Qualitative and Quantitative Survey

Of
Public Libraries in India
Report, July 2018
Incorporating add. Inputs – July 2019

Prepared for : Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation

(RRRLF), Kolkata

Submitted by : KANTAR

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 Table of Contents

1. Background .............................................................................................................................................................................. 6
2. Scope of Work ........................................................................................................................................................................ 7
3. Research Methodology........................................................................................................................................................... 8
3.1 Selection of libraries, users & non-users ......................................................................................................................... 10
3.2 Sample Design ..................................................................................................................................................................... 13
3.3 How to read tables in the report ...................................................................................................................................... 15
4. Executive Summary & Recommendations ....................................................................................................................... 16
4.1 The current status of libraries .................................................................................................................................... 17
4.1.1 Information services ................................................................................................................................................... 17
4.1.2. Infrastructure, utilization and budgets .................................................................................................................... 21
4.2 Evolving needs – Transformation of libraries ........................................................................................................ 28
4.2.1 Users of the Public Library System ...................................................................................................................... 28
4.2.2 User needs vs Librarian perceptions .................................................................................................................... 30
4.2.3 Satisfaction of the public library users with the current library system.......................................................... 31
4.2.4 Focus of libraries to evolve into a community knowledge center .................................................................. 34
4.3 How to attract Non-Users of libraries into the Public Library system? ............................................................. 36
4.3.1 Who are the Non-Users? ....................................................................................................................................... 36
4.3.2 Reasons for non-usage of public libraries ........................................................................................................... 37
4.3.3 Prioritizing focus areas to make the public library system attractive to Non-users ..................................... 38
4.4 Increasing user footfalls to public libraries.............................................................................................................. 43
4.5 Model libraries for India’s youth ............................................................................................................................... 46
4.6 Investment Prioritization............................................................................................................................................ 48
4.6.1 Essential areas for budget prioritization: ........................................................................................................ 48
4.6.2 Directions for value added services for consideration for prioritization of investment for development
of public library services ...................................................................................................................................................... 48
4.6.3 Funds to introduce new public services required include- ............................................................................... 50
4.6.4 Funds for Awareness drive: A significant portion of non-users were unaware of public libraries in their
locality or the services provided. ........................................................................................................................................ 51
4.6.5 Co-utilization of Govt. schemes, CSR initiatives, generation of additional revenue ................................... 51

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Detailed Findings ........................................................................................................................................................................... 52
5. PART A – Findings from Survey of Public Libraries ..................................................................................................... 53
Chapter Summary ...................................................................................................................................................................... 53
Detailed Results ......................................................................................................................................................................... 57
5.1 Staffing information of libraries ....................................................................................................................................... 57
5.2 Infrastructure and amenities.............................................................................................................................................. 59
5.3 Computerization of services ............................................................................................................................................. 69
5.4 Budgets and expenditure ................................................................................................................................................... 75
5.5 Staff training ........................................................................................................................................................................ 79
5.6 Library resources and collections ..................................................................................................................................... 82
5.7 Classification and cataloguing of books .......................................................................................................................... 85
5.8 Library membership & usage ............................................................................................................................................ 87
5.9 Services provided by library .............................................................................................................................................. 90
5.10 Future needs of libraries .................................................................................................................................................. 93
6. PART B – Survey among Public Library Users ............................................................................................................... 99
Chapter Summary ...................................................................................................................................................................... 99
Detailed Results ....................................................................................................................................................................... 103
6.1 Usage profile & patterns .................................................................................................................................................. 103
6.2 Resources offered, availed & desired ............................................................................................................................. 106
6.3 Services offered, availed & desired ................................................................................................................................ 112
6.4 User rating of libraries and their services ...................................................................................................................... 119
6.5 Extent of fulfilment of needs .......................................................................................................................................... 121
6.6 Likeliness to recommend ................................................................................................................................................. 122
6.7 Importance attached to presence of libraries ............................................................................................................... 123
6.8 Willingness to contribute to new initiatives .................................................................................................................. 124
6.9 Opinion on new initiatives .............................................................................................................................................. 125
7. PART C – Survey among other library users (Academic & Private lending libraries) ............................................ 127
Chapter Summary .................................................................................................................................................................... 127
Detailed Results ....................................................................................................................................................................... 132
7.1 Usage profile & patterns .................................................................................................................................................. 132
7.2 Resources offered, availed & desired ............................................................................................................................. 134
7.3 Services offered, availed & desired ................................................................................................................................ 137
7.4 User rating of libraries and their services ...................................................................................................................... 140

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 7.5 Extent of fulfilment of needs .......................................................................................................................................... 143
7.6 Likeliness to recommend ................................................................................................................................................. 144
7.7 Public libraries in the eyes of other public library users ............................................................................................. 145
7.8 Willingness to contribute to new initiatives .................................................................................................................. 148
7.9 Opinion on new initiatives .............................................................................................................................................. 149
7.10. Detailed findings – Users perspective - Comparison of Public Libraries with Academic,
Cultural/Embassy/Mission Type and Private Lending Libraries ........................................................................................ 151
7.10.1 Comparison of User profiles ..................................................................................................................................... 151
7.10.2 Comparison of resources ........................................................................................................................................... 151
7.10.3 Services offered ............................................................................................................................................................ 152
7.10.4 Usage Feedback ........................................................................................................................................................... 153
7.10.5 Rating the quality of libraries ..................................................................................................................................... 153
7.10.6 Fulfilled user needs ...................................................................................................................................................... 154
7.10.7 New initiatives .............................................................................................................................................................. 155
8. PART D – Survey among non-users ............................................................................................................................... 156
Chapter Summary .................................................................................................................................................................... 156
Detailed Results ....................................................................................................................................................................... 159
8.1 Profile of non-users .......................................................................................................................................................... 159
8.2 Reasons for non-usage ..................................................................................................................................................... 159
8.3 Needs and expectations from a public library .............................................................................................................. 166
8.4 Interest in visiting a public library in the near future .................................................................................................. 171
8.5 Willingness to contribute towards new initiatives ....................................................................................................... 171
9. Part E - Overall performance of libraries ....................................................................................................................... 174
9.1 Performance Evaluation Results – By states ......................................................................................................... 178
9.2 Performance of Grantee vs Non-Grantee libraries ............................................................................................. 179
10. Part F- Parameter-wise Performance .......................................................................................................................... 183
10.1 Amenities .................................................................................................................................................................... 183
10.1.1 Availability of essential amenities – Overall by state .................................................................................. 185
10.1.2 Availability of essential amenities – By Urban and Rural libraries ........................................................... 186
10.2 Digital presence.......................................................................................................................................................... 187
10.2.1 Presence of computers .................................................................................................................................... 187
10.2.2 Presence of computers across all states ........................................................................................................ 188
10.2.3 Availability of internet connections ............................................................................................................... 189
10.2.4 Availability of internet connections ............................................................................................................... 190

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 10.3 Resources .................................................................................................................................................................... 191
10.3.1 Book stocks - By all states............................................................................................................................... 192
10.4 Staffing ........................................................................................................................................................................ 193
10.4.1 Minimum and maximum numbers of staff .................................................................................................. 194
10.5 User satisfaction ......................................................................................................................................................... 195
10.5.1 User feedback from Public Library users ..................................................................................................... 196
10.5.2 User feedback from Public Library users – by Urban and Rural libraries .............................................. 197
11. Appendix ......................................................................................................................................................................... 198

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 1. Background

National Mission on Libraries (NML) India has been set up by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India to enable
development of Public Libraries and the Information Science Sector. With the changing times, it is imperative to study
the present scenario of libraries and develop key performance indicators that would help in developing and sustaining
the library system for the future.

In this regard, NML has decided to implement four projects, one of which is a Quantitative & Qualitative Survey
of Libraries. This representative survey would help to understand the current status of public libraries and capture
the perceptions of the people towards the services of the same. The insights gained from this survey would then enable
the NML in its goal to set up additional model libraries.

RRRLF, the nodal agency for implementation of NML, has appointed Kantar to conduct the research survey among
5000 libraries, 4000 users and 3000 non-users.

This report covers the results from the survey conducted across various states and union territories among 5140
libraries, 4082 users of public libraries, 1003 users of other libraries (academic, cultural/embassy/mission type and
private lending libraries) and 2035 non-users.

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 2. Scope of Work

The National Knowledge Commission recommends sustained attention towards the development of public libraries.
This has been the reason that the National Mission on Libraries had decided to implement the below projects:

• Creation of National Virtual Library of India (NVLI)

• Modernization of several existing public libraries
• Quantitative and Qualitative Survey of Libraries
• Capacity Building

With this as the context, Kantar was commissioned to survey the public libraries system in India and gain insights from
users to modernize the existing system and ensure effective utilization by future generations as well.

The objective of the study was to:

• Present the current scenario of public libraries in India through a direct survey of libraries to create a
public library database
• Understand perceptions of library users and non-users so as to reveal the strengths and weaknesses
of the public library system in India

The detailed objectives1 included:

Survey of libraries Survey of Users and Non-users

• Understand the scenario of public libraries

with respect to infrastructure, services, usage, • Identify the user profile and services they avail
staff etc. • Ascertain the satisfaction levels of users
• Understand the perception of users and non-
• Understand the needs of public libraries and users on the public library system
provide suggestions for improvement • Identify reasons for not utilizing public
libraries among the non-users
• Provide suggestions to increase utilization of
public libraries

1
The call for survey document issued by RRRLF is provided in the Annexure
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 3. Research Methodology

The public library system in India is spread across geographies, from villages to cosmopolitan cities. The characteristics
of this system varies according to the category of the library, the location of the library, political scenario and a host of
other external factors. To represent this heterogenous system by gathering information, Kantar approached multiple
stakeholders such as the librarians of the public libraries, users of public and other libraries (academic,
cultural/mission/embassy & private lending libraries) and non-users of libraries.

The details of the research methodology followed, target respondents met, libraries covered and the data collection
period are outlined below.

Research methodology

• Primary research.
o Target Respondents/Segments
▪ Information was collected through direct personal visits from the following sources to
answer the research objectives:
• Librarians/Heads of Public libraries
• Users of public libraries
• Users of other libraries (academic, cultural/mission/embassy & private lending
libraries)
• Non-users of public libraries

o Mode of interview administration: Face to face

o Duration of interviews:
▪ Library survey – 25-30 mins;
▪ Users survey – 10-15 mins;
▪ Non-user survey – 8-10 mins
o Research instruments – Structured questionnaire prepared in advance with feedback from
RRRLF and the committee.

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Libraries in the purview of study
The hierarchy in the public library system in the country is given below. Libraries from each of these categories
have been converted as part of the survey.

▪ State central library

▪ District Library
▪ Town/City Library
▪ Divisional/Regional Library
▪ Sub-divisional/Taluka Library
▪ Village/Rural/ Panchayat Library
▪ Tribal Area Library
▪ NGO libraries
▪ Other category libraries such as block, circle, branch, etc.

Data collection period

• The data collection happened from March 2015 to July 2016

• Overall total of 12,260 interviews have been completed as against the suggested 12,000 given in
the Call for Proposals (ToR) from RRRLF
• A number of challenges have been faced through the course of data collection, which have
been outlined below (see section 3.1.4)

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 3.1 Selection of libraries, users & non-users
3.1.1. Selection of libraries

Upon commissioning of the study, questionnaires (instruments for data collection) were prepared for all segments.
Subsequently, they were discussed and finalized with the RRRLF core team and the committee. Questionnaires were
then translated to all languages.

Meetings with state conveners were initiated to request introduction letters, to obtain database of libraries across the
state and facilitate contacts. At this stage, the list shared by RRRLF was verified at the state level. Data collection was
then gradually initiated across all states and union territories.

The approach adopted to select libraries in each State and Union Territory has been outlined below.

RRRLF provided letters Kantar requested a meeting State conveners shared lists
addressed to state level with state convenors; this of all libraries/district
convenors of the public was held and RRRLF & libraries along with
library system, highlighting NML letters presented to authorization letter to be
the purpose of the study. them presented by Kantar
interviewers to library
authorities

Libraries list was

Sample allotment was done
consolidated (from the list
based on the state-wise
received). Sub-districts/
proportion of libraries.
taluks/ villages/tribal areas
Further details are given in
libraries were also included
the table below.
as applicable

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Type of libraries included and selected in states.

Type of library Selection

State central library All
District library All
To ensure randomness of the sample, anywhere between 5 to 50 divisional/sub-
divisional/city/town libraries was selected per state depending on universe size of public
Divisional/ libraries of the state
sub-divisional/city/ • In larger states, such as Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and a few others – 50 libraries
town libraries • In smaller states such as the North Eastern States, Uttarakhand and so on - 8 libraries
• It was ensured that sub-districts/towns/villages were selected from multiple districts
per state
Village libraries Anywhere between 2 to 150 village libraries per state based on size of the state
Tribal libraries Anywhere between 1 to 15 tribal libraries per state based on size of the state
NGO libraries Anywhere between 2 to 150 NGO libraries per state based on size of the state

3.1.2. Selection of users of public and other libraries (academic, cultural /mission /embassy & private lending
libraries)

A public library user is defined as one who uses/has visited/utilized the services of a public library in the last 1 year.
These respondents were met in the premises of public library itself to ensure that they were indeed users of public
libraries. Both members and non-members were included. The same method was applied to approach other library
users.

Once the districts, sub-districts, villages, towns were finalized, the specific libraries where users could be met were then
selected. The sample of libraries was selected across all categories – state central, district, divisional, sub-divisional,
village/rural, tribal as well as NGO libraries.

Further representation of users by membership status, students, employment status (employed/unemployed), retired
persons and housewives was ensured.

3.1.3. Selection of non-users of libraries

One of the objectives of the study is to assess the attitude of a non-user towards public libraries, their perception and
from this feedback, it will be possible to suggest ways to get them to utilize the services of public libraries.

A non-user was defined as one who is currently not a member of public library or any other libraries (academic,
cultural/mission/embassy & private lending libraries) and have not visited any library in the last one year. Non-users
were selected from the catchment area of each public library.
Among the non-users, representation by student population, those employed, unemployed, retired, housewives and
physically challenged was ensured.

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3.1.4 Challenges in data collection

In several states and union territories, work commenced smoothly upon meetings with state conveners and receipt of
library lists. Data acquisitions progressed well in Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra,
Goa, Kerala, the North-Eastern states. In all other states, delays were faced owing to non-co-operation from authorities
and non-receipt of library lists. However, with repeated requests from Kantar and RRRLF, the issues were resolved
and data gathering work went without much hindrance in Karnataka, Orissa, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi and
Haryana, though it resulted in a few months delay.

Data collection has been constrained in few states, due to non-receipt/non-availability of lists despite persistent
attempts from both Kantar and RRRLF. The states include:
• Bihar & MP: Based on the lists received, we have completed 126 and 106 libraries in Bihar & MP respectively.
• Chhattisgarh: The state library list or the authorization letter has not been received. Given this, data collection in
Chhattisgarh was not done and hence there is no representation.
• Punjab & Jharkhand: The library list provided was very limited, and a detailed list was not available. Due this this,
the representation from these states has been limited.

Suggestions given by Joint Commissioner in a meeting held on 18-Jan, 2016

A meeting was held with the Joint Commissioner on 18-Jan 2016 during which Kantar was advised to pursue with
states such as Chhattisgarh, MP, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Bihar for a few more months. If there are no further
developments in these states, it was suggested that sample reallocation be made and complete the sample in other
states. There was no significant development despite request from RRRLF/Joint Secretary’s office. In other states,
such as Haryana, Jharkhand and North East, as well, significant progress could not be made given the limited number
of libraries in the list.

Therefore, as suggested, sample reallocation was done to ensure completion. We have removed/reduced samples from
these states and shifted the sample to others. Proceeding in this manner, full sample size was achieved.

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 3.2 Sample Design

The sample to be covered in the Qualitative and Quantitative Survey of Public Libraries was specified by RRRLF in the “Call
for Proposals” (ToR)2. A total of 5000 public libraries and 7000 users/non-users were to be included from different
States and Union Territories. The sample size as per ToR by each respondent segment and library category has been
given below. The sample achieved and considered for the report has also been mentioned.

Sample size considered for report

Segment Sample as per ToR Sample Considered for Report

Survey of libraries 5000 5140
Users of public libraries 4000 4082
Users of any other libraries (academic/
1000 1003
mission & private lending libraries)
Non-users 2000 2035
TOTAL 12000 12260

PART A – Library Survey

Sample size of libraries – by library category

Library State Town/ Div./ Sub-div./ Village/ Tribal Delhi

District NGO Others
category Central City Regional Taluka Rural Lib. Public3
Sample 29 529 793 239 627 1936 76 418 10 483
Total 5140

PART B – Survey of Public Library Users

Sample size of Users – by library category

State Municipal/ Sub-div./ Panchayat /

Library category District NGO Others
Central Corporation Taluka Village
Sample 790 1087 346 743 298 559 259
Total 4082

PART C – Survey of other Library Users (academic, cultural/mission/embassy & private lending libraries)

Sample size of Other Library Users – by library category

Cultural/embassy/ College/School
Library category University Library
Mission/Private Lending/Others Library
Sample 127 376 500
Total 1003

2
The call for proposals issued by RRRLF is provided in the Annexure.
3
Only a few Delhi Public libraries have participated in the study, and these are smaller libraries with fewer staff and resources.
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Sample size considered for final report – by state

Number of Number of personal interviews

Sl. No. States & Union Territories
libraries covered covered
Library users Non-users
1 Andhra Pradesh 311 153 52
2 Arunachal Pradesh 23 46 18
3 Assam 82 90 57
4 Bihar 126 204 88
5 Goa 98 138 68
6 Gujarat 423 290 91
7 Haryana 35 268 121
8 Himachal Pradesh 115 150 68
9 Jammu & Kashmir 56 58 40
10 Jharkhand 17 92 27
11 Karnataka 637 186 86
12 Kerala 208 233 81
13 Madhya Pradesh 106 224 72
14 Maharashtra 511 487 223
15 Manipur 29 55 27
16 Meghalaya 22 54 28
17 Mizoram 18 49 20
18 Nagaland 20 55 25
19 Orissa 250 236 84
20 Punjab 34 125 74
21 Rajasthan 188 193 69
22 Sikkim 11 23 18
23 Tamil Nadu 522 252 99
24 Telangana 298 381 83
25 Tripura 14 0 0
26 Uttar Pradesh 311 364 170
27 Uttarakhand 30 58 18
28 West Bengal 389 256 96
29 Chandigarh 6 30 26
30 Dadra and Nagar Haveli 3 56 17
31 Delhi and NCR 245 251 80
32 Puducherry 1 28 9
33 Lakshadweep 1 - -
TOTAL 5140 5085 2035

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3.3 How to read tables in the report
Some of the findings in the report are represented in tables for a clear view on the findings. A sample tabular
representation is given below:

State Town/ Div./ Sub-div./ Village/ Tribal Delhi

Libraries District NGO
Central City Regional Taluka Rural area Public

The above heads signify the classifications of the different libraries approached for the study.
Base 29 529 793 239 627 1936 76 418 10
“Base” represents the sample size of the different libraries approached for the study.
The study values are captured here. Snice multiple choice questions were administered, in certain tables,
values would not add up to 100%.
Average/median values signify that values captured from entire libraries are presented here as in the
example below
Total Staff 19-20 4-5 3-4 3-4 2-3 1-2 1-2 2-3 2-3
Full Time Staff 18-19 3-4 2-3 2-3 1-2 1-2 1-2 2-3 1-2

• “Base” signifies the sample size captured across categories. It is on the base that the findings are reported as
percentages or values.
• The values are provided for an overall comparative purpose, the sample size and the type of library or state
and other parameters must be considered for correct interpretation. Most of the tables capture multiple choice
responses; hence the values would not add up to 100%.
• A few tables utilize mean or median values to avoid skew. These would not add to the total as average values
across the libraries have been captured.

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 4. Executive Summary & Recommendations

The public library system, over the years, has exerted a lasting impact on the social set-up in India. Over the last decade
or so, information access through the Internet has proliferated significantly with very easy-to-use mechanisms that
facilitate information access and user-friendly search engines etc. While this has minimized the dependence on books
to a great degree, the results of the Qualitative and Quantitative Survey of Libraries commissioned by the RRRLF and
conducted by Kantar in 2015-16, reveal that utilization of public libraries has only been on the rise over the years. This
has been confirmed by membership information obtained from libraries, which reveal that, excluding a few state central
and town/city libraries, most other libraries have recorded a substantial growth of 10-12% in membership since 2014.4

The survey also validates the significance of public libraries in the Indian context. Overall, 60% of the users certify that
the lack of a (public) library in the city or locality would constitute a major loss for them – a finding that endorses the
indispensable contribution of the libraries. Despite their low visibility, there is a set of users who depend heavily on
the system.

In this chapter, the findings are summarized under the major heads namely:

4.1 The current status of libraries

4.2 Evolving needs – Transformation of libraries
4.3 Reasons for non-usage of public libraries
4.4 Increasing user-footfalls to public libraries
4.5 Investment Prioritization

4
See 5.8.1
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 4.1 The current status of libraries

The present status of the library system and the action advisory has been outlined under the below categories:

Infrastructure, utilization
Information services Status-By states
& budgets

•Library resources and •Infrastructure •Performance of libraries in

collections •Staffing various states
•Classification and Cataloging •User patronage
•Services provided by libraries •Library budgets and
•Reprographics, printing expenditure
services
•Digitization

4.1.1 Information services

4.1.1 A. Library resources and collections

The resources available and those desired by the users have been clearly revealed through this study.

• The larger State Central libraries possess a considerable collection. Down the hierarchy of the categories of
libraries, a progressive drop in the number of resources is observed.
• Village and tribal libraries contain fewer resources when compared with the other categories of libraries (about
1000-3000 books in total, compared to approximately 77,000 books stocked in the State Central libraries and
24,000 in the district libraries.)

State Town/ Div./ Sub-div./ Village/

Libraries District Tribal area NGO Others
Central City Regional Taluka Rural
Base 29 529 793 239 627 1936 76 418 483
No. of books in
77515 24145 10697 11000 10000 3548 1790 5000 3851
Library resources
No. of Reference
7986 1500 550 786 565 150 100 105 266
books
No. of periodicals
36 27 30 23 21 7 4 12 9
books
No. of Daily
20 10 10 10 9 3 3 6 4
newspapers received
Approx. number of
4927 2000 1000 1500 800 300 400 500 500
children’s books
*Median values

• National average (books) - The national average of books across all categories of libraries is 5,500 books
per library.
• Books available to books issued - The ratio of books available to books issued was examined as an indicator
to understand the effective utilization of libraries. In the village/rural libraries, it was noted that 37 out of 100
books were issued. This is a positive indicator that, additional resources, if provided will be effectively utilized
in these libraries.

