Public libraries play a pivotal role in the educational, cultural, and informational landscape of societies. Over time, various experts and organizations, both national and international, have propounded objectives that shape and guide the mission of public libraries. These objectives aim to provide equitable access to information, foster lifelong learning, promote literacy, and enhance community engagement. Below is a detailed discussion of the objectives laid out by various library and information science experts and organizations.
1. American Library Association (ALA)
The American Library Association (ALA) has been instrumental in defining the objectives of public libraries, particularly in the United States but also globally due to its influence on library science.
- Free Access to Information: One of ALA’s foundational objectives is to ensure that public libraries provide free access to information for all individuals, regardless of their background. This access should be provided without discrimination based on race, religion, gender, or political beliefs.
- Democracy and Intellectual Freedom: Public libraries, according to the ALA, are cornerstones of democracy. They ensure intellectual freedom by providing access to a diverse range of ideas and perspectives. The objective is to support informed citizens and promote active participation in democratic processes.
- Literacy and Education: ALA also emphasizes the role of public libraries in promoting literacy and lifelong education. Libraries provide a range of services, including access to books, digital resources, and learning programs, to support the educational needs of children, adults, and lifelong learners.
- Community Space: Public libraries are encouraged to serve as community hubs. They offer spaces for people to come together, access resources, attend programs, and engage in civic and social activities.
2. International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA)
The IFLA has a global perspective on public libraries, reflecting their diversity in mission and function across different countries and cultures.
- Universal Access to Information: IFLA promotes the idea that public libraries are essential in providing universal access to information, knowledge, and culture. The objective is to ensure that individuals from all walks of life can access both print and digital resources freely.
- Support for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): IFLA’s public library objectives are closely aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Libraries are seen as crucial in advancing SDG 4 (quality education) by offering inclusive and equitable educational opportunities. Public libraries also contribute to other SDGs by promoting social inclusion, digital literacy, and sustainable communities.
- Bridging the Digital Divide: IFLA emphasizes the role of public libraries in addressing the digital divide. With increasing reliance on digital information, libraries have the objective of ensuring that all individuals, especially those from underserved or marginalized communities, have access to technology, the internet, and digital literacy programs.
3. Ranganathan’s Five Laws of Library Science
Dr. S.R. Ranganathan, a pioneering figure in library science, laid out five fundamental laws that have greatly influenced public library objectives worldwide.
- Books are for Use: This principle emphasizes that libraries must ensure easy and convenient access to their collections. Public libraries should focus on making books and other resources readily available and accessible to users rather than keeping them merely for preservation.
- Every Reader His/Her Book: According to this law, public libraries should strive to meet the diverse needs of their users. This means ensuring that collections cater to different age groups, educational levels, and interests, promoting inclusivity and personalized services.
- Every Book Its Reader: This objective underlines the need for public libraries to have effective cataloging, classification, and user services so that each book can reach its intended audience. Libraries should facilitate the discovery of resources through well-organized collections and user-friendly systems.
- Save the Time of the Reader: Ranganathan’s fourth law highlights the need for efficiency in library services. Public libraries should aim to provide quick and effective services, minimizing the time users spend searching for resources.
- The Library is a Growing Organism: Public libraries should evolve and grow with the changing needs of society. This means expanding collections, adopting new technologies, and continuously updating services to remain relevant and useful to the community.
4. UNESCO Public Library Manifesto
The UNESCO Public Library Manifesto, first introduced in 1949 and revised several times, outlines the key objectives and functions of public libraries from an international perspective.
- Gateway to Knowledge: The manifesto describes public libraries as gateways to knowledge and information, promoting the individual's ability to make informed decisions and participate in an informed and democratic society.
- Support for Education, Culture, and Leisure: Public libraries should support formal and informal education, promote cultural heritage, and provide leisure reading materials. The aim is to foster a well-rounded individual through access to a broad spectrum of information and knowledge.
- Equality of Access: According to the manifesto, public libraries must ensure that all people, regardless of their background, have equal access to information. This is one of the primary objectives that guide the establishment and functioning of libraries worldwide.
- Promote Peace and Social Harmony: UNESCO underscores the role of libraries in fostering intercultural understanding, promoting peace, and encouraging social cohesion. Public libraries are seen as safe spaces where different communities can come together, exchange ideas, and participate in dialogue.
5. Indian Public Library Objectives
Public libraries in India are shaped by both global frameworks and local conditions. The National Mission on Libraries (NML), initiated by the Government of India, has laid down specific objectives for public libraries in the Indian context.
- Access to Knowledge for All: In a diverse and populous country like India, the objective is to provide free access to knowledge, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Public libraries serve as essential gateways to information for people with limited access to formal educational institutions.
- Promotion of Indian Languages and Culture: Indian public libraries are tasked with preserving and promoting literature in various Indian languages, in addition to providing materials in English and other global languages. The objective is to ensure that local cultures and linguistic diversity are reflected in the library collections.
- Literacy and Education for Social Development: Indian public libraries focus on enhancing literacy rates and supporting educational initiatives. The NML and other local programs aim to provide resources for adult education, literacy training, and school support services, particularly for marginalized groups.
- Digital Inclusion and E-Libraries: In line with global trends, Indian public libraries are focusing on digital inclusion by offering access to computers, the internet, and digital content. Several e-library initiatives have been launched to increase access to educational and informational resources across the country.
6. CILIP (Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals) - UK
CILIP, the leading professional body for librarians in the UK, has outlined objectives for public libraries that align with global best practices but also focus on the UK’s specific needs.
- Lifelong Learning: Public libraries in the UK are expected to support individuals throughout their lives by providing access to educational resources, learning opportunities, and skills development programs.
- Social Inclusion: CILIP promotes libraries as inclusive spaces that cater to the needs of all individuals, including those from disadvantaged or marginalized communities. This includes offering accessible services for people with disabilities and providing resources in multiple languages.
- Economic and Social Well-being: Public libraries are also seen as drivers of economic and social well-being. By offering access to information, training, and career resources, libraries can help individuals improve their job prospects and contribute to the overall economic development of their communities.
Conclusion
Public libraries worldwide have evolved to become more than just repositories of books. Their objectives, as propounded by various experts and organizations, reflect a commitment to providing free and equal access to information, fostering literacy and education, supporting cultural and social development, and promoting inclusivity. Whether through the ALA’s advocacy for intellectual freedom, IFLA’s focus on the SDGs, or Ranganathan’s timeless laws, public libraries remain indispensable institutions for individual and community advancement.
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