a public library functions as a cultural center of the
society. All documents recording excellence of mankind in different cultural fields are collected
in a public library, The public library services promote awareness of cultural heritage,
appreciation of the arts and literature, interest in scientific achievements and innovations. It
also provides access to cultural expressions of all visual and performing arts. The public
library service provides a basic condition for cultural development of the individual and
social group. Fostering inter-cultural dialogue and favouring cultural diversity of the society
is one of the missions of the public library service. To protect cultural diversity, the public
library not only promotes recorded tradition but also oral tradition. As the public library is
also expected to meet the cultural requirements of the local people, it develops a local history
collection, i.e.• a collection of documents having cultural materials pertaining to the local ity.
Different cultural programmes are also organized in the public library to attract users.

2.5.4 Centre for Recreation and Healthy Use of Leisure Time

Thepublic library provides services for healthy use of leisure time by providing recreational
reeding, reading for spiritual development and inspiration, The public library develops a good
stock of reading and audio visual materials on the works of different literary forms,' works of
art, biographies and auto-biographies, travel books, works on sports and games, works on
spiritual development and magazines, etc. Different literary and cultural programmes are also
organized by the public library to attract users. In other words, the public library provides to
· one and all a harmless and elevating use of leisure.

2.5.5 Supporting Role of Public Library in Literacy Activities

·The public library plays a vital role in literacy activities and movements. Its supports literacy
·activities and programmes for all age-groups and initiate such activities, if necessary. The
public library plays a positive role in post-literacy programmes by providing the following
facilities:

a) A good collection of reading and audio-visual materials related to the life and living of
20 neo-literatesx
b) A separate reading room for neo-literates, wherever possible, with good and attractive Publit Ubrary and Socirty
collection of reading and audio-visual materials:

c) Regular provision in the !ibrary budget for procurement of reading and audio-visual
materials for neo-Iiterates;

d) Competent staff with proper orientation to attend the needs of neo-literates;

e) Close line with nearby literacy centres, supplying reading materials to the neo-literates
through these literacy centres at the initial stage. This will help to attract the neo-
literates to the regular library service;

t) .Group discussions and reading with neo-literates to develop reading habits among them;

g) Information services to the neo-Iiterates related to their life and living;

h) Oral services to the neo-literates and illiterates to attract them to literacy and library
activities.

A society free from illiteracy is a mission of public library service.

2.5.6 Developing Reading Habits and Creativity Among the Children

The public library services pay special attention to the needs of children. The children's
section of the public library is organized and operated in such a manner that it takes special
care for creating and reading habits In children from an early/activating age. It organizes
services to stimulate the imagination and creativity of children and young people. By developing
love of books and reading habits among the children, the public library creates well-informed
educated citizens of the future. . ,

2.5.7 Services to the Disadvantaged Sections of the Society

-
A public library has a special commitment for those sections of the society which cannot avail
themselves regular services for whatever reasons. Specific services and materials are provided
for those users who cannot use regular services and materials, For example, linguistic minorities,
people living in isolated cluster: people with disabilities, aged and infirm people, people in
hospital or prison, etc. .

,2.5.8 Collection Development and Services Adopted to the Different'

Needs of th~ Society
As public library is an institution created, maintained and operated by society, its collection
development and services must be adopted to meeting the different needs of society. All age-
groups, children to old people, must find material relevant to their needs. Collection and
services have to include all types of appropriate media and modem technologies as well as
traditional materials. High quality and relevance to local needs and conditions are fundamental
in collection, development and services. Material must reflect current trends of ideas and
activities and the evolution of society as well as the memory of human endeavour and
imagination. The collection and services must be adopted to the different needs of communities ,
in rural and urban areas.

Collection and services in a public library should not be subject to any form of ideological,
political or religious censorship; nor commercial pressures.

2.5.9 As an Impartial Democratic Institution of the Society

It helps to develop a sense of amity and a sense of'respect among diverse groups of mankind.
Its helps to develop understanding and strengthens democratic spirit and culture by
appreciation of the differences in language, religion, customs and manners. It also helps to
dispel ignorance and obsaratism. It stimulates thinking. Public library is a democratic
institution, the prime mission of which is progress of the society.

Self·Check Exercises

I) Explain the growth of public library as a soda I institution.

2) Discuss the, impact of public library on cultural development 21
.>
··".,'OOf
Public Library: Basic Concepts 3) Describe in brief the basic characteristics of'a public library.

Note: i) Write your answers in the space given below.

ii) Check your answers with the answers given at the end of the. unit.

............................. ' .

2.6 SUMMARY
This unit is a brief introduction to the evolution of public library and explains the various
factors that caused 'its evolution as a social institution. The reasons of public library being a
social institution, its their commitments to the society and expectations of the society from
the public library are some the issues that have been discussed in this unit.

The discussion in this Unit leads to the conclusion that public library is an impartial, democratic
institution, created, maintained and operated by the society, to meet society's educational,
cultural, recreational, spiritual and information needs. Public library is the community agency
that is concerned with all these needs of its citizens. The issues in this unit have been
discussed in the light of the latest edition of the Unesco Public Library Manifesto (1994),
.'
which is the most important and basic document in the field ofpubJic librarianship.
,

'2.7 ANSWERS TO SELF ,CHECK EXERCISES'

l) The growth of public library as a social institution is obtained right from: (i)The beginning
of the renaissance and' individual resolution, (ii) invention of printing, (iii) spread of
universal education, (iv) spread ofliteracy, (v) role of enlightened philanthropic persons
and institutions, (vi) urge for important information and knowledge, (vii) recreation and
use of the leisure time.