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 Books State Town/ Div./ Sub- Village/ Tribal Delhi
District NGO Others
available Central City Regional div./Taluka Rural area Public
to no. of
books 31 out of 29 out of 25 out of 37 out of 27out of 100 37 out of 20 out of 39 out of 18 out of 14 out of
issued 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100

• Enriching resources - Approximately 51% of public library users revealed a desire for more materials related
to the preparation for competitive exams, 39% users showed a demand for more numbers of text books or
reference books, while children’s resources were more eagerly sought for by the unemployed population,
mostly housewives and retired personnel.
Most public library authorities unanimously declare the need for increasing the availability of books, children’s
books and those relating to competitive examinations. This reveals an underlying need for fund infusion by
the states towards procurement of these resources.
• Availability of digital books – While 48% State Central libraries affirm the availability of e-resources, only
17% of the users of the State Central Libraries affirm that digital books are available.
• Availability of digital resources - Overall 32% of the libraries provide digital sources like CDs/DVDs, but
only 2% of users mention availability. This highlights the need to enlighten users on the resources available.
More details on the digital sources and computerization are presented in the subsequent section.

4.1.1 B. Classification and cataloguing

a) Classification system
• The study indicates that only 61% of libraries, followed a systematic classification scheme. Majority of these
libraries constitute of State Central, Town/City libraries, District libraries, Divisional and Sub-divisional
libraries. Consistent with other parameters, it is found that less than half of rural and tribal area libraries follow
any classification system.
• Among the libraries that follow a classification system, DDC/Dewey system is followed by approximately
54% of the libraries.

b) Cataloguing
Libraries were checked on the cataloguing schemes followed. Register forms (51%) are the most followed
across all libraries. However, 55% State Central libraries, 66% Divisional, 52% Sub-divisional and 50%
Town/City libraries use the card cataloguing method.

Action points on the resources

• Libraries requiring attention: A generic need is to increase the book stocks in taluka, village/rural and tribal
area libraries.
• Classification: The state authorities must decide implementation modality and ensure that the classification
and cataloguing system is made available, for ease of access and to maintain an ordered pattern.
• Digital books: Since digital e-books are desired by public users their availability must be progressively
increased across all library categories. A national access system allowing users to avail virtual books on loan
needs to be needs to be set up. This would allow resources to be available to the entire public library
community. Suitable access and registration mechanism, needs to be designed. In this regard, it is imperative
to examine the scope of making use of existing resources under DELNET.

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 • State focus: The resources must be improved in both quantity and quality, especially in the public libraries of
Assam, Delhi and NCR, Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu Kashmir, Orissa, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, West
Bengal and Telangana.

4.1.1 C. Special services provided by the libraries

A library, in conventional terms, is an information provider, possessing a collection of books. Besides the common
services of lending books and providing reference materials, a few libraries also organize special services including
story-telling, book exhibitions, literacy programs, lectures/discussions and other such engagement avenues.

• Around 27% of libraries offer services that involve access to collections of rare books.
• 16% libraries make meeting rooms/auditoriums available for the community to conduct functions, hold talks
etc., while 2% of libraries supply audio and Braille books.
• Almost 37% Sub-divisional/Taluka libraries and 41% divisional/regional libraries arrange for story-telling
sessions.
• This study suggests that excluding the State Central and divisional/regional libraries, other library categories
at the district, taluka, village/rural, tribal levels have been unable to adequately provide these services.

▪ Library services availed

Apart from the public information services availed, library users also availed services such as remote book
renewals/reservations and participated in events/meetings.
• The data implies that nearly 80% of public library users availed the library services for public information.
• Among the public information services availed, 50% of the users availed employment information, 33%
availed work-related info while 28% utilized the library for government services, such as filling forms.

Action points on special information services

Most essential
• Public information services, those related to employment and career prospects are most sought after by
students and the unemployed. Therefore, the users will greatly benefit if the job search avenues can be
expanded to provide additional information (job fairs, notice board with a list of vacancies etc.). All categories
of libraries will need to implement such services in all the states.
• Provision of book renewals and reservations via telephonic/online means would prove to be a great asset. The
digitized libraries could roll this out in a phased manner.

Optional, if feasible
• A majority of the population continue to use conventional methods to pay their utility bills. Setting up payment
kiosks near libraries (based on their localities) will minimize the inconvenience and attract the users and non-
users to utilize the other library resources as well.

4.1.1 D. Reprographics and printing services

Only few major libraries possess reprographic equipment such as printers, photocopiers or scanners. Fewer numbers
are available in the smaller libraries in the rural and tribal area libraries. A user could be offered the option of
photocopying the pages pertinent to him, and the provision of such equipment would be beneficial to him/her.

19
 ▪ Availability of reprographic equipment
• Overall, 25% of the libraries have indicated the availability of at least one, if not all, of the equipment
(photocopier / scanner / printer).
• On analyzing the different libraries, most State Central libraries are well equipped, possessing photocopiers
/scanners / printers. On the contrary, the availability of these equipment is relatively lower in other libraries,
as shown below.

Sub-
State District Town/ Div./ Village/ Tribal Delhi
Libraries div./ NGO Others
Central Library City Regional Rural Library Public
Taluka
Base 29 529 793 239 627 1936 76 418 10 483
Presence of
100% 65% 32% 31% 20% 12% 8% 27% 60% 24%
equipment

• As a service, photocopying facility was desired by approximately 30% of public library users as well as non-
users.

Action points on reprographics

• Libraries requiring service equipment - Attention should be on the District, Town/City, Taluka, Rural and
Tribal Area libraries, as very few libraries in these regions are equipped with such facilities.
• Arrangements with service providers- Service arrangements with providers of photocopiers or printing
facilities could be explored.
• States that need to scale up- Rural libraries in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Rajasthan, Orissa, Assam,
Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Goa, Gujarat and Bihar must improve the presence of these equipment.

4.1.1 E. Digital resources

In a study conducted more than a decade ago by the RRRLF, users reportedly desired the provision of more audio-
visual equipment, magazines, papers, educational cassettes and CDs. However, with changing times, user needs
revealed a shift to include Internet access. The demand for e-books was also found to be a growing requirement,
particularly among the younger generation, a need which is yet to be satisfactorily addressed across library categories.

In the global scenario, as evident from other studies, library users state that they use the computer and Internet access
in libraries primarily for educational or professional purposes.

According to the IAMAI-IMRB report of 2016, the Internet penetration in India would reach 462 million and further
estimated to grow at 31% year on year. With the rapid rise in smart phone usage, the mobile Internet penetration is
estimated to have around 371 million users, roughly 29% of who are rural users. The number of urban and rural
Internet users is further estimated to grow with the entry of numerous service provider schemes. Considering this, it
is necessary to strive to modernize the public libraries.

20
The findings of this study reveal the immense importance of providing users with digitization facilities.

▪ Computer and Internet penetration

• From the overall data, only 30% of the libraries were identified as having computer facilities. This penetration
is particularly poor in village and tribal libraries. It is not 100% in larger libraries like District libraries as well.
• Urban libraries in the states of Kerala, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Delhi and NCR have a higher
computer penetration as compared to other states. Among the rural libraries, West Bengal and Kerala have
sizable number of libraries with computers.
• Overall, among the 30% libraries that have computers, Internet penetration is poor as well, with only 50% of
those libraries having Internet.

Action points on digitization

• Prioritizing- By the type of libraries and states

o Phased digital plan: Computers and Internet access must be provided in a phased manner to libraries
that do not have these, specifically those in smaller towns, district, divisional, taluka, rural and tribal area
libraries. Though a sizable number of the State Central and District libraries possess computers, they are
still unable to provide more Internet connections.
▪ Urban libraries in the states of Orissa, Meghalaya, Bihar, Manipur, Punjab, Jharkhand,
Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and Mizoram must aim to provide
adequate computers in their libraries.
▪ Among the rural libraries, states like Assam, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Telangana,
Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Orissa and the north-eastern states
need to take this up on priority.
o Users’ willingness to pay: An exciting finding is that some users have expressed willingness to pay a
nominal amount (Rs. 100-150/- per year) to avail Internet access. This aspect may be considered as a
bundled option clubbed with the library membership fee, wherever such schemes are in place.

4.1.2. Infrastructure, utilization and budgets

4.1.2 A. Infrastructure needs

Library systems, globally are well developed and provide a range of services that include online access, space to attend
classes, use of high-tech devices or to attend group meetings. However, the fundamental reason to read and access
physical books remains the major reason that people frequent libraries. The users believe that a library’s contribution
to the community is immense. The users agree that libraries play a vital role and that the benefits accruing from its
usage will enhance an individuals’ professional/personal life.

The same scenario holds true with our Indian society as well. However, some of our libraries still lack the infrastructure
to provide a peaceful/calm space to utilize it appropriately. Very clearly, need-gaps are evident in terms of furniture,
electricity and other basic necessities that a user would reasonably expect in a public information facility. On an average,
a library sees at least 20-30 users in a day. The presence of adequate infrastructure is the first step to facilitate repeat-
footfalls from users. Findings from the study prove that infrastructure and amenities in public libraries have certainly
improved over the years. However, there is still tremendous scope for improvement.

21
a) Electricity connection

• A study carried out by RRRLF, a decade ago highlighted the need for electricity connections, particularly in
rural libraries. The study revealed very poor penetration of electricity in these libraries.
• In comparison, at present, 96% of all public libraries have electricity connections. This stands at 91% in rural
libraries and 84% in tribal libraries. In other categories of libraries, more than 98% are electrified libraries.
• Sizable rural libraries in Karnataka and Bihar still require functional electricity connections.

b) Drinking water facility

With regards to drinking water facilities, about three-fourths of the libraries provide drinking water to users,
however the goal for the system should be for this to reach 100% soon.
• Libraries having drinking water facilities are lower in village and tribal libraries, where it stands at 62% and
51% respectively.
• Provision for drinking water in rural libraries in the states of Karnataka, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and
West Bengal also need improvement.

c) Toilet facilities

In the present day, in India, common toilets are slowly losing their relevance in the urban and semi-urban areas,
with separate toilets for men and women being more preferred. However, rural and tribal areas still lack basic
sanitation facilities; hence providing common toilets and ensuring regular maintenance of these is essential.

• Toilet amenity is an area of concern in which the current public library system fares quite poorly. Overall,
across all libraries, 39% of the libraries offer common toilet facilities, while 35% of them provide separate
toilets for ladies and 39% provide separate toilets for men.
▪ In the divisional, sub-divisional, village and tribal libraries, the percentage of libraries providing
separate toilets for women is particularly low, at less than 30%.
• Of the users who have utilized toilet facilities, only 5% users rate it to be ‘very good’ or ‘excellent’.
• On an average, less than 60% of rural libraries in Karnataka, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu,
Orissa, Bihar and Kerala have toilet facilities.

As a policy, toilet facilities for women must also be implemented to facilitate readership and learning among women
and girl students in the remote regions.

d) Furniture

Adequate number of chairs, tables, shelves and racks are necessities that must be provided in public libraries. In libraries
that see major footfalls, quantity and quality of seating is of paramount importance. Quality seating must be maintained
across all categories of libraries, with care being taken to replace worn-out chairs/tables/racks as and when required.

Librarians, across most categories of libraries, have also expressed the need for improved quality of furniture and
infrastructure such as racks and shelves. Overall, only 53% users have rated seating comfort as very good or excellent.

22
 Action points on infrastructure

Infrastructure
Library category States Action points
parameter
Around 85-90% of Electricity access in ▪ Though majority of libraries are
village/rural and tribal area rural libraries of Bihar, electrified, grid-electricity is still
libraries have electricity Karnataka, Madhya unavailable in the smaller category
connections. Pradesh and Meghalaya of libraries.
must be improved. ▪ Alternative back-up power. i.e.,
Excluding Village/rural, using solar devices can be
tribal area and ‘Others’ considered in regions with inferior
library categories, the rest of quality grid supply.
the libraries, have 100% ▪ There are libraries that report
electrified connections. power-disruption due to the delay
Electricity
in electricity bill payments. Hence,
the state library authorities must
facilitate clearance of these bills to
ensure undisrupted power in these
libraries.
In the absence of electricity, any
digitization initiative will be a non-
starter, thereby excluding large sections
of community from the Public Library
sytem.
Priority access for This facility must be Targeted investments to provide
rural/village and tribal area developed in the rural drinking water facility to users are
libraries. libraries of Karnataka, required. Each state may take initiative
Drinking water
(Drinking water facilities, in Assam, Telangana, in this regard.
facility
urban libraries are Tamil Nadu, West
sufficiently equipped now.) Bengal, Orissa, Kerala
and Bihar.
Toilet facilities must be Rural libraries in For libraries to attract greater number
provided in divisional, Karnataka, Assam, of users, this should be an area that is
taluka, village and tribal area Andhra Pradesh, taken up on priority and addressed at
libraries as very few libraries Telangana, Tamil Nadu, the earliest. The authorities / public
in these categories offer Orissa, Bihar and library system of each state may take
these conveniences. Kerala must improve this up on priority.
their toilet facilities.
It is important that libraries have better
Toilet facilities
Almost all the states toilet amenities for women so that
that participated in the there is inclusivity for all. Some of
study must strive to these initiatives may be linked with the
provide separate toilets Swachh Bharat Abhiyan program.
for men and women in
all the major and
interconnecting
libraries in villages.

23
 4.1.2 B. Staffing in public libraries

The staff in public libraries are those with the first customer touch point with a library user. A library user would seek
out assistance or help from the staff on the category or placement of books. It is essential that the staff is hands-on to
help and provide any suggestions to the user. This would build user satisfaction and serve well to induce repeat visits.
Hence the contribution of the staff in the development of the public library system is critical. The summary covers the
scenario of staff in libraries as well as areas of improvement that are needed.

a) Staffing scenario
• The findings from the study reveal that while the State Central libraries are staffed with 18-20 personnel, down
the hierarchy of libraries, this number drops to 3-5 staff in the district libraries, 1-3 in the Town/City and
Divisional libraries and only 1-2 staff in the Rural and Tribal area libraries.
• The staff to user ratio, (a parameter to assess the assistance or help made available to the user) is particularly
low in the Town/City libraries, Divisional, Taluka, Village and Tribal libraries. This means that in the event of
an influx of users, these libraries lack sufficient manpower to provide assistance to these users. This then
translates into poor user satisfaction.

State Town/ Div./ Sub-div./ Village/ Tribal Delhi

District NGO Others
Central City Regional Taluka Rural Lib. Public
Visitor to staff
13:1 15:1 25:1 35:1 35:1 25:1 20:1 13:1 15:1 30:1
ratio

• Rural libraries in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and
urban libraries in Andhra and Kerala have only 1-2 staff, which on a case to case basis must be considered for
additional staffing.

b) Qualifications of staff
• Technical Library Qualifications - It is observed from the Presence of professionally
study that nearly 46% of libraries do not have professionally qualified staff
qualified staff.
• IT Skills: Findings confirm that State Central libraries, as No,
46% Yes,
expected, have more professionally qualified staff than other 54%
libraries. It is also seen that a greater number of staff in State
Central libraries with basic computer/IT skills, while the other
libraries have very few employees with computer knowledge.

c) Staff salary
• The findings reveal that only one-half of the librarians/heads
Salary in Govt. Pay Scale?
received salaries according to Govt. pay scales. In a little more than one-
quarter (32%) of the libraries, no staff member was paid on the
No,
32% government pay scale.
• A substantial proportion of the staff in the Village/Rural (30%),
Yes,
68% Tribal Area (28%), Town/City (25%) and NGO (65%) libraries reported
being paid salaries not on par with the prescribed Govt. pay scale.

24
d) Staff training

• The study data suggested that in about 65%

Libraries - Staff attending professional training
of the libraries, none of the staff have program in the last 5 years?
attended any training program in the last 5 Attended,
years. Not attended 34%
• Results showed that a sizable proportion of 65%
staff from the State Central libraries received
professional training compared with those in
other libraries. These numbers as expected,
were very low in the Rural/Village, Tribal area libraries and NGO libraries.
• It was also evident that apart from the Librarian/head, very few other staff had received any formal training.
Though most the staff in public libraries were trained in Library Management, training them in computer
operations or digitization should be done to equip them to be in sync with the current digital age.
• Overall, libraries in states like Goa, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal had provided staff training to
higher number of employees than the national average of 34% libraries.
• From a study of the users, only 27% expressed satisfaction with the knowledgeability of the staff, while only
18% users acknowledged that the staff was helpful. This endorses the dire need for staff training on a priority
basis.

Action points on staffing

• Review the need to augment staff

o The number of staff in Taluka, Town/City and Village or Rural libraries is a matter for immediate
focus in many states. This is on the basis that these libraries see sizable user patronage. At present
these libraries have only 1-2 personnel who may or may not be professionally qualified. Hence,
employing an additional professionally qualified staff might bring a change to the library experience
for the users.
o The states of Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Rajasthan would
benefit by focusing on the staff issue.

• Training for all staff

o Apart from Library management, basic IT/computer skills must be provided to qualified staff as this
would be a necessity if the library system is to be modernized to go digital. Asst. librarians, Deputy
Librarians, Library or Tech assistant must also be provided training. While it is a given that State
Central staff receive adequate training, attention must be given to Town/City, Rural and Tribal
libraries’ staff as well. The training needs to be cascaded down the system for the libraries to stay
relevant.
o On an average, states that must provide more frequent training to their staff are Bihar, Delhi and
NCR, Gujarat, Kerala, Jammu and Kashmir, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Orissa, Uttar
Pradesh and eastern states like Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland and Meghalaya. Majority of the librarians
in these states have responded that very few staff have attended professional training in the last 5
years.

25
 o Soft skills training is an essential part of the training package for librarians across all the category of
libraries, as most public library users have rated the helpfulness of the library staff as either fair or
good (i.e., 3 out of a scale of 5).

4.1.2 C. User patronage

The number of valid registered members has increased from the previous years in most categories of libraries,
barring State Central libraries.

Even with the dawn of the digital era, users consider libraries to be an indispensable part of the community. While
regular users state that their visits and utilization of library resources are likely to increase, it is very critical to attract
the younger generation to utilize these resources, and ensure that public libraries do not become obsolete.

a) Library footfalls
Avg no. of visitors per day as per library records
Overall, most libraries
see around 20-30 State Central Library 250
Sub-divisional/ Taluka Library 70
visitors per day as per Divisional/ Regional Library 70
library records. The District Library 60
data on the number of Town/ City Library 50
visitors per day across Others 30
Delhi Public Library 30
various public libraries Library of a charitable institution/ NGO 25
is summarized in the Village/ Rural /Panchayat Library 25
chart. Tribal area Library 20

b) Gender and age distribution

Overall, about 32% of the valid registered members are women, 19% of the members are children while 1% of
members are physically handicapped. It is found that Sub-divisional/taluka libraries have the highest number of
women members (32%) compared to other libraries; State Central and Divisional libraries are an immediate second
(31%).

Members younger than 18 years of age are higher in number in the smaller libraries located in the Sub-divisional
and rural areas. Physically challenged members are almost negligible across all the categories of libraries,
demonstrating a need for the library buildings to be made more accessible to this section of the population.

c) Utilization and needs fulfilment

• A highly encouraging observation is that over 65% of the members (holding a membership in libraries) state
that their visits to libraries, and the information availed, have increased over the last two years.
• Over one-half of the users also revealed that their library visits were likely to increase over the next 2-3 years.
o This is again a re-affirmation that proves the relevance of the public library system in the country.
• However, the library system needs to be revamped and maintained in tune with the changing times for it to
retain its current membership, as well as attract new members.

d) Extent of fulfilment of needs

The results suggest that though users utilize library for key reasons such as education, employment and self-
development, about 60% of users express that their needs are only somewhat fulfilled (i.e. 2 out of a scale of 4).

26
e) Importance attached to presence of libraries
Overall, 60% of the users mentioned that, if their library was absent in their city, they would consider it a major
loss. This reiterates that libraries play an indispensable role in the social set-up.

4.1.2 D. Budgets

Library budgets and expenditure

Most of the improvement measures necessary to revamp the public library system in India are capital intensive. It is
hence necessary to allocate budgets based on the specific needs of the library categories. The needy Taluka, Rural and
Tribal area libraries must be allocated budgets to provide the basic necessities and improve the infrastructure. The well-
developed State Central libraries can be provided budgets to improve Internet and computer penetration.

Overall, only 36% of all libraries responded by giving information on budgets, implying that the rest of them were
either unaware or unwilling to share their data.

a) Budget allocation
• Fund sources
▪ Among those who responded, majority of libraries (54%) responded that their sources of funds are
state government grants and Library membership fees (45%).
▪ Budget allocations and source of funding vary by library categories. The State Government grants are
the major funding sources across most categories of public libraries.
▪ Overall, only 11% libraries cite that they receive RRRLF grants as sources of funds. Among the
categories of libraries, State Central (31%), Sub – divisional (16%) and District and Town libraries
(13%), receive RRRLF grants as well.
▪ State Central, District, Divisional and Sub-divisional libraries receive maximum funds for computer
purchase via State Government grants.
▪ Private donations are contributors to budgets in sizeable libraries belonging to divisional, village/rural
libraries and tribal area libraries.
• Annual budgets
▪ Libraries across all categories however have seen an increase in budget allocation between 2012 to
2015.
▪ Analyzing median values, State central libraries get allotted a budget of Rs. 56 Lakhs per annum. It is
lowest in village libraries where it ranges around Rs. 32,000 per annum.

4.1.2 E. Performance of States

The performance of the states was ranked over various parameters. The presence of amenities, digital equipment,
resources and user satisfaction were the major drivers for classifying the libraries as progressive or moderately
developed.

The progressive states are Kerala, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka,
Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.

The other states need to improve the various amenities, resources and match with future needs of users:
• Among the states with sizable number of libraries, Delhi and NCR regions, Telangana, Orissa, Bihar, Goa,
Himachal Pradesh, need to improve the status of libraries.

27
 • Among smaller states, by libraries, Assam, Haryana, Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim,
Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Uttarakhand and Jharkhand need to improve their libraries.
Union territories like Lakshadweep, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Puducherry, Chandigarh would also need to stay
updated with the times.

4.1.2 F. The problems enumerated by librarians

The librarians were asked to provide the immediate requirements that their library would need. The most re-
sounding requirements are provided below:

Infrastructure:

• Premises - Majority of the librarians felt that the premises of the library building needs to be maintained,
some of the libraries were in very poor conditions or in old buildings.
• Facilities – Electricity connections, toilets, drinking water, chairs, tables, racks were some of the facilities
that were stated as immediate requirements by the librarians.

