An enduring metaphor for the university library is that it is the heart of the university. The exact origins of this phrase are not clear. However, Grimes (1998) suggests that it was first used by William Eliot (who was president of Harvard University, Chicago during the period 1869-1909). Subsequently the image was picked up in U.K. and appeared in various reports like Parry Report 1967. The metaphor implies that the academic library is of unparalleled importance. The objectives and functions of a university library are derived from the functions of a university which are:
• Learning and teaching;
• Research and generation of new knowledge;
• Dissemination and publication of research results;
• Conservation of knowledge and ideas; and
• Extension and services.
Functions
As stated above the major functions of a university library are derived from the objectives of the university. They comprise:
• Development of a collection in a wide range of subjects for learning, teaching, research, publication, etc.;
• Getting the stock of knowledge materials organised and maintained for use;
• Organising and providing a variety of library, documentation and information services, both responsive and anticipatory.
The user community of university library generally falls under the following categories:
• Students at different levels of study in different subjects;
• Teachers imparting instructions and guiding students at different levels and in different subjects;
• Research students working for M.Phil and Ph.D. degrees;
• Post-doctoral research scholars working on specific projects;
• Professors and experts guiding research projects and managing research activities of the university;
• Members of various academic and executive bodies of the university;
• Scholars in general, who get special privileges of using the university library; and
• Others.
It can be inferred from the above that university libraries have a great responsibility and a very important role to play not only in shaping students for higher learning and research, but also in providing a variety of services to meet other demands. It must be emphasised here that the university library is governed as per the statutory laws of the university. Hence the library system will be subject to scrutiny and evaluation by its academic and executive councils. There are well laid out policy procedures for its administration. The chief librarian manages the library as per the policy guide lines. Let us now consider some of the important features which need constant and special attention for the successful functioning of a university library.
The major areas of concern of a university library are:
• Collection development;
• Processing and organisation;
• Services;
• Professional staff;
• Physical facilities;
• Finance and budget
Each one of the above components has a significant role to play in the over all success of the library as a support mechanism in promoting the goals of the university in its pursuit for the achievement of higher learning and research.
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