2) There are a member of activities undertaken by a public library for cultural enrichment
competitions, seminar/debate, book talks, exhibitions. film shows, lectures, concerts-
(live or recorded) etc.

3) The basic characteristics of the public library are: (i) It is based on the definition of
democracy "a library for the people, by the. people and of the people", (ii) equality of
access (iii) free services.

2.8 KEY, WOR))S

Infirm Weak, unsound, unable to resist pressure or weight

Renaissance Revival or period of significant improvement and new life in cultural

scientific, economic or other areas of activity.

Self-Education Education of oneself by private study without formal instruction

2.9 REFERENCES AND FURTHER READING

Bunch, Allan (1982). Community Information Services. London: Clive Bingley.

Gerard, D. ed. (1978) . Libraries in Society: A Reader, London: Clive Bingley ..

22
Harrison, K.C. (1977). The Library and the Community: London: Andre Deutsch. Public Library and So<'fety

Johnson, Alwin (1939). The Public Library: A People's University. N.Y: American Association
for Adult Education.
Khanna. J.K.( (987). Libr.ary and Society. Kurukshetra: Research Publication. .
Murison, WJ (1988). The Public Library.' Its Origin, Purpose. and Significance. London:
Clive Bingley.
Ranganathan, S.R. (1969). Free Book Service for All: An International Survey. Bombay:
Asia. .
Unesco Public Library Manifesto, 1994.
Usherwood, Bob(1989). The Public Library as Public Knowledge. London: Library
Association.

APPENDIX
UNESCO Public Library Manifesto-1994
A gateway to knowledge

Freedoms, Prosperity and the Development of society and of individuals are fundamental
human values. They will only be attained through the ability of well-informed citizens to
to
exercise their democratic rights and play an active role in society. Constructive participation
and the development of democracy depend on satisfactory education as well as on free and
unlimited access to knowledge, thought. culture and information.

The public library. the local gateway to knowledge, provides a basic condition for lifelong
learning, independent decision-making and cultural development of the individual and social
groups.

The Manifesto proclaims UNESCO's belief in the public library as a living force for education,
culture and information, and as an essential agent for the fostering of peace and spiritual
welfare through the minds of men and women.

UNESCO, therefore, encourages national and local governments to support and actively
engage in the development of public libraries.

The Public Library

The Public Library is the local centre of information, making all kinds of knowledge and .
information readily available to its users.

The services of the public library are provided on the basis of equality of access for all,
regardless of age, race, sex, religion, nl\tionality, language or social status. Specific services
and materials must be provided for those users who cannot, for whatever reason, use the
regular services and materials, for example linguistic minorities, people with disabilities or'
people in'hospital or prison.

All age-groups must find material relevant to their needs. Collections and services have to
include all types ofappropriate media and modem technologies as well as traditional materials.
High quality and relevance to local needs and conditions are fundamental. Material must
reflect current trends and the evolution of society, as well as the memory of human endeavour
and imagination.

Collections and services should not be subject to any form of Ideological, political or religious
censorship, nor commercial pressures,

Missions of the Public Library

Missio~ ofthe Public Library. The following key missions which relate to information, literacy,
education and culture should be at the core of public library services.

J) Creating and strengthening reading habits in children from an early age; 23

Public Library: Bull' CURl'cpts 2) Supporting both individual and self conducted education as well as formal education at
all levels:

3) Providing opportunities for personal creative ~evelopment;

4) Stimulating the imagination and creativity of children and young people;

5) Promoting awareness of cultural heritage, appreciation of the arts.scientific achievements

and innovations;

6) Providing access to cultural expressions of all performing arts;

7) Fostering inter-cultural dialogue and favouring cultural diversity;

8) Supporting the oral tradition;

9) Ensuring access for citizens to all sorts of community information;

10) . Providing adequate information services to local enterprises, associations and interest
groups;

11) Facilitating the development of information and computer literacy skills;

12) Supporting and participating in literacy activities and programmes for all age-groups,
and initiating such activities if necessary.

Funding legislation and networks ,

. The Public Library shall in principle be free of charge. The public library is the responsibility
of local and national authorities. It must be supported by specific legislation and financed by
national and local governments. It has to be an essential component of any long-term strategy
for culture, information provision, literacy and education.

To ensure nationwide library coordination and cooperation, legislation and strategic plans
must also define and promote a national library network based on agreed standards of service.

The public library network must be designed in relation to national. regional. research and
special libraries as well as libraries in schools, colleges and universities.

Operation and management

A Clear Policy M ust be Formulated, defining objectives, priorities and services in relation to
the local community needs. The public library has to be organized effectively and professional
standards of operation must be maintained.

Cooperation with relevant partners-for example, user groups and other professional at local,
regional, national as well as intelJlat.~onallevel-has to be ensured.

Services have to be physically accessible to all members of the community. This requires well
situated library buildings, good reading and study facilities, as well as relevant technologies
and sufficient opening hours convenient to the users. Itequally im.plies outreach services for'
those unable to visit the library.

The library services must be adapted to the different needs of communities in rural and urban
areas .
.
The librarian is an active intermediary between users and resources. Professional and
continuing education of the librarian is indispensable to ensure adequate services.

Qutreach and user education programmes have to be provided to helpusers benefit from all
the resources.. .

24