Resources:

• Competitive Books - Books for competitive exams and novels were stated to be immediate requirements.
• Digital necessities - Computers, Internet access and equipment such as photocopying machines and
printers were also sought after.

Training
• Librarians wanted training in the fields of computer training, library management and staff training.

4.2 Evolving needs – Transformation of libraries

4.2.1 Users of the Public Library System

A public library user is defined as one:

• Who uses/has visited/utilized the services of a public library in the last 1 year.
• These respondents were met in the premises of public library itself to ensure that they were indeed users of
public libraries.
• Both members and non-members were included.

28
 Age of Public Library Users
7%7%
9% Upto 18 years 19-25
11%
38% 26-35 36-45

28% 46-60 Over 60 years

The categories of the public library users is categorized as below:

It is observed that the developed categories of libraries attract higher students than the lower library
categories. As you go lower down the tier of library; library usage moves towards employed professionals
from usage by students in developed profile of libraries

Library is not only used for study related needs but for the broad level development of individual wherein;
it’s essentially used for:
• Skill development
• Education
• Improving GK
• Preparing for competitive exam

29
 Primary reason for using the library
Self / Personality / skill development 26%

Educational / learning 22%

Build general knowledge 17%

Prepare for competitive examination 14%

For reading – in general 9%

Get information on employment 3%

For leisure / Socializing / Good quality time
2%
pass
Improve English language skills 1%

4.2.2 User needs vs Librarian perceptions

The librarians were asked to enumerate their top most priorities for future needs of the library. Majority of the librarians
responded that books (43%), followed by newspapers (15%), computerization (14%), user amenities (13%) were future
needs of the libraries. It is important to note that only 5% librarians ranked internet as their top most priority.

However, the user needs are more in tune with the times, with nearly 60% of public library users desiring Internet
access followed by online databases and digital books/e-books. Majority of these users were youngsters and middle-
aged adults. Books and newspapers were desired by only 6% of users.

Librarian vs User needs

80%
60% 60%
40% 43%
30% 34%
20% 15%
4% 5% 6% 6% 9%
0% 1%
CDs/DVDs E-Resources Internet access Periodicals Newspapers Books

Priority for librarians Resources desired by users

Analyzing the user rating of libraries, it is also found that only 5% users rate the toilet facilities in libraries as excellent,
this also reveals the gaps between user needs and librarian perceptions.

Resources/services availed vs desired:

Internet access and digital resources are highly desired, however the availability is lower. Traditional resources such as
Periodicals, Newspapers, Books are not desired as much as Internet, Digital books, online databases or CDs/DVDs
access by a user.

30
 Resources/Services desired
70%

60% Internet access

Wi-Fi
50% facility
Resources/services desired

Renewal/Reservn.-
phone/online
40%
Online databases
Digital books/e-books
30% CDs/DVDs Xerox
Public
Inter-library Children’s Study info
20% book loans program groups
Dissertations/thesis Events/
FilmmaterialsChildren’s books or meetings
10% shows magz. Books
PeriodicalsNewspapers
0%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
Resources/services availed

4.2.3 Satisfaction of the public library users with the current library system

User ratings:

• The satisfaction scores for Online access and Facilities are lower even among the developed library
categories, indicating the need for improvement of these resources. Only 35% users believed that the library
helps in fulfilling their needs completely.

• All parameters garnered average responses on satisfaction of amenities/offerings of the library.

All State Municipal/ Sub-dist./ Panchayat

Libraries District NGO Others
India Central Corporation Taluk / Village
Base 4082 790 1087 346 743 298 559 259
Highly satisfied users (Rating 5) 15% 13% 13% 6% 16% 17% 21% 28%
Rating scale – fulfillment of needs
35% 32% 37% 25% 34% 25% 48% 36%
(completely fulfilled)
*Top 2 box score

All State Municipal/ Sub-dist./ Panchayat

Libraries District NGO Others
India Central Corporation Taluk / Village
Base 4082 790 1087 346 743 298 559 259
Rating - resources 56% 56% 54% 54% 54% 56% 65% 58%
Rating - services 48% 49% 47% 43% 50% 44% 51% 44%
Rating - staff 47% 49% 46% 44% 44% 46% 55% 44%
Rating – online access 45% 42% 45% 40% 43% 43% 55% 41%
Rating - facilities 42% 43% 39% 38% 39% 43% 52% 40%
*Top 2 box scores

31
Visit frequency vs High satisfaction:

Though the frequency of visits among users was higher in the developed library categories, their satisfaction with the
services provided by these libraries needs improvement. Developed category libraries like the state, district, municipal
/ corporation library – though have a high frequency of visits by users; but the level of satisfaction expressed by
them is quite lower.

Visit frequency vs High satisfaction

30%
Others
25%
High overall satisfaction

Voluntary organization
20% / NGO Library
Panchayat / Village RRRLF-Grantee
Library Sub-district / Taluk
15% Library State Central Library
District Library
10% RRRLF-Non-Grantee

Municipal/ Corporation
5% Library
20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
Avg. frequency of visits

User satisfaction among States:

States where user visits are high but overall satisfaction is lower, must aim to improve user satisfaction.

Kerala
95%

Gujarat Dadra Nagar85%

Nagaland Delhi/ NCR
Mizoram Karnataka Rajasthan
75%
Assam
Satisfaction-Top 2 box

65%
Tamil Nadu
Sikkim
Uttarakhand
55% Uttar Pradesh
Maharashtra Punjab OrissaChandigarh
6 11 16 Goa 21 26 31
Haryana 36
Andhra Pradesh 41
Telangana
45%

Puducherry West Bengal

M.P
Manipur 35% H.P
Meghalaya Priority states
25%
Arunachal Pradesh Bihar
J&K 15%
Jharkhand
5%

Avg. frequency of visits

32
 It is observed that majority of the priority states had a performance lower than national average. Jharkhand, Punjab
and Bihar have low satisfaction scores across all the satisfaction parameters. Specifically on online access, while West
Bengal and Andhra Pradesh were similar to national average, most of the states need improvement

States that must prioritize resources

State Base Overall Resources
Punjab 86 33%
Bihar 190 34%
Madhya Pradesh 153 37%
Andhra Pradesh 152 37%
Punjab 86 33%
Bihar 190 34%

States that must prioritize staff

State Base Library staff
Jharkhand 69 19%
Punjab 86 20%
Himachal Pradesh 46 20%
Bihar 190 28%

States that must prioritize Library services

State Base Library services
Punjab 86 16%
Jharkhand 69 17%
Bihar 190 25%
Himachal Pradesh 46 28%

States that must prioritize facilities

State Base Overall facilities
Jharkhand 69 10%
Punjab 86 13%
Andhra Pradesh 152 14%
Bihar 190 15%
Himachal Pradesh 46 17%
Madhya Pradesh 153 25%

States that must prioritize Online access

State Base Online access
Jharkhand 69 13%
Punjab 86 15%
Bihar 190 19%
H.P 46 22%

33
 Initiatives to improve user satisfaction are:

1. Libraries must go beyond the offering of traditional books and periodicals to provide digitized needs such as
internet, e-books, CDs/DVDs, etc.
2. Developed category libraries such as the State, District, Municipal /Corporation libraries much be acted
upon immediately with such facilities to enhance overall user satisfaction
3. These types of libraries in the below states much be prioritized – since the visit frequency among here is the
highest; immediate action should be taken to fulfill the user needs of digitization
• Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh,
Bihar, Orissa, Chandigarh.
• The libraries in the priority states must attract youth with internet access, remote book
renewals/reservations and other digital resources.

4.2.4 Focus of libraries to evolve into a community knowledge center

The libraries must cater to the evolving needs of the users to be considered as a community knowledge center by the
users. The various measures that this can be achieved are:

A - Building a modern resource-mix

• Digital resources
o What the findings say
▪ The results reveal that approximately 34% public library users desired digitized or e-books, 36%
required online databases and nearly 60% users expressed the need for Internet access. As noted
earlier as well, 52% of public library users 51% of private library users and 35% non-users,
indicated willingness to pay an additional fee (Rs. 150 - 200/- per annum) to avail these resources.
▪ Users desired access to Internet facilities in public libraries. However, restricted access to online
library servers, library-related online services, online information databases, info sites and digital
books would strengthen the public library system, as well as facilitate accessibility to books and
other materials. The public must be made aware of the availability of such resources to ensure
proper and full utilization of these services.
▪ The chart below shows the mapping between the resources desired by users and their willingness
to pay an additional fee for the same. Internet access is a resource that predominantly sees users’
willingness to pay for utilization. It is also observed that E-books, CDs/DVDs and Online
databases were desired, but only few users expressed willingness to pay for these.

Resources desired v/s willingness to pay additional fee

60%
Desired + willing to
50% pay additional fee
Resources desired

Internet
40%
access
30% Online
E-Books database
20% Books, newspapers,
periodicals
10%
Desired but not likely to
CDs/DVDs
0% pay additional fee
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 34
Willingness to pay additional fee
 o Moving towards modernization of resources
▪ Resource Infusion in Individual Libraries - In line with the smart phone and Internet
penetration, providing access to digitized versions of books must be implemented across
libraries. This will ensure that if the hard copies of certain important books are unavailable,
the users can still obtain the digital version. The study shows that Digital books are in great
demand across all user categories, but principally among the students and employed
personnel.
▪ Integration to Online Resource Network - Not all users may be aware of or have access
to services such as National Digital Library of India. Hence, the awareness levels of the public
must be raised in the computerized libraries regarding such services which offer digital
sources. Access to DELNET, which already provides journals and other open source
materials in their system, will benefit a large sector of library users. Measures taken to scale-
up or introduce this resource access mechanism will add much value to the public library
system in the country.
o Providing User Access Through Portal and App - Moving further, an ambitious project
would be the development of a country-wide online portal or a smart phone app, where the
digital versions of reference books can be loaned out to users of libraries. This would enable
books to be accessible to all users, so that libraries can truly transcend boundaries.

• Book Resources
o By subject areas, materials for competitive exams are the most sought across all user categories. The others
in descending order of popularity included magazines, textbooks or study resources, novels and resources
on health.
o Across all library categories, it is seen that resources for children are lower. It is found that 17% housewives
and 14% retired personnel desired children’s resources; most likely because they were the ones who
accompanied the children. Hence, increasing children’s resources will potentially raise the number of young
users as well.
o About 25%- 50% non-users, though not part of the system, suggested that the public library system needed
to provide books for education, self-development, political/current affairs, as well as fiction novels.

B - Developing library services required by users

The findings suggest that users desire to use libraries not only for traditional, information-seeking purposes but
also avail supplementary services, such as payment of utility bills (electricity, phone, tax), filling up government
forms, or providing information for employment.
• Highly-desired library services included remote book renewals/reservations via the Internet/telephone (37%
users), photocopying facilities by (21% users) and Wi-Fi connections (42% users).
• Employed users have expressed the need for the availability of information on loans (30%), banking details
and form filling for government services (32%).
• Across all the library and user categories, employment information has been ranked as the most useful public
information required from a public library.

C - Implementing new initiatives

Librarians believe that discussions on new books and “Meet the author programs” would attract more users to libraries.

35
 Users were also invited to share their thoughts on five new initiatives that would be introduced - such as 'Meet the
Author' programs, literary clubs and topics on health, career, discussions on new books and service access points. In
addition, the probability of the users voluntarily paying a nominal amount was also verified (towards the cost of online
services, improving the infrastructure and other resources).

• About 75% of the library users opined that the additional services, like talks on topics such as health/ career etc.
would be a welcome initiative. At present, only 35% libraries include lectures/discussions.
• The feedback on providing service access points to public libraries in shopping malls and railway or metro stations
resulted in contrasting views on their utilization. While the public users (60%) welcomed it as a useful venture, the
other library users and non-users were uncertain regarding the effectiveness of the initiative.

D - Tapping voluntary contributions

Willingness for voluntarily contribution - for
development fund for public library in your area?
• About 45% users, on enquiry, have expressed
that they are likely to contribute towards a Not likely
development fund for public library in their 15%
Very Likely
area. 50% users have stated they are willing to 45%
Somewhat Likely
make an annual contribution to avail 40%
membership, if offered, for Internet access.
• On an average, users as well as non-users are
willing to contribute between Rs.150-Rs.200
towards such development funds.

E - Invite public for co-working opportunities

• As public libraries have a shortage of staff, opportunity should be opened for college students for a short-
term basis as interns or part-time volunteers to libraries. An ecosystem to facilitate this needs to be created.
• Library committee- The friends of libraries along with the library staff must have periodic meetings to discuss
events, feedback on libraries or on certain maintenance/resources needed in the libraries.

4.3 How to attract Non-Users of libraries into the Public Library system?

4.3.1 Who are the Non-Users?

A non-user is defined as one who is:

• Currently not a member of public library or any other libraries (academic, cultural/mission/embassy &
private lending libraries) and

• Has not visited any library in the last one year.

• Non-users were selected from the catchment area of each public library.

36
 Age of Non-users
8%3%10%
Upto 18 years 19-25
14%

34% 26-35 36-45

32% 46-60 Over 60 years

The Non-user categories are as follows:

34% 47% 19%

%%

Student Employed Unemployed

4.3.2 Reasons for non-usage of public libraries

One of the predominant reasons identified for the non-usage of libraries among non-users (according to the input
from 52% non-users) was the lack of time. Nearly 44% non-users cite distance, lack of awareness etc. as reasons for
non-usage. However, the non-users still sought information from other sources, indicating a needs-gap in public
libraries.
Instead, the non-users have been found to refer to the Internet
to gain information. When the other library users (academic, All non-users
cultural/mission/embassy & private lending libraries) were of public
libraries
questioned about their reasons for not visiting public libraries,
their response indicated their lack of exposure to public
libraries.
Non-users of any Non user of public library,
The key reasons for not utilizing public library sources are that libraries but user of Private Library
most of the other library users have never been to a public (2035) ( 1003)
library (19%); it is concerning to note that, most of these are
students. A perception exists that the books are old (17%) or Likely to utilize public Likely to utilize public
that the resources desired are unavailable (16%). It is also library services library services
observed that 15% of other library users cite a lack of online 35% 51%
access as a deterrent to visit public libraries.
This highlights the need for promoting the presence of
libraries, especially in schools and colleges. They also indicated that the books or periodicals that they would require
would likely be unavailable. This necessitates a change in the mindset among the general public regarding public
libraries and their vast resource base.

37
 Q: What are the reasons for NOT using any library currently for pursuing any
of your information needs?

Busy / No time for library 50%

I refer internet for information 14%
I don’t read / don’t enjoy reading 10%
It is far away from where I live 10%
Books I need are not available 9%
Library timings are inconvenient 9%
I have books at home 8%
Others 6%
Use resources in my office/college/school 6%
Don’t know where it is 5%
Don’t know how to use library 3%

Intention to use/visit public libraries: While it remains a fact that many would never visit a public library, it is
encouraging to note that about 35% of the non-users and 51% of library users of other libraries express that they are
likely to utilize the public library services. They are even comfortable to pay a nominal amount towards membership,
if computerization and online services were provided in a public library in their area.

4.3.3 Prioritizing focus areas to make the public library system attractive to Non-users

The Non-Users are segmented basis a process of assigning primacy to basic barriers in a pre-defined sequence. An
illustration is provided here: If a respondent said that he did enjoy reading and further that he had no time for library,
his\her primary was defined as ‘Lack of Reading Habit’. Similarly, if a respondent was said that he did not know how
to use a library and further that he did not know where it was located, the relevance barrier was given primacy.

38
It was observed that relevance of the Public Library System is the key barrier for 60% of the non-users.

The attributes that define relevance are:

• Busy / No time for library (Dominant)

• Books I need are not available

• Don’t know how to use library

Use alternative Lack of

sources, 13% reading habit,
11%
Convenience,
5%

Location, 11%

Relevance
Issues, 60%

The most non-users who stated that they will visit a library in the next 1 year were those with relevance issues. This
indicates that the segments with Relevance issues need to be acted upon on priority.

Interested to visit
Those who would visit

300
in the next 1 year

200 Relevance Issues

Use alternative
100 Location sources
Convenience Lack of reading habit
0
100 300 500 700 900 1100
Overall segments

39
4.3.3.1 Driving relevance of Public Libraries for Non-Users

Higher education students have stated that they would visit a library despite the barrier. Non-users who had
relevance issues as a barrier are over-indexed in the below profiles:

• Business/ petty traders

• Officer/executives

• Amongst females, housewives are over-indexed

*Skews vs ‘All Non-users’ %ge (bars in green reflect +ve skews, bars in red reflect –ve skews)

Non-users who had relevance issues as a barrier would use libraries if the below were provided:

• Resources: Books, Periodicals/magazines, Internet access

• Services: Employment info, Payment facility, Info on banking/loans

40
Employment info, payment facilities are services that would attract non-users

Non-users who had relevance issues as a barrier wanted the below subject areas:

• Self-development
• Engineering & Technology
• IT/Computer science
• Management/Business, Recreation

Talks on various topics spanning health, career and literary clubs are key to attract non-users to utilize libraries

41
Summarizing the Non-Users with Relevance as barriers:

• College/University students are more likely to visit public libraries

• Books, periodicals and internet access are resources sought by the non-users in this segment.
• Employment info, info on loans, payment facilities, Remote book renewals and reservations are key services to attract
these non-users.
• The major subject areas Non-users seek are:
o Self-development, Engineering & Technology, IT/Computer science and Management/Business, Recreation
• Non-users seek talks on various topics like health, career etc. Literary clubs would also attract non-users
• As a community driven initiative retired personnel from various fields must be invited to discuss about their industries.
Such initiatives must be publicized in local & online media

The initiative to attract Non-users are:

1. Libraries must evolve into one-stop shops providing employment info, digital access , payment facilities etc.
This signifies that libraries must evolve into a information and services provider.
2. Non-users must be attracted into the public library system by hosting talks on career, health, events etc.
Awareness drives must be held for the same.
3. Students and youth must be target segments, highlighting that libraries must improve their resources and
services to cater to this digital savvy segment.

42
 4.4 Increasing user footfalls to public libraries
Increasing user
footfalls to public
4.4.1 Strategy from a User / Non-User Perspective libraries

The results indicate that across most categories of

libraries, there is an increase in the number of registered
members over the previous year, although the numbers Current users Non-users
are moderate. While that is a positive sign, the scope to
attract many more to the system remains.
Prevent lapse and Initiate and sustain
Any strategy for augmenting the footfalls must be Increase frequency of usage of public
viewed from two angles: usage libraries
• One, on what could be done to increase the
frequency of access of current users
• Two, to attract new users into the public library system.

A. Increasing frequency of usage of current users:

Since the current user is already aware of the public library system, the need of the hour is to improve the
frequency of usage so that the user does not lapse into a non-user over the coming years.
• Resources and services desired: A plan of action to improve the frequency of usage of current users is to
provide the resources and services desired by these users.

Resources desired by users Services desired by users

Internet access 60% Wi-Fi facility 51%

Online databases 36% Phone/internet-Book Ren./Res. 47%
Digital books/e-books 34% Photocopying 29%
CDs/DVDs 30% Public info 23%
Dissertations/thesis materials 14% Study groups 22%
Children’s books/magazines 12% Inter-library book loans 19%
Books 9% Events/meetings 18%
Newspapers 6% Children’s program 14%
Periodicals/ Journals 6% Film shows 12%

• Digitization: Nearly 60% of the users indicated that they desired internet access in public libraries, this is
even though most of these users own a smart phone (70%) and some have internet at home (19%). The need
for digitization is further supported by the user ratings, which revealed minimum satisfaction with the online
access provided in libraries. Majority of students expressed the need for the Internet. Wi-Fi access was
expressed as a need predominantly by both employed professionals and unemployed people. Approximately
20% of users were willing to pay an additional fee to access online databases. Hence the immediate need for
the public library system to incubate digital repository or link up with the initiatives like National Digital

43
 Library initiative. For the evolved users, the Public library system can consider virtual sharing of webinars,
online events etc., through a firm digital plan in the coming years.

• New initiatives: Organizing interesting events like specific talks on subjects of interest will bring in the
community – ladies, youth, children. The users and non-users were open to be participants to these events.
Therefore, at each library level, it will be good to keep an agenda of events every quarter or 6 months. If it can
be aligned to the stocks in the library, a connect can be established over a period.

B. Initiating and sustaining foot-falls from non-users:

There would be a section of the population that would be less inclined to use public libraries, mostly due to
the lack of time or the disinterest in reading books. 50% of the non-users state that they do not have time to
visit a library. Approximately 20% of other library users state that they have never visited public libraries and
a notion exists that public libraries do not have the resources that they seek. However, the other section of
non-users are open for public library usage if certain conditions are fulfilled.
• Internet Access: 20% of the non-users had stated that they would be willing to use a public library, with
nearly 55% of these expressing a need for internet access, even though 77% of these non-users owned a
smart phone and 21% had internet at home.
• Services and Resources: Employment information (55% of non-users, willing to visit libraries) is
another service that would improve user footfalls. The subject areas desired apart from education related
books were self-development books and politics/current affairs books.

4.4.2 Strategy from the Library Perspective Action points to increase user footfalls:

A common action plan to increase footfalls from users and non-users

alike is to focus on the internal aspects of the library system as well as Action points to increase user
footfalls to public libraries
external aspects. The findings point to several aspects of the system that
need an immediate attention. These are detailed below:

A. Internal aspects: Internal aspects External aspects

In general, there are a few basic aspects that must be improved

within the public library system in order to grow the user base.
Amenities
• Amenities: Wide ranging issues right from infrastructure Staff training Awareness drive
imbalance, basic amenity absence in certain libraries, service Specific resources
issues, content mix in libraries etc., where the users expect
improvement have come up in the study. This lacuna need to be addressed, to retain the readers and make the
place inviting enough for the new readers.
• Staff Training: The staff needs to be periodically trained to address the specific needs and evolving
requirements of the public library users. Across libraries, only 34% staff have attended any training programs
in the last 5 years. The study informs that the training does not trickle down to the mid and lower staff cadres
and this is an area of concern. For a quality experience to the users, both technical and soft skill training
becomes essential.
• Specific resources and digitization: The book stock selection needs to be more judicious to cater to the
needs of the younger audience and the community of users. As it stands, there are a sizable number of libraries
where this gets ignored. While the mix may be good in larger libraries, it should be examined in the

44
 smaller/interior libraries. Village and Tribal area libraries for instance have only 1800-3500 book stocks on an
average and perfecting a good mix becomes difficult.
Around 51% of the public library users desired materials for competitive exams followed by magazines,
textbooks and novels. For students from the poorer economic sections of the society, providing competitive
materials which would otherwise be unavailable to them, would help to bridge the gap in the education and
examinations.
• Improving readership: Our survey being a close-ended survey, however did not delve deep into the various
types of fiction works people might be interested in. In today’s changing times, career and employment figures
the most on youth’s minds, reading seems to have relegated as a pass-time.
o The desired subject areas of both users and non-users are mostly in tandem. An overwhelming
majority hopes their public library to be a support base in their academic-career pursuits.
o It is observed that 21% of users (14% of non-users) wanted fiction or novels. The need hierarchy of
what the users / non-users need in today’s conditions are as follows:

Subject areas
Education 38% 51%
Politics / current affairs 19% 27%
Fiction / novels 14% 21%
History / Geography 11% 18%
Self-Development 10% 29%
Recreation 7% 23%
Science / Mathematics 7% 13%
Sports/games 6% 23%
Literature – English 6% 14%
Religion 6% 16%
15% Non-Users Users
Engineering & Technology 5%
Others 3% 5%
Information Tecy / Computer Science 4% 18%
Economics 4% 9%
Literature – other language 4% 11%
Sociology 4% 9%
Agriculture / farming / fisheries 4% 13%
Management / business 3% 15%
Psychology 3% 6%
Commerce / Accountancy 3% 10%
Law 3% 11%
Philosophy 2% 8%
Medicine 2% 14%
Architecture / Design 2% 7%

B. External aspects:

45
 The external aspects relate to the plan of action that must be done apart from improving the library system.
Since it’s evident that some of the non-users of public libraries, have never visited a public library before and
have preconceived notions on the resources or services provided by the libraries, an awareness drive would
help to attract the first-time users of public libraries:

• Awareness drive: A significant portion of non-users of public libraries were unaware of public libraries in
their locality or the services provided. Hence it is essential to run an awareness drive among the general public
to enable them to recognize the presence of public libraries. If every library can do this in some form, the
utilization levels will go up. The State/District town libraries can demonstrate a lead in this area. Considering
this, promotion campaigns should be considered, highlighting some of the modern libraries and how they
could be benefited, how some of the young role models have benefitted. It could be done through mediums
like FM radio to start with at the local levels, schools or colleges, or if resource permitting at a state/national
level, through a bigger media campaign.

Even if new initiatives like talks and events are held, it is important to advertise the same so that users are
aware and would participate in these initiatives. Awareness/ advertisements also need to communicate the
availability of the new initiatives like public services, including information such as employment information,
filling forms for Govt. services, work-related information and information on bank loans and payment
facilities.

4.5 Model libraries for India’s youth

India’s youth are driven by career aspirations and services such as digital resources, certification programs, TED
Talks will lay the foundation for model libraries.

In-line with model libraries across the world, it is imperative to implement model libraries for today’s fast-paced
information seeking youth. The below are key indications that will help the Public Library System in this agenda.

▪ TED Talks: Hosting talks on health, career, information on various industry trends, life experiences from
imminent personalities etc. (TED Talks) need to be implemented and publicized.

▪ Technology adoption: Internet access, digital resources such as e-books, remote book reservations/renewals,
Online portals of libraries are needed to be on par with model libraries across the world.

▪ Extensive consumer services: Payment facility, employment information and allied services are desired by
users. This indicates that libraries must transition to be a one-stop shop for users.

▪ Career corner: Today’s youth need to constantly equip themselves on various courses and programs apart
from their educational degree. Public libraries must tie-up with skill providers such as Skill India to host
various certification/ learning programs for users.

▪ Interactive digital resources to improve skills and employability among youth such as Coursera,
LinkedIn Learning, Edex etc. must be offered.

46
 Model Libraries – Boston Public Library

Towards this objective, learnings we can take from Model Libraries (Boston Public Library) will help to
build Public Libraries as community hubs.

Boston Public Library – Brief introduction:

Established in 1848, the Boston Public Library (BPL) was the first large free municipal library in the United
States.

The Boston Public Library (BPL) has 25 branches that serve the residents of the City of Boston. The library
continues to have ongoing capital project investments designed to improve the BPL system.

The Library’s 25 branches are spread across the city, and each location is a civic hub offering WiFi,
citizenship information, computer access, and collections.

Equipped with computer access, Wifi and good infrastructure – BPL offers advanced services to their users
which makes their entire experience enriching

The gamut of online resources provided by BPL enhances the user experience. Apart from books, Boston
Public Library provides:

• eBooks
• Audiobooks
• Movie, Music DVDs
• World language collections of books, DVDs, CDs, magazines and newspapers for adults, children and teens
• Online resources that span subject areas, user category and formats
• Various research guides that Research scholars can benefit from
• Facility to borrow from other libraries

Advanced services provided by Boston Public Library:

• Scheduling an appointment with a reference librarian: This facility is provided for users who require help in
research assignments, online resources, finding resources etc. This indicates that the staff are well-trained to
provide exemplary services to the users.
• Career certification programs: This service paves the way for people who have not completed their formal
education to obtain a secondary education, career certificate to develop employability. Apart from these,
computer and technology classes are provided as well.
• Events: The library provides events such as summer reading for kids, talks by authors, concerts, exhibitions,
community groups for senior citizens and many more, signifying that the library satisfies community needs.
• Inclusive facilities: The state of the art library provides wheel-chair assistance, sensory walls, braille printers
etc.

47
4.6 Investment Prioritization

While the study reveals multiple measures that could be undertaken to improve the public library system, the successful
implementation of the schemes could be only through allotting budgets to the neediest libraries. This should be on
basic necessities (electricity, toilets, furniture etc.) and providing information resources (books, computers etc.),
services that are on par with developed libraries and new digital initiatives at a central level.

A high budget allocation is made to the State Central and district libraries, with a trickle-down effect observed in the
other libraries lower in the hierarchy. The need-gap on infrastructure, amenities, resources and other services increases
as one goes down the hierarchy, a fact attributed to the insufficient budgets given to these libraries.

4.6.1 Essential areas for budget prioritization:

Budget prioritization could be done on the following aspects:

• Infrastructure: Public libraries should be well equipped with functional electricity, toilets, drinking water and
furniture like chairs and tables to attract more users. Funds need to be earmarked for such purposes.

• Buildings: Public library buildings need to be well maintained and old buildings must be promptly renovated,
to avoid any negative perception associated with the lack of amenities. Users have emphasized the same.
Smaller library rooms without scope for introduction of a toilet should receive a special focus and the situation
must be handled suitably.

• Digitization and Internet access: A significant proportion of budgets must be allocated for computers,
Internet connections, and other equipment like photocopiers, scanners, printers and services such as book
reservations/renewals on telephone / Internet.
o Computers with Internet access must be provided to ensure public libraries remain relevant with
users, mainly students and employed professionals.
o Type of resources provided: Libraries have indicated a need for digital versions of books and a
higher number of books in particular subject areas namely resources for competitive exams and
children’s resources.

4.6.2 Directions for value added services for consideration for prioritization of investment for
development of public library services
• To facilitate transition of the Public library system into a more user-centric system, provision of value-
added services is essential. The following are suggested based on the findings from this study.

o Establishing a PL2C System (Public library to User Connect).

▪ At present, the link between the public library system and the user is restricted to physical
interactions alone. However, there is a need to create a collaborative model with the users
and the other sections of the public. The scope for contacting the users and conveying
messages on a real-time basis (on events, updates etc.) is absent in the current way of
functioning.
▪ Hence, a system to enable opportunity to real-time messaging, collaborative
communication and networking between the PL system, users and other stakeholders is
essential.
▪ To achieve the aforesaid requisite, the Public Library management should:
48
 • Create a system to reach the members for notifications to the members through
SMS/e-mails regrading events or other information.
• Establish an online social networking model for each library or a cluster of
libraries within a region, wherever the infrastructure permit.
• The Public Libraries may co-opt a few volunteers available in their area to help
run this, including the support of a few local firms who can make contributions
for the upkeep of such systems.

o Technology Infusion
▪ Wi-Fi access - As evident from this study, one of the primary need for the youth and
students to access information is to have Wi-Fi connect. Providing this in select libraries
with decent IT infrastructure is a key investment requisite. Model libraries in each
state/district therefore must be equipped to provide Wi-Fi services in the next 1 year.

▪ ‘Public Libraries app’ - For the Public Library system to keep up with the times, and
to provide greater convenience to the users, a mobile app will be impactful. It must be a
one-stop solution to include all services such as book search, book reservations, renewals,
fee-related services etc. It could eventually work to integrate e-resources and other data
repositories across libraries. An investment for development of this app should be made,
to roll out the app for State Central Libraries, Model Libraries and the District Libraries
to begin with

49
 ▪ Book renewals and reservations through telephone/online - Nearly 50% of library
users wanted book renewals and reservations through online/telephone means,
obviously for greater convenience. While the developed categories of libraries must
transition to provide online services, the lower categories of libraries must begin with
implementing telephonic services for the same.

o Community and User Initiatives

▪ Organizing talks on topics such as health, career, education choices, story-telling
for children etc.
• In prominent libraries, or a cluster of libraries, eminent personalities from the
community or subject matter experts must be approached to give lectures/talks
on topics that the youth, students and public would be interested in. To achieve
greater participation, it is essential that these libraries have a system to inform
the members about the initiatives (through SMS / social networking sites etc.).

▪ Meet the author programs/Discussions on new books

• To re-kindle interest in books, authors who would like to promote their books
must be invited for a reading/discussion in public libraries. This would improve
interest among new readers as well.

▪ Community literary clubs

• Among the lower categories of libraries, libraries as an integral part of the
community remain strong. Hence involving the community through “Friends of
libraries” initiatives to run local literary clubs would be a value-added service.

o Establish Career Corners

▪ Materials for competitive exams, information on academic courses and employment
services are key requisites among the youth. In this regard, the public libraries should aim
to have dedicated resources covering:
• All Govt. and private publications on employment
• Employment Kiosks with desktops to search/apply jobs online
• Study groups across libraries (to be facilitated through own social networking
schemes of Public Library)

4.6.3 Funds to introduce new public services required include-

o Public information for employment/career needs
o Filling forms for Govt. services
o Payment kiosks for utility bills
o Info centers on loans and banking services

50
4.6.4 Funds for Awareness drive: A significant portion of non-users were unaware of public libraries in their
locality or the services provided.
Funds may be allocated:
o To run an awareness drive among the general public to enable them to recognize the presence of
public libraries. This can be done in schools or colleges etc.
o To hold events and talks in the library premises would be a welcome initiative among users.
o To communicate the availability of the new initiatives like public services, including information such
as employment information, filling forms for Govt. services, work-related information and
information on bank loans and payment facilities.

4.6.5 Co-utilization of Govt. schemes, CSR initiatives, generation of additional revenue

Co-utilization of Govt. schemes like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan would help free up some financial resources
currently deployed for the construction of amenities. Nearly 35% of libraries do not have any of the toilet
facilities. It would thus be possible for financial grants from agencies such as RRRLF being used on enriching
other aspects of the library system.

Apart from the influx of funds, predominantly from State Govt. grants, it is found that CSR donations are
provided for a few libraries. Contributions are availed only by 5% libraries, this could go up by a significant
proportion in the coming years. More corporates can be approached to adopt a public library as part of their
CSR initiative to enrich the community or locality. A few users have also expressed their willingness to avail
the new services on a pay-and-use basis, thereby adding to the in-flow of funds. As an additional revenue
generation, digital advertisement boards within library premises of State central libraries, libraries of historical
importance, will help to generate revenue that can be utilized for the needy libraries.

51
Detailed Findings
Flow of findings
The structure of the report and each of its components (PART A, B, C, D) has been outlined below.

PART B PART C PART D

PART A
Survey among public Survey among Survey among non-
Survey of libraries library users private library users users
• 5.1 Staffing • 6.1 Usage profile & • 7.1 Usage profile & • 8.1 Reasons for non-
Information patterns patterns usage
• 5.2 Infrastructure and • 6.2 Resources • 7.2 Resources • 8.2 Needs and
amenities offered, availed & offered, availed & expectations from a
• 5.3 Computerization desired desired public library
of services • 6.3 Services offered, • 7.3 Services offered, • 8.3 Interest in visiting
• 5.4 Budgets and availed & desired availed & desired a public library in the
expenditure • 6.4 User rating of • 7.4 User rating of near future
• 5.5 Staff training libraries and their libraries and their • 8.4 Willingness to
• 5.6 Library resources services services contribute towards
and collections • 6.5 Extent of • 7.5 Extent of new initiatives
• 5.7 Classification and fulfilment of needs fulfilment of needs
cataloguing of books • 6.6 Likeliness to • 7.6 Likeliness to
• 5.8 Information on recommend recommend
library membership • 6.7 Importance • 7.7 Public libraries in
and usage attached to presence the eyes of private
• 5.9 Services provided of libraries library users
by libraries • 6.8 Willingness to • 7.8 Willingness to
• 5.10 Future needs of contribute to new contribute to new
libraries initiatives initiatives
• 6.9 Opinion on new • 7.9 Opinion on new
initiatives initiatives
•7.10 Comparison of
public and private
library users

In each topic and sub-topic, the flow adopted is as follows:

• Scenario at the overall/all country level

• Scenario by library category (if applicable)
• State-wise scenario (wherever relevant)
• Age-group wise findings (applicable to Part B: survey of users)

Note:
1. The findings presented in this report can be used to get an assessment of the library system at the overall level
as well as at the library category/state level. Further analysis, if required, can be carried out with the help of
raw data that has been furnished in the form of CDs by Kantar.
2. In chapters such as staffing, library budget, equipment ownerships, resource count and so on, the numbers
given represent average figures.

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 Findings from Survey of Public Libraries

5. PART A – Findings from Survey of Public Libraries

In this chapter, the scenario of the public library system has been presented. Aspects covered include staffing and staff
training, infrastructure and amenities, resources and collections, services provided information on library membership
and future needs of libraries.

Chapter Summary
The public library scenario in India has seen a slight decline with the emergence of other information resources like
media and the Internet. However, a library’s contribution to a community is unquestionable. While the regular users
continue to frequent the libraries for resources or even just to socialize, the students and employed personnel are
inclined to rely on other sources for information. This is primarily because the present 'tech-savvy' generation has
diverse needs that the libraries fail to meet. This chapter details the present scenario of the public library system in
India. Details regarding staffing, amenities provided, equipment available and the future needs of libraries are
presented.

Library membership & usage

Most library categories report an increase in the number of valid registered members, particularly in the tribal and
divisional libraries. Members below 18 years of age are found more in the smaller libraries, such as those in the sub-
divisional and rural regions. Physically challenged members are almost negligible across all the categories of libraries.

The State Central libraries, report around 250 visitors per day, of which the 19 - 25-year-olds constitute the highest
group in over one-third of the libraries and one-half of the State Central libraries; next in ranking are those in the 26 -
35 age group. Libraries in the village/rural and tribal regions record the least number of visitors (20 - 25) compared to
the other libraries. Maximum users in village and tribal area libraries are those from the age group of 19-25 years, which
constitutes 34% and 38% respectively.

Staffing details

The number of staff, their qualifications, details on trainings undergone, across the various library categories was
captured. The staff strength in State Central Libraries is on an average, about 18-20 per library, which is the highest
among other library categories. Across all categories of libraries there are fewer staff engaged on a voluntary basis.

In terms of the professional qualifications of the staff, the State Central libraries fare better than other libraries. Apart
from the State Central Libraries, the other libraries have very few employees with computer knowledge.

Staff training

Only one-thirds of the libraries have had any of their staff attend professional training in the last 5 years. In Tribal,
area libraries, rural and NGO libraries, only one-fourths of them or less, have had their staff undergo professional
training.

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 Findings from Survey of Public Libraries

The highest training was observed to be 70% in Delhi public library where staff has undergone professional training
in the last 5 years. However, these Delhi public libraries are smaller in number and size, with maximum 1-3 staff. This
proportion is around 62% in state central libraries. Among the staff who had taken professional training, in nearly
three-fourths of the libraries, it is only the librarians/heads that come under this category. For an eventual digitization
move, all the staff that interact with the users must be given adequate training on basic IT/computer skills, as well as
conventional training like Library Management. This needs to be planned right from the state level.

Infrastructure and amenities

Infrastructure and amenities provided is paramount to a public library so that the users can actively seek out the vast
sources of information they offer. However, the study suggests that improvements in this regard are very essential to
satisfy present users as well as attract more users to utilize the library.

96% libraries overall have electricity connections with 15% also being provided with generator back-up. In the sample
studied, all the State Central libraries were observed to have electricity connections and some degree of toilet facilities,
but the tribal libraries fared poorly in the aspect of basic amenities. Except for tribal libraries, over 90% of all other
libraries have electricity connection. Libraries in Karnataka are not adequately electrified.

Only 39% libraries were found to include common toilet facilities. As one goes lower down the hierarchy of libraries,
it becomes clear that the infrastructure provided for separate toilets for men and ladies is minimal across all library
categories.

Electricity connections, chairs/tables and racks, drinking water and toilets are absolute requisites in a public library.
While not everyone relies on public libraries, a traditional user-segment remains, with strong preferences for hard
copies of books and the quiet library ambience for better concentration. Their word-of-mouth promotion regarding
the improvements in libraries will go a long way in boosting the user base of the libraries.

Reprographics and printing services

This study shows that service equipment like printers, photocopiers and scanners are rather poorly distributed among
the library categories.

Only 31% of libraries have positively responded to the availability of any of the equipment viz., photocopiers, scanners
or computers, but down the hierarchy of libraries the availability of such equipment is less.

Most State Central libraries are well equipped with photocopiers, scanners and printers. On the other hand, only 3%
libraries in the tribal regions possess these equipment. The provision of these equipment is also less in the taluka and
village libraries. Only about 15% libraries provide the photocopying facility to their users.

Presence of computers and Internet

Among the libraries covered for the study, of the libraries that have electricity connections, only 30% of the libraries
were equipped with computers. Among those libraries having computers, only 50% had Internet connection. Though
most State Central and district libraries have computers, nearly 70% of the other library categories, do not. On the
other hand, 30% (approx. 118) District libraries and 27% (approx. 41) sub-divisional libraries reveal the highest
proportion of non-functional computers while the State Central libraries have the highest number of non-working
Internet connections.

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 Findings from Survey of Public Libraries

Furthermore, the availability of computer terminals with Internet connection, access to online databases like
DELNET, National Digital Library Initiative and OJAS, plus the provision of digital versions of books, photocopying
or printing facility is critical to attract the students and employed professionals to utilize the libraries. This is an essential
component that will make the public libraries relevant to the younger audience.

Computerization of services and future plans

Apart from State Central Libraries, about half of the libraries have not yet computerized their services of operations,
such as user registration, online services, book reservation, membership management etc. Overall 23% (362) of libraries
have indicated that their computers are non-functional.

About 50%-70% of the State Central Libraries possess computerized operations such as accounts, administration and
staff management. But the degree of computerization of operations is particularly low at the taluka and village level
libraries, a paltry 8%.

Among the libraries that are yet to computerize their operations, more than 60% intend to complete computerization
by the year 2018, but the likelihood of this happening in taluka libraries is below 55%.

Budgets and expenditure

Overall, 50% of all libraries have responded by giving information on their budgets. Budget allocation to libraries has
seen an approximate increase by 3% over the last two years across all categories of libraries. In 2014-15, State
Government grants were given to fund 54% libraries.

A relatively significant 16% libraries receive computers/ printers/ scanners as donations in kind. Books are most often
received as donations in kind, while rack and shelves rank second, as the highest items to be donated.

Library resources and collections

Around 77,000 books are available in the State Central libraries, although down the hierarchy fewer resources of books
are noted in the taluka and lower libraries, ranging in number from 1000 to 10,000 books. Overall, across libraries, an
average of 100 books is available, of which around 25 to 30 are issued. But, the village/rural libraries reveal that 37 out
of 100 books are issued, which is a positive indication that if more resources are provided, more effective utilization
will be observed in these libraries. Children’s books, however, are relatively fewer in number across all public libraries.
Most categories of public libraries have the highest collection of Indian books in the local language, followed by books
in Hindi. Nearly 30% libraries include a collection of rare books, an aspect regarding which the public may not be
aware.

Classification and cataloguing of books

Overall 36% libraries have classified their books. The most popular classification system followed is the Dewey
Decimal Classification System. All the State Central libraries have classified their books. Overall, books in nearly two-
thirds of the libraries are classified and more than one-half of the libraries implement the DDC/Dewey system of
classification. A majority of State Central Libraries and Divisional/Regional Libraries predominantly follow the card
cataloging scheme. Most other library categories prefer the use of register forms. In the libraries at the rural and tribal
levels, one-half of them or even more do not employ any fixed classification system.

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 Findings from Survey of Public Libraries

Services provided by library

Nearly 30% libraries offer services to specially-abled groups, children and women. Only 16% libraries that have Internet
access, make services like online catalog available, while Internet linkage with other library systems is provided by 14%
libraries with Internet.

Extension services including book exhibitions, book releases and films/documentary screening are mostly provided
by the State Central and Divisional/Regional libraries. Literacy programs and Community information services on
agriculture, farming and weather, for instance, are provided by the rural and tribal area libraries.

Over 70% of the tribal area libraries expressed that ‘Meet the Author’ programs would attract more users to libraries.
A large majority of the State Central, District and divisional libraries responded that discussions on new books were
more likely to draw users.

Future needs of libraries

The librarians' views on the future needs of libraries were gathered. When the librarians were requested to list the
immediate requirements of their libraries, the most repeated requirements were specifically for infrastructure - building
maintenance, as some of the libraries were in poor condition or very old and conveniences such as toilets and drinking
water amenities, besides chairs, tables and racks were urgent needs that were to be met.

Though a majority of 64% libraries stated the current availability of some user amenities like water or toilets or chairs,
these still ranked among the top three immediate requirements. Nearly 71%, (approx. 1174) of the libraries were not
equipped with computers and had ranked them in the top 3 ranks of requirements. Even those State Central and
district libraries that possess computers have placed the need for acquiring computers among the top three priorities
of resources.

Nearly one-half of the libraries mentioned that procurement of books was their highest priority. Newspaper collections
and computerization were the next significant aspect of priority, across most library categories. For tribal libraries, the
second highest area of priority, after books was equipment, such as printer, photocopier and scanner. It was primarily
the State Central libraries that had included e-resources as a priority, a need, not included in the other library categories.
Librarians expressed the necessity for training in computers, library management and staff training.

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 Findings from Survey of Public Libraries

Detailed Results

5.1 Staffing information of libraries

5.1.1 Overall staffing scenario

In public libraries in India, different types of staffing patterns are seen – ranging from full time to part time to voluntary
staff.

The table summarizes the median numbers of staff in each of the library categories.
• As expected, State Central Libraries have the highest staff strength i.e., about 18-20 staff per library
• We can observe that voluntary staff are fewer across all categories of libraries.

Q: Number of staff in the library

Sub-
State Town/ Div./ Village/ Tribal Delhi
Libraries District div./ NGO Others
Central City Regional Rural area Public
Taluka
Base 29 529 793 239 627 1936 76 418 10 483
Total Staff 18-20 3-5 1-3 1-3 1-3 1-2 1-2 1-3 1-3 1-2
Full Time Staff 17-19 2-4 1-3 1-3 1-2 1-2 1-2 1-3 1-2 1-2
Part Time Staff 1-3 1-3 1-2 1-2 1-2 1-2 1-2 1-2 1-2 1-2
Voluntary Staff 1-3 1-2 1-2 1-2 1-2 1-2 1-2 1-3 1-3 1-2
*Median values

5.1.2 Gender differences in staffing scenario

*Median values Q: Number of staff in the library

State Town/ Div./ Sub-div./ Village/ Tribal Delhi

Libraries District NGO Others
Central City Regional Taluka Rural area Public
Base 29 529 793 239 627 1936 76 418 10 483
Total Staff 20-22 3-5 1-3 1-3 1-3 1-2 1-2 1-3 1-3 1-3
Men 11-13 2-4 1-3 1-3 1-2 1-2 1-2 1-3 1-3 1-2
Women 8-10 1-3 1-2 1-2 1-2 1-2 1-2 1-2 1-3 1-2
A majority of libraries had not responded with the number of women staff. This could be construed to mean that
either that the staff was not aware or that there were no women staff. Among the libraries that had answered, most of
them had at least 1 woman staff but their professional qualifications are unknown. In State Central libraries alone, the
number of men staff is higher.

5.1.3 Qualifications of library staff

• Only 54% of libraries had responded with the information on professionally qualified staff. The proportion
of staff with professional library qualifications and IT/computer skills was checked.
• Data suggests that State Central libraries have more professionally qualified staff than other libraries (academic,
cultural/mission/embassy & private lending libraries).

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 Findings from Survey of Public Libraries

• Apart from State Central Libraries which have a greater number of staff with basic computer/IT skills, the
other libraries have very few employees with computer knowledge.

Q: Number of professionally qualified staff in the library (those with M. Lib/B. Lib/Dip. Lib/Cert. Lib) &
Number of staff with basic IT/Computer skills

Sub-
State Town Div./ Village/ Tribal Delhi
Libraries District div./ NGO Others
Central / City Regional Rural area Public
Taluka
Base 26 399 494 171 453 816 20 208 3 201
Professionally
8 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 7 1
Qualified Staff
Total Staff with
basic Computer/ 11 2 1 2 1 1 1 1 2 1
IT Skills
* Median values
Base - 2791

5.1.4 Salary of staff as per government pay scale

Librarians/heads were asked if staff in their library get paid as per government pay scale, and if yes, the category of
staff that get paid as per the pay scale. Findings of the same have been presented below.
• Overall, 68% of the libraries had responded that staff in their libraries are paid as per government pay scale.
Of these, about one-half of the librarians/heads get paid in government pay scale.
• A little over one-fourths of the libraries, no staff gets paid as per government pay scale.

Q: Which of the staff in this library gets salary as per government pay scale for the state?

Salary in Govt. Pay Scale Salary as per government pay scale - Overall

Librarian / Head 51%

No, Asst. Librarian 12%
32%
Semi-Skilled Staff 11%
Library Assistant / Tech assistant 10%
Yes,
68% Deputy Librarian 6%
Others 14%
None gets paid in govt. scale 32%

Base - 5140

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 Findings from Survey of Public Libraries

5.1.5 Salary as per government pay scale – by library category

Staff not getting paid as per government pay scale is highest in rural and tribal libraries, followed by city/town libraries

Q: Which of the staff in this library gets salary as per government pay scale for the state?

State Town/ Div./ Sub-div./ Village/ Delhi

Libraries District Tribal Lib. NGO Others
Central City Regional Taluka Rural Public
Base 29 529 793 239 627 1936 76 418 10 483
Librarian
93% 69% 54% 65% 70% 48% 34% 18% 90% (9) 11
/Head
Deputy
59% 15% 8% 10% 5% 2% 3% 3% 30% (3) 4%
Librarian
Asst.
72% 25% 17% 25% 14% 6% 21% 4% 30% (3) 8%
Librarian
Library
Asst./ Tech 72% 22% 11% 17% 9% 7% 8% 4% 20% (2) 9%
Asst.
Semi-Skilled
66% 27% 12% 24% 11% 6% 5% 3% 20% (2) 9%
Staff
None gets
paid in Govt. 0% 12% 25% 10% 9% 30% 28% 65% 10% (1) 27%
scale
Others 31% 29% 17% 11% 14% 11% 11% 4% 0% 16%

5.1.6 Staff to visitor ratio

Staff to visitor ratio is a parameter used to obtain an idea on the user-management and the appropriate assistance
provided to the library user by the staff.

The presence of staff is particularly lower in Town/city, Divisional, Taluka and village libraries, this means that when
there’s an influx of users in these libraries, the library does not have sufficient manpower to provide assistance to these
users. This then translates to poor user satisfaction.

State Town/ Div./ Sub-div./ Village/ Tribal Delhi

District NGO Others
Central City Regional Taluka Rural Lib. Public
Visitor to
13:1 15:1 25:1 35:1 35:1 25:1 20:1 13:1 15:1 30:1
staff ratio

5.2 Infrastructure and amenities

In this chapter, we present the findings on status of infrastructure, amenities and equipment ownership in India’s public
library system.

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 Findings from Survey of Public Libraries

5.2.1 Ownership status of the building

It is observed that while most State Central libraries (86%) function in own buildings, over one-fourths of NGO
libraries function from rented premises.

Q: Status of ownership of building – is it own, rented or rent free

Own Rented Rent free

State Central Library 86% 7% 7%

District Library 70% 14% 13%
Others 67% 17% 15%
Town/ City Library 65% 20% 14%
Sub-divisional/ Taluka Library 63% 19% 17%
Delhi Public Library 60% 10% 30%
Village/ Rural /Panchayat Library 59% 11% 30%
Divisional/ Regional Library 59% 20% 21%
Library of a charitable institution/ NGO 55% 29% 16%
Tribal area Library 51% 17% 32%
Base - 5140

5.2.2 Amenities in libraries

The status of a wide range of amenities in the public library such as electricity connection, drinking water, parking
facility, toilet facility and generator back-up facility were examined.

• Overall, about three-fourths of the libraries have drinking water supply.

• Nearly 61% of libraries do not have a common toilet.
• 96% of overall libraries have electricity connections and 15% have generator back-up.

Q: Does the Library have these amenities /

facilities?

Electricity connection 96%

Drinking water 73%
Parking for 2 wheelers in premises 52%
Toilet for gents 39%
Common toilet 39%
Toilet for ladies 35%
Base - 5140
Parking for cars in premises 30%
Generator back-up 15%

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 Findings from Survey of Public Libraries

Amenities in libraries – by type of library

It is observed that while State Libraries fare well in most of the amenities, tribal libraries fare low in these amenities.

• The data suggests that while more State Central and District libraries provide separate toilets for men and
women, these numbers are lower among Taluka, rural and tribal area libraries, with only under one-thirds of
them having separate toilets for ladies and gents.
• The divisional, sub-divisional/taluka, village/rural and tribal libraries are poorly equipped with common toilets
as well.

Q: Does the Library have these amenities / facilities?

State Town/ Div./ Sub- Village/ Tribal Delhi
Libraries District NGO Others
Central City Regional div./Taluka Rural area Public
Base 29 529 793 239 627 1936 76 418 10 483
Electricity
100% 100% 100% 100% 99% 91% 84% 100% 100% (10) 98%
connection
Drinking water 97% 84% 83% 77% 74% 62% 51% 84% 100% (10) 79%
Toilet for gents 86% 67% 50% 30% 25% 28% 24% 49% 90% (9) 52%
Toilet for ladies 83% 59% 45% 26% 20% 23% 24% 45% 90% (9) 52%
Common toilet 59% 45% 47% 47% 42% 30% 21% 46% 60% 47%

5.2.3 Amenities in libraries – by State

• Libraries in Karnataka are not sufficiently electrified.5

• Provision for drinking water is particularly low in
libraries in Jammu & Kashmir and Karnataka
• A number of states fair poorly in the aspect of toilets
for ladies and gents such as Assam, Jammu & Kashmir,
Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Telangana.

Overall Performance - By State

The findings from all libraries in the various states are provided here. However, these do not consider the wide
difference in sample and the developmental differences among library categories.

• Electricity connections
• State with less than 80% libraries having electricity facility:
o Karnataka

• Drinking water
• States with over 80% libraries having drinking water facility:

5 This reference is drawn from the categories of libraries in the sample, majorly smaller categories of libraries.
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 Findings from Survey of Public Libraries

o Andhra Pradesh, Delhi & NCR, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra,
Meghalaya, Nagaland, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tripura and Uttar Pradesh.
• States with 50% or lesser libraries having drinking water facility:
o Karnataka and Jammu Kashmir

• Gents toilet facility

• States with over 80% libraries having gents’ toilet facility:
o Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan

• States with 50% or lesser libraries having gents’ toilet facility:

o Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, J&K, Karnataka, Kerala, Lakshadweep,
Manipur, Meghalaya, Orissa, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Telangana and
Mizoram

• Ladies toilet facility

• States with over 80% libraries having toilet facility for ladies:
It is concerning that barring Chandigarh and Himachal Pradesh none of the other states have sufficient
libraries with ladies’ toilets.

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 Findings from Survey of Public Libraries

This is only a reflection of the infrastructure in the entire sample. The developmental gaps across library categories
are not captured.

Q: Does the Library have these amenities / facilities?

Drinking
Sl. No. States & Union Territories Base Electricity Toilet
water
Gents Ladies Common
1 Andhra Pradesh 311 98% 86% 21% 17% 25%
2 Arunachal Pradesh 23 100% 78% 48% 30% 57%
3 Assam 82 99% 55% 11% 12% 22%
4 Bihar 126 91% 79% 40% 34% 42%
5 Goa 98 100% 73% 51% 47% 59%
6 Gujarat 423 99% 90% 51% 44% 55%
7 Haryana 35 100% 91% 74% 60% 63%
8 Himachal Pradesh 115 100% 92% 88% 87% 66%
9 Jammu & Kashmir 56 100% 39% 13% 7% 27%
10 Jharkhand 17 100% 71% 76% 59% 12%
11 Karnataka 637 74% 41% 11% 9% 22%
12 Kerala 208 100% 63% 20% 19% 53%
13 Madhya Pradesh 106 99% 75% 70% 51% 28%
14 Maharashtra 511 100% 88% 52% 46% 39%
15 Manipur 29 100% 100% 41% 34% 66%
16 Meghalaya 22 95% 82% 45% 45% 55%
17 Mizoram 18 100% 78% 22% 22% 61%
18 Nagaland 20 100% 85% 60% 60% 50%
19 Odisha 250 100% 64% 23% 24% 39%
20 Punjab 34 100% 74% 68% 68% 12%
21 Rajasthan 188 99% 93% 89% 67% 16%
22 Sikkim 11 100% 82% 55% 64% 55%
23 Tamil Nadu 522 99% 69% 15% 15% 48%
24 Telangana 298 98% 64% 11% 9% 21%
25 Tripura 14 100% 86% 57% 50% 50%
26 Uttar Pradesh 311 99% 91% 70% 64% 40%
27 Uttarakhand 30 100% 80% 33% 33% 67%
28 West Bengal 389 100% 67% 50% 40% 58%
29 Chandigarh 6 100% (6) 100% (6) 83% (5) 83% (5) 17% (1)
30 Dadra and Nagar Haveli 3 100% (3) 100% (3) 67% (2) 67% (2) 33% (1)
31 Delhi and NCR 245 100% 85% 76% 72% 44%
32 Puducherry 1 100% (1) 100% (1) 100% (1) 100% (1) 100% (1)
33 Lakshadweep 1 100% (1) 100% (1) 0% 0% 100%
* A few states have very low base.

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 Findings from Survey of Public Libraries

5.2.4 Performance Index - By library category

• A performance index is provided on a scale of 5. The scaling followed, is given here:

100% More than 80% More than 70% More than 50% 50% and below
5 4 3 2 1

• The findings suggest that only 100% State central libraries have electricity connection and some toilet facility.
• It is a matter of concern that barring State central libraries, not all libraries have functional electricity. This is
particularly lower in village/rural and tribal area libraries.
• Similarly, as the hierarchy of libraries goes lower, it is observed that infrastructure provisions for toilets for
gents and ladies is minimal across all library categories.

State Town/ Div./ Sub-div./ Village Tribal Delhi

Performance index District NGO Others
Central City Regional Taluka /Rural area Public
Base 29 529 793 239 627 1936 76 418 10 483
Electricity connection 5 5 5 5 4 4 4 5 5 4
Drinking water 4 4 4 3 3 2 2 4 5 3
Toilet for gents 4 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 4 2
Toilet for ladies 4 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 4 2
Common toilet 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1

5.2.5 Equipment ownership Q: Does the library have these

equipment?
Status of ownership of equipment such as printers, 25%
photocopiers and scanners in various public libraries is
presented in this section.
75%

• The findings suggest that only 25% of libraries

have answered that they have any of the Answered with any of the equipment
equipment. Base - 5140 None of the equipment
Presence of equipment - By library category

Data suggests that down the hierarchy of libraries, very few libraries have any of the equipment; either photocopiers
or scanners or printers.

Sub-
State District Town/ Div./ Village/ Tribal Delhi
Libraries div./ NGO Others
Central Library City Regional Rural Library Public
Taluka
Base 29 529 793 239 627 1936 76 418 10 483
Presence of
97% 65% 32% 31% 20% 12% 8% 27% 60% 24%
equipment

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 Findings from Survey of Public Libraries

Presence of computers and Internet - Overall

• 70% of the libraries covered for the study, did not possess any computers.
• Of the libraries that have computers, only 50% libraries had Internet connections.

Q: Does the library have these equipment?

Presence of computers Libraries with computers and Internet

Computers 30% 70% Internet 50% 50%

Libraries with computers Libraries with internet

Libraries without computers Libraries without internet

Base - 5140 Base - 1501

Presence of computers and Internet - by library category

• Though a majority of state and district libraries had computers, down the hierarchy of libraries these numbers
were lower.
• Internet penetration was also significantly lower in village/rural and tribal libraries.

Libraries State District Town/ Div./ Sub-div./ Village/ Tribal NGO Delhi Others
Central Library City Regional Taluka Rural Library Public
Base 29 529 793 239 627 1936 76 418 10 483
Computers 100% 73% 39% 36% 23% 13% 8% (6) 33% 80% (8) 28%
Base of 29 385 309 86 146 259 6 139 8 135
computers
Internet 79% 59% 58% 55% 45% 27% 33% (2) 41% 75% (6) 53%

Ownership of computers and Internet – by library category

• While the computers for office use alone are lower across all categories of libraries, these are particularly lower
in rural and tribal libraries.
• Internet facility for users is an aspect that is particularly poor across most categories of libraries

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 Findings from Survey of Public Libraries

Q: Does the library have these equipment?

State District Town/ Div./ Sub-div./ Village/ Tribal Delhi
Libraries NGO Others
Central Library City Regional Taluka Rural Library Public
Base 29 529 793 239 627 1936 76 418 10 483
Computers
for office 90% 66% 34% 29% 19% 12% 8% 28% 80% 25%
use
Computers
for users 69% 52% 26% 22% 11% 5% 4% 15% 60% 14%
only
Internet for
office use 76% 43% 22% 18% 10% 4% 3% 14% 60% 14%
only
Internet for
24% 13% 8% 6% 3% 1% 0% 4% 10% 4%
users only

Ownership of computers and Internet – by State

• Computer penetration is low in states such as Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana, Orissa, Jammu and
Kashmir, Rajasthan and others.
• A fairly adequate penetration of computers is seen in states like Arunachal Pradesh, Haryana, Kerala, Mizoram,
Nagaland, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal and Delhi NCR

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 Findings from Survey of Public Libraries

Q: Does the library have these equipment?

States & Union Base for Internet

S. No. Base Computers Internet
Territories connections
1 Andhra Pradesh 311 19% 60 20%
2 Arunachal Pradesh 23 52% 12 0%
3 Assam 82 16% 13 15%
4 Bihar 126 27% 34 38%
5 Goa 98 23% 23 39%
6 Gujarat 423 25% 104 28%
7 Haryana 35 74% 26 50%
8 Himachal Pradesh 115 21% 24 88%
9 Jammu & Kashmir 56 14% 8 0%
10 Jharkhand 17 41% 7 29%
11 Karnataka 637 6% 38 82%
12 Kerala 208 54% 112 46%
13 Madhya Pradesh 106 45% 48 35%
14 Maharashtra 511 38% 195 38%
15 Manipur 29 24% 7 57%
16 Meghalaya 22 23% 5 60%
17 Mizoram 18 56% 10 10%
18 Nagaland 20 75% 15 47%
19 Odisha 250 12% 29 69%
20 Punjab 34 41% 14 79%
21 Rajasthan 188 19% 35 69%
22 Sikkim 11 36% 4 25%
23 Tamil Nadu 522 24% 123 71%
24 Telangana 298 8% 24 67%
25 Tripura 14 29% 4 25%
26 Uttar Pradesh 311 55% 172 55%
27 Uttarakhand 30 50% 15 40%
28 West Bengal 389 51% 199 45%
29 Chandigarh 6 100% 6 83%
30 Dadra and Nagar Haveli 3 33% 1 100%
31 Delhi and NCR 245 54% 132 75%
32 Puducherry 1 100% (1) 1 0
33 Lakshadweep 1 100% (1) 1 0
*This is only a reflection of the infrastructure in the entire sample. The developmental gaps across library categories are not
captured. A few states have low base.
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 Findings from Survey of Public Libraries

5.2.6 Presence of service equipment (photocopiers, scanners and printers)

• Libraries are not too evolved in the area of ownership of equipment such as photocopiers, printers or scanners.
• Libraries are poorly equipped with photocopiers, with only about 15% libraries providing these.

Q: Does the library have these equipment?

Equipment Ownership - Overall

Printer 21%

Photocopiers 15%

Scanners 12%
Base - 5140

Ownership of printers, Scanners and Photocopiers – by library category

• Most State Central libraries are well equipped with photocopiers, scanners and printers.
• On the other hand, only 4% tribal area libraries have these equipment
• Ownership of these equipment is relatively lower in other categories of libraries as well, such as taluk and
village libraries

Sub-
State Town/ Div./ Village/ Tribal NGO Delhi
Libraries District div./ Others
Central City Regional Rural area Public
Taluka
Base 29 529 793 239 627 1936 76 418 10 483
Photocopiers 86% 51% 19% 22% 12% 4% 3% (2) 16% 20% (2) 11%
Scanners 72% 44% 13% 15% 7% 4% 4% (3) 15% 20% (2) 12%
Printers 93% 58% 27% 24% 15% 10% 5% (7) 21% 60% (6) 20%

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 Findings from Survey of Public Libraries

5.2.7 Number of equipment owned – by library category

• All categories of libraries have 1-2 scanners and photocopiers

• Computers for use of office and users are higher in state central, Delhi public and district libraries.
Q: How many of the equipment does the library have?

State Central/ Town/City/ All other

Libraries
District/ Delhi Public Division categories
Photocopiers 1-2 1-2 1-2
Scanners 1-2 1-2 1-2
Printers 1-2 1-2 1-2
Computers-Users 2-3 1-3 1-2
Computers-Office 1-4 1-2 1-2
*Median values
Base - Owners of equipment
5.3 Computerization of services
This section deals with the findings on extent of computerization across various categories of public libraries and their
future plans for computerization.

5.3.1 Extent of computerization

Status of computerization of one or more services or operations in the library was checked. The findings are tabulated
here.

More than one-fourths of the libraries have not computerized their services of operations.

Q: Are any one or more services or operations in the Library computerized?

Computerization of services - Overall

Computerized Not computerized No response
No response, 2%

Not computerized,
37% Computerized,
61%

Base - 1548

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 Findings from Survey of Public Libraries

Extent of computerization – by library category

Apart from State Central Libraries, computerization of library services has not been implemented well across other
library categories.

Q: Are any one or more services or operations in the Library computerized?

State Town/ Div./ Sub- Village/ Tribal Delhi

Libraries District NGO Others
Central City Regional div./Taluka Rural area Public

Base 29 396 323 86 152 264 6 143 8 141

Yes 76% 63% 71% 60% 53% 51% 83% 64% 88% 52%
No 24% 37% 27% 37% 45% 48% 17% 31% 13% 39%
Don’t
0% 0% 3% 2% 2% 0% 0% 5% 0% 9%
Know
Base - 1548
5.3.2 User services that are computerized

The libraries that have one or more computerized services or operations were asked to enumerate on the various
services that were computerized.

• Among the libraries that have computerized their operations, only about 25% of them offer online services

Q: Which of the services or operations are computerized?

Overall

Availability status of books / periodicals 50%

Book issue 50%

Book search – By Title / Author 50%

User registration 44%

Book renewal 42%

Membership management 41%

Book reservation 40%

Online services 25%

Base - 945 (Libraries with computerized services/operations)

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 Findings from Survey of Public Libraries

User services that are computerized – by library category

The libraries that have computerized user specific services are provided here. It is observed that even among State
central libraries, computerized user services are low.

Q: Which of the services or operations are computerized?

State Town/ Div./ Sub-div./ Village/ Tribal Delhi

Libraries District NGO Others
Central City Regional Taluka Rural area Public
Base 22 250 228 52 81 135 5 91 7 74
Book search – By
68% 51% 48% 54% 40% 52% 60% (3) 42% 57% (4) 54%
Title / Author
Avl.status-books/
68% 52% 53% 48% 38% 38% 80% (4) 52% 86% (6) 64%
periodical
Book Reservation 41% 43% 41% 42% 33% 21% 40% (2) 44% 71% (5) 54%
Book issue 59% 58% 54% 52% 31% 27% 60% (3) 52% 86% (6) 59%

Book renewal 55% 51% 44% 37% 26% 23% 40% (2) 42% 86% (6) 51%

User registration 64% 55% 41% 38% 30% 30% 40% (2) 45% 86% (6) 54%

Membership
64% 51% 31% 40% 31% 33% 40% (2) 45% 71% (5) 46%
management

Online services 50% 30% 24% 29% 28% 10% 20% (1) 22% 71% (5) 18%

5.3.3 Library operations that are computerized

This section consists of the library operations such as administration, accounts/finance, payments and so on that are
computerized in libraries.

• Among the libraries that have computerized their operations, about 42%-43% of them have computerized
processes such as cataloguing, account and administration.

Q: Which of the services or operations are computerized?

Cataloguing 43%
Administration 42%
Accounts / finance 42%
Staff management 31%
Payments / invoicing 22%
Acquisition 21%

Base - 945 (Libraries with computerized operations)

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 Findings from Survey of Public Libraries

Library operations that are computerized - by library category

• About 60%-70% of the State Central Libraries have computerized operations such as accounts, administration
and staff management.
• Extent of computerization of operations such as acquisition, staff management and invoicing is particularly
low in taluk and village level libraries.

Q: Which of the services or operations are computerized?

State Town/ Div./ Sub-div./ Village/ Tribal Delhi
Libraries District NGO Others
Central City Regional Taluka Rural area Public
Base 22 250 228 52 81 135 5 91 7 74
Accounts / finance 59% 55% 34% 42% 35% 22% 20% (1) 55% 43% (3) 45%
Cataloguing 59% 43% 35% 42% 38% 53% 40% (2) 40% 43% (3) 50%
Administration 73% 54% 35% 48% 23% 27% 40% (2) 52% 14% (1) 46%
Acquisition 41% 28% 15% 19% 11% 9% 40% (2) 22% 14% (1) 34%
Staff mgmt. 64% 46% 22% 38% 11% 19% 20% (1) 36% 14% (1) 35%
Payment /
41% 34% 16% 29% 15% 6% 20% (1) 25% 14% (1) 22%
invoicing

5.3.4 Future plans to computerize

Libraries that did not have computerized services or

operations were asked regarding their plans to Q: Any plans for computerization in the next
few years?
computerize in the next few years. The findings are
presented in this section.
37%
• Among the libraries that have not
62% Yes No
computerized their operations, more than
half of them say that they have plans to
computerize in the next few years.
Base - 569
Future plans to computerize – by library
category

While all the state central libraries plan to

computerize in the near future, the likeliness is Future plans to computerize
much lesser in village and tribal libraries. Tribal area Library (1) 100%

5.3.5 Likely year of computerization State Central Library (7) 100%

Village/ Rural /Panchayat Library 76%
Among libraries that have indicated likeliness to Town/ City Library 63%
computerize, most of them across all categories Library of a charitable… 60%
indicate that they plan to computerize by the year
District Library 57%
2018.
Div./Regional Library 56%
Base - 569
Others 55%
Sub-div./Taluka Library 54%

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 Findings from Survey of Public Libraries

5.3.6 Computerization - by State

• Consistent with previous data, most public libraries in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Manipur and Delhi
NCR ranks particularly low in the area of computerized services/operations.
• States such as and Delhi NCR also do not have a decisive future computerization plan.

Q: Any plans for computerization in the next few years?

*This is only a reflection of the libraries in the entire sample. The developmental differences across library categories are not
captured. A few states have low base.

S. No. States & Union Territories Base Future computerization plans

1 Andhra Pradesh 40 48%
2 Arunachal Pradesh 12 58%
3 Assam 10 90%
4 Bihar 9 100%
5 Goa 2 50%
6 Gujarat 33 52%
7 Haryana 19 79%
8 Himachal Pradesh 21 29%
9 Jammu & Kashmir 4 100%
10 Jharkhand 0 0%
11 Karnataka 20 45%
12 Kerala 70 81%
13 Madhya Pradesh 25 48%
14 Maharashtra 45 58%
15 Manipur 3 33%
16 Meghalaya 2 100%
17 Mizoram 4 100%
18 Nagaland 15 93%
19 Odisha 17 47%
20 Punjab 5 60%
21 Rajasthan 9 44%
22 Sikkim 2 50%
23 Tamil Nadu 33 45%
24 Telangana 12 50%
25 Tripura 3 33%
26 Uttar Pradesh 70 63%
27 Uttarakhand 7 29%
28 West Bengal 58 90%
29 Chandigarh 3 67%
30 Dadra and Nagar Haveli 0 0%
31 Delhi and NCR 15 20%
32 Puducherry 0 0%
33 Lakshadweep 1 100%

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 Findings from Survey of Public Libraries

5.3.7 Source of funds for computer purchase

Of the libraries that have computers, the source of funds for purchase, was captured. The findings from this have been
provided below.
• Majority of State Central Libraries, district, divisional and sub-divisional libraries receive funds for computer
purchase via state government grants.
• Whereas RRRLF grants are major source of funds to State Central and village libraries.

Q: What was the source / sources of funds for computer purchase?

State District Town/ Div./ Sub-div./ Village/ Tribal Delhi

Libraries NGO Others
Central Library City Regional Taluka Rural Library Public
Base 29 396 323 86 152 264 6 143 8 141
State Govt. grant 83% 65% 33% 48% 46% 33% 17% (1) 18% 38% 38%
Central Govt.
21% 3% 5% 6% 1% 1% 0% 4% 25% 6%
grant
RRRLF grant 41% 33% 30% 19% 24% 36% 17% (1) 12% 0% 10%
Own funds 3% 16% 31% 30% 11% 19% 67% (4) 31% 38% 23%
Donations by
Indian firm / 0% 4% 7% 13% 4% 5% 0% 14% 0% 9%
individual
Donations by
overseas firm / 0% 2% 1% 2% 1% 1% 0% 3% 0% 0%
individual
Municipal
corp./ 0% 3% 3% 3% 7% 4% 0% 1% 0% 1%
panchayat grant
Others 0% 4% 7% 6% 10% 15% 17% (1) 12% 13% 13%

5.3.8 Non-functional computers and Internet connections

This section gives an overview of the proportion of computers and Internet connections that are functional/non-
functional in public libraries today.
• District and sub-
Q: Are all computers, Internet connections functional now?
divisional libraries
have the highest District Library 30%
32%
proportion of non- Sub-divisional/ Taluka Library 27%
30%
functional 23%
Divisional/ Regional Library 17%
computers
Others 22%
• State central 28%
libraries have the Town/ City Library 20%
26%
higher numbers of Village/ Rural /Panchayat Library 20%
13%
non-working 20%
Library of a charitable institution/ NGO 26%
Internet
State Central Library 17%
connections. 53%
Tribal area Library 17%

Delhi Public Library 13%

0%
Non-functional Computers Non-functional Internet connections
Base - 1548; 566
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 Findings from Survey of Public Libraries

5.4 Budgets and expenditure

Overall, only 50% of all libraries have responded with information on budgets, it can be construed that the remaining
were unaware or were not willing to share data.

This section tabulates the budget allocation of those public libraries that have responded alone. The budget allocation
for 2014-2015, the extent of increase/decrease since 2012-13, sources of funds and other donations received in kind
are also presented here.

5.4.1 Budget allocation – by library category

• Budget allocation to libraries has seen an increase over the last two years across all categories of libraries.
▪ Allocation to divisional, sub-divisional and city/town libraries particularly has seen a higher increase.

Q: What was the approximate budget for the library in the year of 2014-2015?

State Town/ Div./ Sub-div./ Village/ Tribal Others

Library Overall District NGO
Central City Regional Taluka Rural area
Base 1857 13 230 273 88 242 688 18 163 142
Budget 2014-15
50,000 56.4 lakhs 5.76 lakhs 1.20 lakhs 60,000 60,000 32,000 44,000 87,000 20,000
(Rs.)
% change since
8% 3% 1% 18% 18% -38% 30% 33% 30% 8%
2012-13
* Median values

5.4.2 Sources of funds in 2014-2015

A major proportion (54%) of the libraries are funded by State Government grants.

Q: What were the sources of funds in 2014-2015?

Source of funds - Overall

State Government Grants 54%

Library Membership Fees 45%
Private Donations 21%
RRRLF 11%
Donations from firms (CSR schemes etc.) 5%
Central Government Grants 2%
Others 12%
Base - 5140

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 Findings from Survey of Public Libraries

Sources of funds – by library category

• The below data captures the proportion of the sources of funds. To elaborate, 76% of the State central
libraries illuminate their source of funds as coming from state government grants. 66% of the tribal libraries
receive funds from membership fees.
• It is interesting to note that substantial proportion of town/city, divisional, rural and tribal libraries receive
their funds through membership fees

Sub-
State District Town/ Div./ Village/ Tribal NGO Delhi
Libraries div./ Others
Central Library City Regional Rural Library Lib. Public
Taluka
Base 29 529 793 239 627 1936 76 418 10 483
State Govt.
76% 68% 53% 56% 58% 53% 28% 51% 30% (3) 47%
grant
Central
14% 2% 2% 3% 7% 1% 0% 3% 50% (5) 1%
Govt. grant
RRRLF
31% 13% 13% 12% 16% 6% 9% 11% 0% 11%
grant
Private
0% 12% 26% 18% 13% 22% 21% 39% 0% 15%
Donations
Members
21% 36% 49% 51% 44% 49% 66% 47% 0% 30%
Fees
CSR
0% 3% 5% 6% 4% 4% 4% 13% 0% 3%
Donations
Others 3% 9% 12% 6% 10% 12% 11% 14% 0% 16%
*Since these are multiple choice answers, they would not add to 100%. Values captured here signify the number of libraries that have stated
their source of funds.

5.4.3 Budget and Sources of funds in 2014-2015- by State

• As expected, state government is the prominent fund provider across most states
• Library membership fees are also a prominent source of funding in Bihar, Kerala, Maharashtra, Sikkim and
West Bengal.
• More libraries in Sikkim, Tripura and Puducherry receive funds from RRRLF.

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 Findings from Survey of Public Libraries

Q: What were the sources of funds in the year of 2014-2015?

States &
Source of funds
Union Territories
State Central Private Library CSR Don’t
RRRLF Other
Govt. Govt. donations Member fees donations know
Andhra Pradesh 54% 0% 5% 1% 42% 0% 1% 11%
Arunachal Pradesh 30% 0% 4% 0% 0% 0% 0% 70%
Assam 23% 0% 2% 72% 43% 4% 30% 4%
Bihar 33% 1% 1% 59% 72% 6% 20% 3%
Goa 85% 7% 0% 5% 8% 2% 1% 1%
Gujarat 87% 0% 32% 19% 42% 3% 13% 4%
Haryana 49% 0% 3% 46% 40% 14% 0% 6%
Himachal Pradesh 79% 2% 1% 1% 1% 0% 5% 17%
Jammu & Kashmir 96% 0% 2% 0% 0% 0% 2% 2%
Jharkhand 76% 0% 12% 24% 29% 0% 0% 0%
Karnataka 3% 0% 1% 0% 63% 0% 1% 36%
Kerala 95% 1% 5% 87% 95% 13% 15% 1%
Madhya Pradesh 53% 3% 3% 11% 18% 6% 27% 5%
Maharashtra 81% 4% 21% 43% 77% 9% 6% 1%
Manipur 3% 0% 3% 34% 41% 0% 69% 7%
Meghalaya 14% 0% 5% 55% 55% 14% 5% 18%
Mizoram 17% 0% 6% 22% 33% 0% 72% 0%
Nagaland 15% 5% 10% 25% 0% 0% 70% 0%
Odisha 22% 0% 2% 6% 14% 1% 8% 57%
Punjab 44% 3% 0% 6% 6% 3% 29% 24%
Rajasthan 98% 1% 11% 0% 4% 0% 1% 2%
Sikkim 0% 0% 82% 0% 82% 0% 18% 0%
Tamil Nadu 39% 0% 14% 24% 62% 11% 19% 19%
Telangana 74% 16% 27% 7% 30% 2% 1% 10%
Tripura 64% 0% 64% 0% 0% 0% 14% 21%
Uttar Pradesh 46% 4% 6% 15% 8% 7% 12% 23%
Uttarakhand 73% 0% 0% 10% 3% 0% 7% 7%
West Bengal 82% 0% 8% 16% 75% 7% 40% 5%
Chandigarh 50% 0% 0% 17% 0% 33% 50% 0%
Dadra and Nagar
0% 33% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 67%
Haveli
Delhi and NCR 18% 7% 1% 38% 14% 6% 1% 38%
Puducherry 100% 0% 100% 0% 100% 0% 0% 0%
Lakshadweep 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 100%

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 Findings from Survey of Public Libraries

Contribution of sources of funds - Overall

Of the total libraries, only 13% libraries have got their entire funding from State govt. grants and 12% Libraries received
less than 100% of their funds through member’s fees. However, most of the libraries were unaware of the details on
the contributions or did not provide the same.

Overall
Source of funds
5140 Libraries
<100% 100% No response
State Govt. grant 10% 13% 77%
Central Govt. grant 1% 99%
RRRLF grant 3% 97%
Private Donations 8% 2% 89%
Members Fees 12% 1% 87%
CSR Donations 2% 98%
Others 3% 2% 96%

Contribution of sources of funds towards budget – by library category

Of the total libraries, nearly 64% had not responded with approximate budget or the contributions received from the
sources of funds. The data provided below is obtained from the 36% responses alone.

Sub-
State District Town/ Div./ Village/ Tribal NGO Delhi
Libraries div./ Others
Central Library City Regional Rural Library Lib. Public
Taluka
State Govt.
95% 77% 62% 90% 78% 71% 57% 87% - 84%
grant
Central Govt.
5% 0% 35% 1% 1% 0% 0% 0% - 3%
grant
RRRLF grant 0% 8% 0% 4% 2% 2% 0% 2% - 3%
Private
0% 7% 1% 2% 9% 16% 20% 4% - 5%
Donations
Members
0% 5% 1% 3% 8% 7% 8% 2% - 3%
Fees
CSR
0% 2% 1% 0% 1% 1% 1% 4% - 0%
Donations
Others 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 2% 14% 1% - 2%
*Among the users that have answered, over the entire budget.

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 Findings from Survey of Public Libraries

5.4.4 Donations in kind Q: Which of these has this library received in

kind (i.e., without monetary consideration)?
This section helps to understand the aspect of
public libraries receiving resources like books, Books 70%
racks, equipment and other resources as
Racks / shelves / almirahs 51%
donations (in kind) from various benefactors.
• Books are most received as donations Periodicals / newspapers 44%
in kind, rack and shelves are the next Building / space to run library 20%
highest donated items.
Computers / printers / scanners… 16%
• Interestingly, a relatively significant
16% proportion of libraries receive Equipment (generator, Air… 13%
computers/ printers/ scanners as Water coolers / fire extinguisher 12%
donations in kind.
Base - 5140 Others 3%

5.5 Staff training

Information pertaining to staff training such as, whether any of their staff have undergone training in the last 5 years,
grade of staff that underwent training and the subjects/areas in which they were trained were collected.

5.5.1 Professional training for staff

Q: Has any staff in the library attended any
Only one-thirds of the libraries have had any of their professional training program in the last 5 years?
staff attend professional training in the last five
years
34%
65%

Attended professional training

Base - 5140 Not attended professional training

Professional training for staff – by library category

• 70% of Delhi public libraries mention that their staff have undergone professional training in the last 5 years.
However, these Delhi Public libraries are smaller in number and size, with only few staff and resources.
▪ This proportion is around 62% in state central libraries.
• In tribal, rural and NGO libraries, only one-fourths of them or under have their staff undergo professional
training.

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 Findings from Survey of Public Libraries

% Libraries where staff attended professional training

in last 5 years

Delhi Public Library 70%

State Central Library 62%
Sub-divisional/ Taluka Library 49%
District Library 43%
Divisional/ Regional Library 39%
Town/ City Library 36%
Village/ Rural /Panchayat Library 32%
Tribal area Library 24%
Others 21%
Library of a charitable institution/… 18%
Base - 5140

5.5.2 Category of staff that underwent professional training

The findings on the grade of staff such

as Librarian/Head, Deputy Librarian, Staff that underwent professional training - Overall
Assistant Librarian etc. who had
undergone professional training are Librarian / Head 76%
given here.
Asst. Librarian 17%
• As expected, in nearly three-
Library Assistant / Tech assistant 9%
fourths of the libraries, it is
the librarians / heads that Deputy Librarian 9%
have undergone professional Others 7%
training. Semi-skilled staff 6%
Base - 1753

5.5.3 Subjects trained in

• Staff in majority of the public libraries have undergone training in Library Management.
• However, more focus could be given on training in digitization to be in sync with the current digital age.
Q: If anyone had undergone training, please specify the subjects that were covered?

Subjects trained in - Overall

Library management 77%

Computer operations 33%
Library software usage 29%
Human resources management 24%
Library automation / digitization 18%

Base - 1753 Others 5%

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 Findings from Survey of Public Libraries

5.5.4 Professional training for staff – by State

Data suggests that least proportion of staff attend professional training from the states of Jammu & Kashmir,
Jharkhand, Manipur, Orissa, Uttarakhand and Puducherry.

Q: Has any staff in the library attended any professional training program in the last 5 years?

S. No. States & Union Territories Base Attended professional training

1 Andhra Pradesh 311 35%
2 Arunachal Pradesh 23 48%
3 Assam 82 40%
4 Bihar 126 13%
5 Goa 98 72%
6 Gujarat 423 23%
7 Haryana 35 31%
8 Himachal Pradesh 115 23%
9 Jammu & Kashmir 56 4%
10 Jharkhand 17 0%
11 Karnataka 637 53%
12 Kerala 208 15%
13 Madhya Pradesh 106 12%
14 Maharashtra 511 22%
15 Manipur 29 7%
16 Meghalaya 22 23%
17 Mizoram 18 100%
18 Nagaland 20 10%
19 Odisha 250 2%
20 Punjab 34 26%
21 Rajasthan 188 13%
22 Sikkim 11 91%
23 Tamil Nadu 522 80%
24 Telangana 298 35%
25 Tripura 14 71%
26 Uttar Pradesh 311 20%
27 Uttarakhand 30 3%
28 West Bengal 389 43%
29 Chandigarh 6 50%
30 Dadra and Nagar Haveli 3 33%
31 Delhi and NCR 245 16%
32 Puducherry 1 0% (1)
33 Lakshadweep 1 0% (1)
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 Findings from Survey of Public Libraries

5.6 Library resources and collections

This chapter provides information on library resources and collections such as number of books, periodicals,
newspapers and so on present across various categories of public libraries as well as across languages. Findings on
number of books issued, new books added and presence of weeding out policy for books are also tabulated.

5.6.1 Total resources in the libraries

This sub-section provides an insight into the types of resources present in various public libraries.
• Village and Tribal Area Libraries have fewer resources as compared with other libraries.
• Children’s books are relatively fewer across all public libraries.

Q: Library resources/collection (indicate numbers)

State Town Div./ Sub-div./ Village/ Tribal Delhi

Libraries Overall District NGO Others
Central / City Regional Taluka Rural area Public
Base 5140 29 529 793 239 627 1936 76 418 10 483
No of books in
5645 77515 24145 10697 11000 10000 3548 1790 5000 600 3851
Library resources
No of Reference
300 7986 1500 550 786 565 150 100 105 350 265
books
No of periodicals 15 36 27 30 23 21 7 4 11 70 9
No of Daily
6 20 10 10 10 8 3 3 6 17 4
newspapers
Approx. number
of children’s 502 4927 2000 1000 1500 800 300 400 500 300 500
books
* Median values

5.6.2 Total no. of books in the library – by language

The total number of books across various languages across public libraries is shown below.
• Most categories of public libraries have the highest collection of Indian local language books, then followed
by English language books

Q: Library resources/collection (indicate numbers)

State Town/ Div./ Sub-div./ Village/ Tribal Delhi
Libraries District NGO Others
Central City Regional Taluka Rural area Public
Total no.
53000 12500 4500 4500 2000 700 1300 3300 8000 3000
English books
Total no. of
28000 11000 5000 5000 1700 1000 1200 3500 8200 5000
Hindi books
Total no. of
local language 49000 32500 16000 15000 12000 5100 4200 8000 800 6500
books
Total no. of
foreign 2500 4600 9500 1000 1000 300 500 900 - 2200
language books
* Mean values
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 Findings from Survey of Public Libraries

5.6.3 Total number of books issued

This sub-section summarizes the total number of books issued in various public libraries.
• The table below summarizes the total number of books issued between March 2014 to April 2015
• Tribal Area libraries are seen issuing the least number of books
• Village/Rural Libraries and Tribal Area Libraries see the least number of children’s books being issued.

Q: Total no. of books issued between March 2014-15

State Town/ Div./ Sub-div./ Village/ Tribal Delhi
Libraries District NGO Others
Central City Regional Taluka Rural area Public

Base 20 377 562 158 436 1518 60 294 8 275

Total no. of
39018 15205 5695 8684 4497 2142 1319 4245 2943 2043
books issued
Total no. of
Children's 2792 2315 1324 1385 1013 621 397 970 1562 673
books issued
* Mean values
Ratio of books available to books issued
• The ratio of books available in libraries to books issued was checked to study the effective utilization of the
libraries.
• It is observed that in village/rural libraries 37 out of 100 books are issued. This is a positive sign that more
resources provided, will be effectively utilized in these libraries.

State Town/ Div./ Sub-div./ Village/ Tribal Delhi

Libraries District NGO Others
Central City Regional Taluka Rural area Public

Base 20 377 562 158 436 1518 60 294 8 275

Books
available to 31 out of 29 out of 25 out of 37 out of 27out of 37 out of 20 out of 39 out of 18 out of 14 out of
no. of books 100 books 100 books 100 books 100 books 100 books 100 books 100 books 100 books 100 books 100 books
issued

Ratio of total number of books available to children’s books available

• The ratio of books available in libraries to children’s’ books available was checked.
• The study data suggests that across all categories of libraries, the presence of children’s books is very low. To
attract more users to public libraries, mainly unemployed personnel like housewives, retired personnel who
would accompany children, additional children’s books must be provided across all library categories.

State Town/ Div./ Sub-div./ Village/ Tribal Delhi

Libraries District NGO Others
Central City Regional Taluka Rural area Public

Base 19 391 622 151 498 1512 57 315 8 354

Books
8 out of 9 out of 8 out of 11 out of 11 out of 13 out of 11 out of 12 out of 9 out of 11 out of
available to
Children’s 100 books 100 books 100 books 100 books 100 books 100 books 100 books 100 books 100 books 100 books
books
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 Findings from Survey of Public Libraries

5.6.4 Availability of E-resource, CDs/DVDs and Internet Services

Overall, only 32% of libraries report the availability of e-resources, with 34% reporting the presence of CDs/DVDs.
The availability of these resources is not significant among State Central and District libraries as well.

Libraries Overall State District Town/ Div./ Sub- Village/ Tribal NGO Delhi Others
Central City Regional div./ Rural area Public
Taluka
Base 5140 29 529 793 239 627 1936 76 418 10 483
Availability 32% 48% 37% 39% 29% 31% 26% 18% 38% 90% 42%
of E-
Resources
Availability 34% 59% 40% 39% 30% 33% 29% 21% 39% 70% 43%
of
CDs/DVDs

5.6.5 Weeding out policy for books

Overall, about one-half of the libraries do not have a weeding out policy for books.

Q: Does the library have a weeding out policy for books?

3%

With weeding out policy

48%
49%
Without weeding out
policy
No response

Base - 5140

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 Findings from Survey of Public Libraries

Weeding out policy for books – by library category

All Delhi public libraries (10) have a weeding out policy for books while tribal libraries rank the lowest.

Q: Does the library have a weeding out policy for books

Weeding out policy for books

Delhi Public Library 100%

State Central Library 69%
District Library 63%
Sub-divisional/ Taluka Library 60%
Divisional/ Regional Library 60%
Town/ City Library 59%
Others 44%
Library of Charitable Institutions/NGO 42%
Village/ Rural /Panchayat Library 36%
Tribal area Library 24%
Base - 5140

5.7 Classification and cataloguing of books

This section summarizes the classification systems for books followed in public libraries. Cataloguing schemes used in
public libraries are also presented.

5.7.1 Classification of books Q: Are the books in the library classified?

Overall, books are classified in nearly two-
thirds of the libraries.
36%
61% Classified
Not classified

Base - 5140

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 Findings from Survey of Public Libraries

Classification of books – by library category

• All state central libraries have their books classified.

• As the hierarchy lowers, there are lesser and lesser libraries following a classification system.
▪ In rural and tribal area libraries, one-half of the libraries or even higher do not follow a classification
system.

Q: Are the books in the library classified?

% Libraries where books are classified

State Central Library 100%

Town/ City Library 78%
District Library 78%
Sub-divisional/ Taluka Library 74%
Divisional/ Regional Library 71%
Delhi Public Library 70%
Library of a charitable institution/ NGO 59%
Others 52%
Village/ Rural /Panchayat Library 47%
Tribal area Library 43%
Base - 5140

5.7.2 System of classification

Among the libraries where a classification mechanism is followed, the system of classification used, like Dewey, Colon
or others was checked. The findings are as follows:
• More than one-half of the libraries follow the DDC/Dewey system of classification.

Q: If classified, what is the system used?

Others, 8%

Colon, 27%
Dewey, 54%

Base - 3139 (libraries that follow classification mechanism)

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 Findings from Survey of Public Libraries

5.7.3 Cataloguing schemes followed

The cataloguing schemes such as card catalogues, register forms and other cataloguing schemes, if followed, are
presented below.
• A majority of State Central Libraries and Divisional/Regional Libraries predominantly follow card cataloguing
scheme.
• Most other categories of libraries predominantly use register forms.

Q: Which cataloguing schemes does the Library use?

Sub.
State City/ Div./ Village/ Delhi
Overall District Div./ Tribal NGO Others
central Town Regional Rural Public
Taluka
Base 3139 29 410 622 169 464 909 33 246 7 250
Card
43% 55% 45% 50% 66% 52% 32% 39% 35% 71% 40%
catalogue
Register
51% 24% 49% 46% 34% 45% 61% 52% 54% 71% 57%
forms
Others 5% 28% 8% 5% 4% 3% 4% 12% 7% 0% 7%
Answering Base – 3139

5.8 Library membership & usage

This section summarizes the findings on membership details, age group of users, average number of visitors per day
and usage patterns of members. This is based on data furnished by librarians.

5.8.1 Number of registered members

This section covers the details of registered members across various public libraries.
• Barring a few state central libraries most categories of libraries see an increase in valid registered members, the
highest extent of increase being in divisional libraries and tribal libraries.
• It is likely that with better provision of resources and services, more people would become registered members.
Q: Membership details- Average members/library
State Town/ Div./ Sub-div./ Village/ Tribal Delhi
Libraries District NGO Others
Central City Regional Taluka Rural area Public
Valid Registered
3051 800 527 600 523 183 130 170 450 253
Members 2015
% Increase since -25%
3% 5% 26% 7% 12% 20% 17% 16% 9%
2014 (decrease)
*Median values
*Some libraries have a very low base

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 Findings from Survey of Public Libraries

Membership status of women, those below 18 years and physically challenged

The gender composition of members and the representation of children and physically challenged persons were
captured during the study.

Libraries Overall
Women members 32%
Members below the age of 18 19%
Physically challenged members 1%

• Women members are highest in Sub-divisional/Taluka libraries followed by State Central and
Divisional/Regional libraries.
• Members below the age of 18 are higher in libraries such as Village, State central and sub-divisional libraries.
• Physically challenged members are almost negligible across all categories of libraries, indicating a need for
them to be made more accessible to this section of the population.

Q: Membership details
State Town/ Div./ Sub-div./ Village/ Tribal Delhi
Libraries District NGO Others
Central City Regional Taluka Rural area Public
Women
31% 28% 29% 31% 32% 27% 23% 26% 3% 28%
members
Members
below the 14% 9% 13% 11% 16% 18% 13% 13% 3% 15%
age of 18
Physically
challenged 0% 1% 0% 0% 0% 0% 1% 1% 0% 0%
members
*The base of some libraries is low

5.8.2 Library usage information

This section presents the average number of visitors per day and the age group composition of its users in various
public libraries.

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 Findings from Survey of Public Libraries

Data of visitors

Overall, most libraries see around 20-30 visitors per day as per library records. The data on the number of visitors per
day across various public libraries is summarized below.

• State central libraries, have around 250 visitors per day

• Rural and tribal area libraries record the least number of visitors as compared to the other libraries

Avg no. of visitors per day as per library records

State Central Library 250

Sub-divisional/ Taluka Library 70
Divisional/ Regional Library 70
District Library 60
Town/ City Library 50
Others 30
Delhi Public Library 30
Library of a charitable institution/ NGO 25
Village/ Rural /Panchayat Library 25
Tribal area Library 20
Base - 5140

*Median values

5.8.3 Library usage by age group

Overall, 19-25 year olds form the highest user group in over one-thirds of the libraries, then followed by those in the
age group of 26-35.

Q: Who are the highest number of users by age-groups?

Upto 18
years 19-25, 35% 26-35, 24% 35-50, 18% 51-65, 6%
15%

Upto 18 years 19-25 26-35 35-50 51-65

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Base - 5140

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 Findings from Survey of Public Libraries

Highest number of users of libraries by age group

• 19-25 year old users form the highest user group in one-half of the state central libraries
• Maximum users in village and tribal area libraries are those from the age group of 19-25 years.

Q: Who are the highest number of users by age-groups?

State Town/ Div./ Sub- Village/ Tribal Delhi

Libraries District NGO Others
Central City Regional div./Taluka Rural area Library
Base 29 529 793 239 627 1936 76 418 10 483
Upto 18
3% 6% 8% 6% 9% 20% 17% 10% 20% 31%
years
19-25 55% 46% 33% 31% 35% 34% 38% 34% 50% 29%

26-35 34% 24% 25% 30% 29% 23% 30% 23% 20% 17%

35-50 3% 17% 23% 23% 18% 16% 14% 23% 0% 14%

51-65 3% 5% 10% 8% 7% 4% 0% 8% 0% 6%

5.8.4 Working hours of libraries

The working hours across libraries was captured during the study. On an average, all libraries began at 9:00 AM in the
morning and end at 7:00 PM in the evenings. Most libraries are open for 9-10 hours.

State Town/ Div./ Sub- Village/ Tribal

Libraries Overall District NGO Others
Central City Regional div./Taluka Rural area
Base 5140 29 529 793 239 627 1936 76 418 10
AM 9.00 9.00 9.00 8.30 8.00 8.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.00
PM 7.00 7.30 7.00 8.00 8.00 8.00 7.00 6.00 8.00 6.00
*Median values

5.9 Services provided by library

In addition to stocking resources, public libraries offer several services to the general public. This section provides
findings about the various services offered in libraries - book lending, book reservations, story-telling, literacy
programs, to name a few.

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 Findings from Survey of Public Libraries

5.9.1 Book services provided

• Book lending is the most provided services, followed by books reference.

• Nearly 30% of the libraries have a rare books collection, an aspect which public may be unaware of

Q: What all services are provided from the library?

% Libraries offering book related services - Overall

Books Lending 84%

Books Reference 53%
Periodicals / magazines - lending 48%
Rare books collection 27%
Book reservations 26%
Text books section 19%
Books – home delivery 11%
Base - 5140

5.9.2 Community services

Libraries also provide community services such as services for specially-abled, women, children, literacy programs and
so on. Information on this has been presented below.
• Nearly 30% of the libraries offer services to specially abled groups, children and women
▪ Despite this, the proportion of users from the specially abled group visiting public libraries is
significantly less - an aspect that could perhaps be attributed to the low awareness of such services
among the specially abled groups

Q: What all services are provided from the library?

% Libraries offering community services - Overall

Services to the Specially abled groups,

26%
children, women, neo - literate

Auditorium/ Meeting rooms 16%

Base - 5140

5.9.3 Other digital services

Among the computers that provide Internet (761), a very Q: What all services are provided
miniscule proportion of libraries offer services such as online from the library?
catalogue, Internet linkage with other library systems, audio
CDs/DVDs 6%
books and so on.
Audio books and Braille 2%
This highlights the need for the library system to revamp and Microfilms 1%
keep itself abreast with changing times.
Base - 5140
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 Findings from Survey of Public Libraries

% Libraries offering other digital services - Overall

Online catalogue 16%

Internet/ Network linkage with

14%
other library systems in India
Base - 761

5.9.4 Extension services in the last 2 years

Data on extension services provided in libraries such as book exhibitions, literacy programs, literary book releases,
lecture etc. is summarized in the following sub-section. This signifies the outreach attempts public libraries are making
to attract the public.
• Extension services such as book exhibitions, book releases and films/documentary screening is predominantly
limited to state central libraries.
• Community information services such as on agriculture, farming and weather are seen provided by rural and
tribal area libraries.
o Literacy programs is another service that is seen provided by over one-thirds of the rural libraries,
which is a welcome aspect.

Q: What all extension services are provided from the Library?

State Town/ Div./ Sub-div./ Village/ Tribal Delhi

District NGO Others
Central City Regional Taluka Rural area Library
Base 29 529 793 239 627 1936 76 418 10 483
Story telling 34% 24% 31% 41% 37% 28% 21% 27% 60% 31%
Books
69% 44% 40% 54% 52% 29% 22% 27% 10% 24%
exhibition
Literary
program/ book 45% 25% 21% 32% 26% 13% 16% 18% 50% 20%
releases
Lectures/
45% 42% 33% 46% 43% 31% 21% 33% 20% 29%
discussions
Films/
Documentary 24% 8% 7% 11% 3% 4% 7% 6% 10% 5%
screening
Community
information
services (eg., 17% 12% 12% 12% 11% 14% 18% 10% 0% 12%
farming, agri,
weather info)
Literacy
24% 30% 26% 33% 37% 32% 18% 27% 0% 28%
programs
Study groups
/study circles 38% 33% 24% 30% 25% 15% 18% 23% 0% 18%
for exams

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 Findings from Survey of Public Libraries

5.10 Future needs of libraries

This section covers the future needs of public libraries. Librarians’ views on priority areas for acquiring resources and
means through which libraries can attract higher number of users were ascertained.

5.10.1 Priorities for acquiring resources

Librarians’ order of priorities for acquiring additional resources was checked. The findings are presented below.
• Nearly one-half of the libraries mention that books are their highest priority for acquiring additional resources.
• A miniscule 5% of them express the need for Internet (better speed/new connection), although is one of the
important expectations from users (see PART B).
▪ This highlights the need for a mindset change among librarians to keep themselves in tune to the
needs of users.

Q: Your priority for acquiring additional resources. Rank according to preference.

Priority areas - Overall

Books 43%

Newspapers 15%

Computerization 14%

User Amenities 13%

Shelves/racks 7%

Periodicals 6%

Internet(new connection/improving speed) 5%

E-Resources 4%

CDs/DVDs 1%
Base - 5140

Priorities for acquiring resources – by library category

• Books are the top priority area across all categories of libraries.
• Newspapers and computerization are the next most priority area across most library categories
• For tribal and village/rural libraries, the highest priority area after books is user amenities
• It is primarily the state central libraries that prioritize e-resources

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 Findings from Survey of Public Libraries

Q: Your priority for acquiring additional resources. Rank according to preference.

State City/ Div./ Sub. Div./ Village/ Delhi

Dist. Tribal NGO Others
central Town Regional Taluka Rural Public
Base 29 529 793 239 627 1936 76 418 10 483
Books 52% 43% 49% 38% 34% 40% 37% 53% 80% 52%
Periodicals 0% 7% 6% 6% 7% 6% 5% 6% 20% 6%
Newspapers 7% 18% 15% 15% 18% 15% 14% 13% 0% 8%
E-Resources 24% 7% 3% 3% 2% 2% 7% 6% 0% 4%
CDs/DVD 0% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 0% 2% 0% 0%
Internet 3% 8% 5% 5% 7% 4% 4% 5% 0% 5%
Computerization 14% 13% 11% 18% 17% 15% 9% 11% 0% 11%
Shelf/Racks 3% 8% 8% 7% 7% 8% 5% 5% 0% 7%
User Amenities 7% 11% 8% 17% 14% 17% 17% 6% 0% 8%

Priorities for acquiring resources – by State

• Books are a high priority in public libraries of Pondicherry, Sikkim, West Bengal, Arunachal Pradesh and
Assam.
• Periodicals are mentioned as a priority area in Jharkhand, as well as to a certain extent in Bihar.
• Newspapers are a priority for future needs in public libraries in Jharkhand, Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana and
Madhya Pradesh.
• Approximately 35% public libraries in Chandigarh, 40% public libraries in Bihar and 38% in Manipur require
E-Resources.
• Internet and computerization is particularly expressed as a high priority in Bihar and Jharkhand.
• A substantial proportion of libraries in Bihar, Jharkhand and Karnataka express user amenities as their highest
priority.

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 Findings from Survey of Public Libraries

Q: Your priority for acquiring additional resources. Rank according to preference.

Priority of acquiring resources

States &
Union Base CDs/ User
Periodi News E- Comput Shelves/
Territories Books Internet amenitie
cals papers Resources DVDs erization Racks
s
Andhra
311 27% 5% 21% 3% 1% 5% 15% 4% 18%
Pradesh
Arunachal
23 74% 4% 4% 0% 0% 13% 4% 0% 0%
Pradesh
Assam 82 74% 0% 0% 0% 0% 4% 17% 0% 6%
Bihar 126 67% 37% 20% 40% 10% 62% 83% 45% 40%
Goa 98 36% 11% 22% 0% 0% 3% 16% 6% 4%
Gujarat 423 52% 3% 11% 3% 0% 7% 10% 3% 7%
Haryana 35 49% 6% 34% 3% 0% 3% 0% 11% 11%
Himachal
115 45% 3% 7% 1% 1% 2% 7% 10% 10%
Pradesh
Jammu &
56 21% 9% 27% 4% 4% 5% 25% 9% 20%
Kashmir
Jharkhand 17 59% 76% 47% 6% 0% 53% 76% 24% 29%
Karnataka 637 18% 2% 25% 1% 0% 2% 6% 8% 38%
Kerala 208 28% 0% 25% 2% 0% 4% 29% 5% 6%
Madhya
106 47% 5% 32% 3% 0% 1% 3% 2% 3%
Pradesh
Maharashtra 511 48% 5% 18% 2% 1% 2% 12% 6% 5%
Manipur 29 21% 0% 0% 38% 0% 7% 31% 0% 0%
Meghalaya 22 73% 0% 5% 14% 5% 0% 14% 5% 5%
Mizoram 18 56% 0% 0% 6% 0% 6% 22% 6% 6%
Nagaland 20 50% 0% 0% 0% 0% 10% 40% 0% 0%
Odisha 250 27% 3% 4% 11% 0% 5% 36% 5% 10%
Punjab 34 26% 12% 0% 0% 0% 6% 9% 3% 6%
Rajasthan 188 64% 20% 2% 1% 1% 0% 3% 3% 5%
Sikkim 11 82% 0% 9% 0% 0% 9% 0% 0% 0%
Tamil Nadu 522 34% 5% 15% 1% 0% 7% 10% 18% 11%
Telangana 298 33% 8% 19% 2% 0% 4% 9% 6% 20%
Tripura 14 57% 0% 7% 0% 0% 0% 29% 0% 14%
Uttar Pradesh 311 51% 9% 8% 6% 1% 5% 12% 7% 7%
Uttarakhand 30 37% 0% 0% 10% 0% 3% 17% 7% 23%
West Bengal 389 75% 1% 3% 1% 0% 4% 9% 2% 4%
Chandigarh 6 33% 17% 0% 33% 0% 0% 0% 0% 17%
Dadra and
3 33% 33% 33% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%
Nagar Haveli
Delhi NCR 245 70% 11% 13% 1% 1% 0% 1% 0% 0%
Puducherry 1 100% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%
Lakshadweep 1 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 100% 0% 0%

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 Findings from Survey of Public Libraries

5.10.2 Opinion on services to attract more users to libraries

Library heads were presented with various concepts that will help attract more users to public libraries. The findings
on usefulness of various programs such as meet the author, discussions on new books, library outreach centres and so
on have been presented below.
• About 75% of the tribal area libraries express that ‘Meet the authors’ programs would attract more users to
libraries.
• Vast majority of the State Central libraries and divisional libraries respond that discussion on new books is
more likely to attract users.

Q: Opinion on services to attract more users

State City/ Div./ Sub. Div/ Village/ Delhi
Overall District Tribal NGO Others
central Town Regional Taluka Rural Public
Base 5140 29 529 793 239 627 1936 76 418 10 483
Meet the
authors 61% 69% 67% 66% 68% 66% 53% 72% 58% 70% 64%
programs
Discussion on
75% 93% 85% 79% 86% 79% 67% 75% 74% 90% 75%
new books
Literary clubs 45% 66% 54% 42% 53% 50% 40% 53% 41% 60% 46%
Library
outreach 25% 45% 33% 28% 33% 30% 17% 25% 29% 40% 27%
center
Information
points in
18% 34% 28% 25% 23% 19% 11% 18% 17% 20% 21%
shopping
malls

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 Findings from Survey of Public Libraries

5.10.3 Immediate requirements of the library

The librarians were asked to list the immediate requirements of the library. The most resounding requirements were
only for infrastructure.

Infrastructure

•Premises - Majority of the librarians felt that the premises of the library building
needs to be maintained, some of the libraries were in very poor conditions or in old
buildings.
•Facilities - Toilets, drinking water, chairs, tables, racks were some of the facilities
that were required by the libraries.

Resources

•Competitive Books - Books for competitive exams and novels were stated to be
immediate requirements.
•Digital necessities - Computers, Internet access and equipment such as Xerox
machines and printers were also sought after.

Training

•Librarians wanted training in the below fields: computer training, library

management and staff training.

5.10.4 Priority of needs vs existing facilities

User amenities Priority in aquiring user amenities

Preference to acquire user amenities (toilets/ water/ chairs

etc.) vs the presence of these amenities in libraries was
checked. It must be noted that though most libraries have
Have certain
stated that they have user amenities like water or toilets or 36%
amenities
chairs, these still ranked in the top 3 immediate 64%
Don't have
requirements. This could be construed that not all amenities certain amenities
were available or that the quality of the amenities available
needs improvement.
Base - 1366

Priority of needs vs existing user amenities - By library category

State Town/ Div./ Sub-div./ Village/ Tribal Delhi

Libraries District NGO Others
Central City Regional Taluka Rural area Public
Base 5 124 155 67 185 639 28 74 0 89
Have some
100% 89% 74% 70% 74% 53% 32% 81% 0% 66%
amenities
Don’t have a few
0% 11% 26% 30% 26% 47% 68% 19% 0% 34%
amenities

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 Findings from Survey of Public Libraries

Computers
Ranked top 3 priorities
Library needs vs presence of resources shows that while
approximately 1662 libraries ranked computers in the top 3
29%
ranks of requirements, nearly 71% did not have them. Have computers

71% Don't have

Base - 1662

Priority of needs vs existing computers - By library category

It is observed that even those state central and district libraries that have computers have ranked acquiring
computers in the top 3 priorities of resources.

State Town/ Div./ Sub-div./ Village/ Tribal Delhi

Libraries District NGO Others
Central City Regional Taluka Rural area Public
Base 13 183 221 88 217 654 31 120 0 135
Have computers 92% 67% 30% 36% 23% 18% 3% 36% 0% 33%
Don’t have
8% 33% 70% 64% 77% 82% 97% 64% 0% 67%
computers

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 Findings from Survey of Public Library Users

6. PART B – Survey among Public Library Users

In this chapter, views expressed by users of public libraries have been presented. Aspects covered include usage profile
and patterns, resources and services offered, availed and desired, their rating of libraries and their services, extent of
fulfilment of their needs, likeliness to recommend and their views on a number of new initiatives.

Chapter Summary

The views of public library users on various aspects like resources and services offered, availed and desired, their rating
of libraries and their services, likelihood to recommend, among other parameters are presented here.

User Profile and Library Usage

Interviews were conducted with 4082 users of public libraries. They were drawn from different age groups and
categories and included students, employed professional, self-employed individuals and the unemployed population.
Nearly one-third have been using public libraries for less than 2 years, and claimed an increase in the frequency of their
visits in the last 2 years.

Frequency of library visits in future

Nearly one-half of the users have indicated a probable increase in their visits over the next 2-3 years, implying a growing
need for libraries in the future. Their main motives for using a library were to build up their general knowledge and
meet their educational/ learning needs. Therefore, the library system faces a huge need to keep improving and updating
its profile, to continue to move with the changing times, retain its existing members, as well as attract more numbers
of new members.

Library Resources offered

Overall, resources like books, periodicals and newspapers are offered by libraries across all categories. However, digital
books and Internet access were made available in only 1% of the rural libraries.

Library Services offered

Public information services are offered by almost one-half of the libraries. This highlights the part played by the library
system as an information service provider, a service that libraries must continue to provide.

• Among the different library categories, nearly one-half of the State Central libraries were found to provide
photocopying facilities, not reflected in the other libraries.
• Wi-Fi was the facility least provided, with only 6% of users stating its availability in libraries.

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 Findings from Survey of Public Library Users

Resources availed by users

Over 80% users, from all age groups, utilized books and newspapers from libraries, while almost one-quarter of the
users, used periodicals from libraries. However, Internet access and online databases were utilized by less than one-
tenth of the users, owing to its unavailability.

Resources desired by users

The users were requested to list the resources they would appreciate a public library to provide, as well as to indicate
their willingness to pay an additional fee. Most users desired to have Internet access and expressed willingness to pay
an additional fee to avail the same. By offering Internet facilities, not only would the library retain its current users, it
would also draw more users.

• Students voiced that it would be more relevant to have access to online databases. Similarly, most users
indicated that the availability of digital books would be advantageous.
• User preferences for libraries to provide digital resources like Internet access, e-books and online databases
were higher among the younger population. However, among the older age group too there was a requirement
to access the same, which highlights the fact that need for digitization of libraries is universal.

Subject areas desired by users

When asked on subject areas, the users of public libraries claimed that they would like the libraries to be equipped with
resources on competitive exams. Village library users have expressed their desire for higher stock of magazines, novels
and health related books.

Additional fee

When asked for their opinion on subject areas, the users of public libraries stated that they would like the libraries to
be equipped with resources on competitive exams. Village library users expressed their desire for a higher stock of
magazines, novels and health-care related books.

Similarly, housewives and retired personnel also expressed their willingness to pay additional fee. Apart from Internet
access, housewives claimed that they were willing to pay an additional fee for CDs/DVDs, e books and children’s
books.

Access of regional language resources

Overall, 70% of the users accessed Hindi or other regional language resources from the public libraries. Almost 50%
of the users utilized English language resources in the State Central libraries. In libraries at the taluka and village levels,
over 80% users accessed Hindi/other regional language resources the most.

Public library services – availed and desired

Services availed by users

Among the services offered in public libraries, over 50% users were observed to avail the book reservation/renewal
facility services via telephone or Internet, in the last one year.

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 Findings from Survey of Public Library Users

Services desired by users

The responses of the users to the services that they wished to have in the future, revealed that:

• More than half the public library users, expressed the need for Wi-Fi facility.
• Almost 50% indicated need for book renewal/reservation facility via Internet/ telephone.
• Almost 30% desired photocopying facilities.

Public information services desired by users

Users were requested to name the public information service they desired. Employment information was identified as
the most highly desired public information services among students, employed and unemployed personnel, also across
all library categories.

A few other services like work-related information and Govt. form filling services, were also considered as the most
availed public information facilities in the last one year.

User’s rating of libraries and their services – all parameters

On requesting the users to rate several parameters such as resources, facilities, online access, staff and library services,
it became clear that,

• On the whole, the users were completely satisfied with the library resources, but far from satisfied with facilities
like toilet amenities, availability of drinking water, computer and Internet access.
• Across all library categories, satisfaction levels were higher with respect to quality of books, but low with
regards to the availability of CDs/DVDs and e-books. The ease of finding books was also rated low across all
library categories, an area that can be improved with the implementation of a greater degree of automation.
• The quality of services was rated marginally higher in the NGO and village libraries, compared to the other
library categories.

Extent of fulfilment of needs

When the users were invited to rate the extent to which their needs were satisfied by the public libraries they visited,
one-third of the users positively agreed that the libraries fully fulfilled their needs, while over 60% users claimed that
libraries only 'somewhat fulfilled' their needs.

• Among the age groups, almost 50% of the older (in age) users, selected the item ‘completely fulfilled’ with the
services of public libraries, whereas 60% of the youngsters and middle-aged users, claimed that their needs
were only ‘somewhat fulfilled’ by the public libraries.
• Among the library categories, it became clear that nearly half the users from the NGO library agreed that their
needs were ‘completely fulfilled’. A higher percentage of the users from the panchayat/village and Corporation
libraries stated that their needs were only ‘somewhat fulfilled’

Needs gaps

On requesting the users to rate several specific parameters such as resources, facilities, online access, staff and library
services, the following facts became evident.

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 Findings from Survey of Public Library Users

• While over 50% users were most satisfied with the overall resources of the library, 42% users were least
satisfied with the overall facilities offered by the library.
• The users were observed to be least satisfied with aspects such as the convenience of library timings,
toilets, noiseless environment and parking facility.

Willingness to recommend

Major proportion of the users expressed their readiness to recommend the facility, if someone were to ask their advice
on library memberships. Overall, 60% users, from all the categories of libraries (right from the State Central to the
village level) and all age groups, indicated that they would perceive it as a loss if their library was absent in their city,
indicating the indispensable role it played in the social set-up.

User’s willingness towards nominal contribution

The users were asked on their willingness to contribute towards development fund and for online services, in their
public libraries.

Development fund

• Nearly 45% of the users stated that they would probably contribute towards a development fund for a public
library in their area, highlighting the great value they had for the cause of development of the library system.
• Users across all the library categories indicated their willingness to contribute towards the development fund,
excepting those from the State Central libraries which reported the least number.
• On an average, users across all categories of libraries were willing to make a one-time contribution of Rs. 200/-
towards the development fund.

Memberships for online services

• Half the users were ready to contribute towards a fund to implement computerization and set up online
services in a public library in their area. This reiterates the degree of significance the users attribute to
digitization of the library system. This also highlights the need to step up the Internet facilities in libraries, as
this would attract more members.
• Across library categories, users declared willingness to contribute towards the computerization and setting up
of online services, while the enthusiasm to contribute to a general development fund was marginally lower in
the State Central libraries.
• On average, users across all categories of libraries were ready to make a one-time payment of Rs. 100/- towards
the computerization and setting up of online services.

Opinion on the usefulness of additional library services

Users were asked on the usefulness of additional library services/initiatives such as ‘meet the author programs’, literary
clubs, discussions on new books and talks on health, career’ and so on.

• Nearly four-fifth users indicated that it would be ‘useful’ to have initiatives like talks on topics like health,
career, jobs etc.
• About 60% users expressed interest towards having ‘literary clubs and ‘meet the author programs’.

102
 Findings from Survey of Public Library Users

Opinion on the usefulness of access points to public libraries in public areas

Users were also asked their opinions on the usefulness of service access points to public libraries in shopping malls,
railway stations and metros.

• 60% users responded positively stating that, if public libraries provided service access points in malls, railway
stations and other public spaces, they would be beneficial.
Similarly, across the library categories, the highest percentage of users were identified in the panchayat/village as well
as district libraries suggesting that the service access points to the libraries in public areas will be advantageous.

Detailed Results

6.1 Usage profile & patterns

Information such as years of membership, number of visits they make to libraries and information availed from libraries
was obtained from users.

6.1.1 Age of users and categories

Among the respondents interviewed, majority were youngsters of ages 19-35, children and the elderly were very
negligible in number. While a majority of the users met were students, some of them were employed professionals or
self-employed.

Base - 4082
Age of users User categories
44%
38%
28% 30%
21%
11% 9%
7% 7%
5%
Upto 18 19-25 26-35 36-45 46-60 Over 60
yrs Student Employed Unemployed Others

6.1.2 Years of usage

Q: Since when are you a member of
Among the respondents met, about one-thirds of them this library?
have been using public libraries for less than 2 years.
More than
8 yrs, 18%
4.1 to 8 <=2 yrs ,
years, 40%
Base - 2276 16%
2.1- 4 yrs,
22%

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 Findings from Survey of Public Library Users

6.1.3 Change in number of visits over last 2 Q: In the last 2 years how has your usage of the
years library changed in terms of number of visits?
Overall, almost three-fourths of the members Remained Don't know
indicate that their visits to libraries have been same 4%
increasing over the last two years. Only around 16%
8% members have mentioned that there has been
a decrease in visits. This goes to show that Decreased
8% Increased
relevance and use of libraries is only increasing
72%
over time – a positive sign.

Base - 1487 (membership over 2 years)

Change in number of visits over last 2 years – by library category

Members indicating an increase in visit to libraries are highest among Panchayat/Village libraries.

Q: In the last 2 years, how has your usage of the library changed in terms of number of visits?

State Municipal/ Sub-district/ Panchayat

District NGO Others
Central Corporation Taluk / Village
Base 243 325 136 294 122 277 90
Increase 71% 77% 69% 70% 80% 55% 81%
Decrease 8% 6% 3% 9% 4% 8% 6%
Remained
18% 12% 22% 18% 16% 17% 11%
Same
Don’t know 3% 5% 6% 3% 0% 21% 2%

6.1.4 Change in information availed in the

Q: In the last 2 years, how has your usage of the
last 2 years
library changed in terms of information
Trends on information availed through libraries availed?
Don't know
– whether it increased, decreased or remains the Remained 9%
same – were examined. same
18%
Overall, more than two-thirds of the members Decreased Increased
7% 66%
indicate that their visits to libraries have been
increasing over the last two years. This is an
encouraging sign indicating that the relevance
and use of libraries is only increasing over time.
Base - 1487 (membership over 2 years)

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 Findings from Survey of Public Library Users

Change in information availed over last 2 years – by library category

• As in the case of visits, highest proportion of members from Panchayat libraries indicate an increase in
information availed through libraries.
• These emphasize the important role played by village/panchayat libraries.

Q: In the last 2 years, how has your usage of the library changed in terms of information availed?

State Municipal/ Sub-district/ Panchayat

District NGO Others
Central Corporation Taluk / Village
Base 243 325 136 294 122 277 90
Increase 67% 70% 65% 69% 80% 45% 80%
Decrease 7% 9% 4% 6% 7% 7% 2%
Remained
19% 13% 21% 19% 11% 26% 16%
Same
Don’t know 6% 8% 10% 6% 2% 22% 2%

6.1.5 Likely change in usage over next 2-3

years Q: In the next 2 – 3 years, how likely is your
usage to increase, remain same or decrease?
• Overall, about one-half of the users
indicate that their visits to libraries are 11%
likely to increase in the next 2-3 years.
• About one-thirds mention that it will 52%
33%
remain the same. Library systems thus
has to revamp and keep itself in tune 4%
with changing times for it to retain its
current membership as well as attract
new members. Base - 4082 Will increase Will decrease

105
 Findings from Survey of Public Library Users

6.1.6 Reasons for using the library

Two main reasons cited by users Q: Looking back, can you tell me the primary reason for
for using the library are to build using this library?
general knowledge and to meet
Self / Personality / skill development 26%
education/learning related needs.
In general, the needs are more Educational / learning 22%
developmental in nature rather Build general knowledge 17%
than recreational. This holds good Prepare for competitive examination 14%
across all categories of libraries. For reading – in general 9%
Get information on employment 3%
For leisure / Socializing / Good… 2%
Improve English language skills 1%
Base - 4082

6.2 Resources offered, availed & desired

Information on various resources offered by public libraries, and then about the specific resources that they personally
avail was examined. They were then also checked about the resources that they wished/desired a public library
provided, but currently not available.

6.2.1 Resources offered by libraries

• Resources such as books, periodicals and newspapers are offered uniformly across all categories of libraries.
However digital resources are not offered sufficiently in smaller libraries.
• Resources such as digital books, online databases and Internet access are offered by a negligible 1% of rural
libraries.
Q: What are the resources offered by the library?
Municipal/
State Sub-dist./ Panchayat
Overall District Corporatio NGO Others
Central Taluk / Village
n
Base 4082 790 1087 346 743 298 559 259
Books 97% 98% 97% 91% 97% 98% 95% 98%
Periodicals/Journals 90% 93% 93% 88% 92% 86% 84% 93%
Traditio
Newspapers 94% 96% 97% 91% 96% 93% 90% 96%
nal
sources
Children’s books/magazines 54% 62% 53% 49% 60% 59% 38% 62%

Digital books/
8% 17% 7% 3% 4% 1% 6% 17%
e-books
Digital
CDs/DVDs 9% 17% 8% 5% 8% 5% 10% 17%
sources
Online databases 9% 21% 8% 3% 3% 1% 10% 21%
Internet access 16% 35% 19% 8% 5% 2% 18% 35%
Other Dissertations/thesis materials 22% 30% 23% 14% 24% 17% 18% 30%
sources Others 1% 1% 2% 1% 0% 2% 0% 1%

106
 Findings from Survey of Public Library Users

6.2.2 Resources availed by users

This sub-section covers the various resources availed by users at an overall level as well as by age groups.
Overall, books and newspapers are the most availed resources in libraries. As expected, Internet access is availed by a
marginally higher proportion of youngsters.
Q: What all resources do you avail of?

Overall By user profile

Age up to 25 Aged 26-60 Aged 60+
Base 4082 1835 1982 259
Books 83% 84% 82% 84%
Periodicals/magazines/journals 72% 73% 71% 75%
Newspapers 81% 80% 82% 80%
Digital books/e-books 2% 2% 2% 1%
CDs/DVDs 2% 3% 2% 2%
Children’s books/magazines 18% 16% 20% 16%
Online databases 2% 2% 2% 1%
Internet access 8% 11% 7% 1%
Dissertations/thesis materials 6% 5% 7% 5%

6.2.3 Resources desired by users

Users were checked about the resources they desired for the library to have and for those for which they are willing to
pay an additional fee, if a public library were to provide.

• It is observed that a maximum proportion of the users not only desire Internet access but are also willing to
pay an additional fee to avail it. This highlights the need for libraries, in the coming years, to provide computer
and Internet access to its users.
• This is likely to not only retain its current users, but also attract general public at large to start using libraries.

Q: Which all facilities would you want the library to offer?

Q: For which all facilities would you be willing to pay an additional fee?

Resources desired v/s willingness to pay additional fee

60%

50%
Internet
40% access Internet
Access
30%
Books, newspapers,
20% periodicals
10% Desired but not likely to
pay additional fee
0%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70%

107
 Findings from Survey of Public Library Users

Resources desired in libraries

• It is observed that on par with urban and semi-urban users, users in taluka and village libraries also desired
digital books/e-books.
• Village users also desired more children’s resources as compared to the other library users.

State Municipal/ Sub-district/ Panchayat /

Resources Desired District NGO Others
Central Corporation Taluk Village
Base 790 1087 346 743 298 559 259
Books 13% 9% 6% 8% 8% 7% 3%
Periodicals / magazines / journals 6% 5% 5% 7% 10% 4% 6%
Newspapers 7% 4% 5% 9% 9% 4% 6%
Digital books/e-books 35% 39% 37% 29% 37% 24% 37%
CDs/DVDs 31% 31% 23% 32% 32% 29% 22%
Children’s books/magazines 10% 11% 15% 11% 18% 10% 14%
Online databases 31% 42% 42% 36% 35% 29% 34%
Internet access 47% 65% 55% 71% 73% 47% 73%
Dissertations/thesis materials 14% 15% 19% 13% 12% 12% 10%

Resources desired by user profiles

Internet access is the most desired resource among all users. Online databases see more relevance and need among
students, compared to other users. Digital format of books would also enjoy more patronage by users.

Resources Desired Overall Students Employed Unemployed Others

Base 4082 1801 1210 847 224
Books 9% 10% 7% 8% 8%
Periodicals / magazines / journals 6% 6% 5% 6% 8%
Newspapers 6% 5% 7% 6% 9%
Digital books/e-books 34% 37% 33% 31% 24%
CDs/DVDs 30% 29% 33% 29% 21%
Children’s books/magazines 12% 10% 12% 14% 13%
Online databases 36% 39% 33% 35% 27%
Internet access 60% 64% 60% 56% 53%
Dissertations/thesis materials 14% 14% 12% 17% 10%

108
 Findings from Survey of Public Library Users

Resources desired by Housewives and Retired personnel

• While Internet access is the most desirable facility required by housewives and retired personnel, it is seen that
there are differences in requirements in these segments.
• More housewives wanted resources such as DVDs/CDs and children’s books compared to retired personnel.
It is observed that housewives were willing to pay an additional fee for CDs/DVDs, e-books and children’s
books apart from Internet access.

Segment Housewives Retired personnel

Resources Willingness to pay Resources Willingness to pay

desired additional fee desired additional fee
Base 156 264
Books 5% 7% 7% 7%
Periodicals / magazines / journals 5% 4% 5% 3%
Newspapers 3% 3% 6% 3%
Digital books/e-books 21% 17% 22% 11%
CDs/DVDs 28% 22% 20% 12%
Children’s books/magazines 17% 10% 14% 3%
Online databases 26% 14% 27% 16%
Internet access 46% 38% 45% 35%
Dissertations/thesis materials 12% 11% 18% 11%

109
 Findings from Survey of Public Library Users

Desire expressed for Internet access - by library

Q: Which all facilities would you want the
category library to offer?
Users across all categories of libraries – both urban and
Village/panchayat 73%
rural – express the desire for public libraries to provide Sub-district/taluk 71%
Internet access. District 65%
Municipal/corporation 55%
State central 47%
NGO 47%
Base - 4082 Others 73%

Need expressed for additional digital resources - by age group

• Need for libraries to provide digital resources such as Internet access, e-books, online databases are marginally
higher among the younger age group.
• However, it should be noted that the need exists among the older age groups as well, thus highlighting the
fact that the need for digitization of libraries is universal.

Q: Which all facilities would you want the library to offer?

Age up to 25 Aged 26-60 Aged 60+
Base 1835 1982 259
Digital books/e-books 37% 32% 25%
Online databases 39% 34% 26%
Internet access 63% 60% 45%

6.2.4 Specific resources required

Specific resources that users would like their public libraries to be equipped with was checked. The findings are as
follows:
• Resources pertaining to competitive exams are the most desired across all categories of libraries. Users from
village libraries have expressed desire for higher stock of magazines, novels and also health related books.

Q: What type of resources would you like to see more in this library?
State Municipal/ Sub-district/ Panchayat
Overall District NGO Others
Central Corporation Taluk / Village
Base 4082 790 1087 346 743 298 559 259
Materials for competitive
51% 55% 60% 45% 50% 41% 46% 42%
exams
Magazines 41% 43% 41% 39% 42% 50% 28% 49%
Text books and study
39% 42% 40% 36% 38% 40% 34% 32%
resources
Novels/stories 37% 38% 33% 44% 38% 49% 29% 44%
Arts/History/Economics 28% 31% 26% 28% 31% 33% 17% 30%
Health related 29% 23% 27% 27% 35% 40% 25% 36%
Spiritual materials 22% 21% 22% 28% 21% 26% 18% 27%
Business/management 14% 17% 18% 10% 16% 11% 8% 12%

110
 Findings from Survey of Public Library Users

Specific resources desired the most – By user category

Materials for competitive exams are the most sought across all user categories. These were followed by magazines,
textbooks, study resources and resources on health.

Type of resources desired Students Employed Unemployed Others

Base 1801 1210 847 224

Materials for competitive exams 65% 34% 48% 48%
Magazines 45% 30% 36% 41%
Text books and study resources 30% 43% 43% 38%
Novels/stories 18% 26% 24% 29%
Arts/History/Economics 28% 26% 30% 26%
Health related 42% 39% 43% 36%
Spiritual materials 24% 33% 32% 34%
Business/management 37% 28% 28% 38%
Farming/agri/fishing 15% 12% 14% 19%

6.2.5 Subject areas utilized the most

Subject areas for which users frequented public libraries was checked. The findings are as follows:
• Resources pertaining to education, politics/ current affairs, followed by fiction/novels are the most utilized
across all categories
of libraries. Subject areas utilized the most

Education 38%
Politics / current affairs 19%
Fiction / novels 14%
History / Geography 11%
Self-Development 10%
Recreation 7%
Science / Mathematics 7%
Sports/games 6%
Literature – English 6%
Religion 6%
Engineering & Technology 5%
Information Tecy / Computer Science 4%
Economics 4%
Literature – other language 4%
Sociology 4%
Agriculture / farming / fisheries 4%
Management / business 3%
Psychology 3%
Commerce / Accountancy 3%
Law 3%
Philosophy 2%
Medicine 2%
Architecture / Design 2%
Veterinary Sciences 0%

111
 Findings from Survey of Public Library Users

Languages accessed the most

Q: What type of resources would you like to
This sub-section presents the findings on language see more in this library?
resources users access the most across various
categories of public libraries. 30%

Overall, 70% of the users access Hindi or other 73%

regional language resources from public libraries.

Base - 4082
English Hindi or other regional languages

Languages accessed the most – by library category

As expected, higher proportion of users use English language resources in State Central Libraries. In libraries at the
taluk and village level, over 80% users access Hindi/other regional language resources the most.

Q: Which language resource do you use the most from this library?
State Municipal/ Sub-dist./ Panchayat
District NGO Others
Central Corporation Taluk / Village
Base 790 1087 346 743 298 559 259
English 47% 30% 21% 17% 19% 34% 20%
Hindi or other regional
54% 74% 77% 87% 85% 68% 79%
language resources

6.3 Services offered, availed & desired

The services offered in public libraries range from book reservations through telephone to special services such as
conducting events/meetings. Users were checked about the range of services offered, the services that they have availed
in the last one year as well as those that they desire from a public library.

112
 Findings from Survey of Public Library Users

6.3.1 Services offered

Services offered - Overall

• Public info is a service offered by almost one-half of the libraries. This highlights the role played by the library
system as that of an information service provider; a service that libraries must continue to provide.
• Wi-fi facility is offered by 6% of the libraries.
Q: What are the services offered by the library?
Overall
Base 4082
Public info 47%
Study groups 36%
Events/meetings 35%
Children’s program 26%
Photocopying 23%
Book renewal/reservation facility-telephonic/Internet 17%
Inter-library book loans 10%
Wi-Fi facility 6%
Film shows 6%

Services offered - By library category

• While nearly half of the state central libraries provide photocopying facilities, it is important to note that this
is not the case in other libraries.
• Across all library categories, it is observed that wi-fi facility is the least offered service.

Q: What are the services offered by the library?

Municipal/ Sub-dist./ Panchayat
State Central District NGO Others
Corporation Taluk / Village
Base 790 1087 346 743 298 559 259
Book renewal/reservation
20% 16% 10% 13% 7% 27% 14%
facility-telephonic/Internet
Events/meetings 35% 31% 41% 32% 34% 44% 38%
Photocopying 46% 21% 10% 15% 6% 17% 25%
Inter-library book loans 13% 9% 7% 8% 11% 9% 14%
Public info 49% 46% 33% 53% 37% 44% 60%
Study groups 41% 36% 37% 36% 18% 33% 52%
Wi-Fi facility 7% 4% 5% 2% 7% 13% 3%
Children’s program 26% 19% 33% 28% 32% 31% 30%
Film shows 7% 5% 4% 4% 6% 13% 2%

113
 Findings from Survey of Public Library Users

6.3.2 Utilization of available services

• Among the services offered in public libraries, those that users availed in the previous year were captured.
• It is seen that more than half of public library users availed book reservation/renewal facility through
telephone or the Internet.
• The importance of Internet is re-iterated, that though only 6% of all libraries provided Wi-Fi, about half of
the public library users availed the same as well.

Q: Which of the available services have you Libraries with available Availed in the previous
availed in the last one year? service year
Base
Public info 1902 80%
Book renewal/reservation facility-
674 57%
telephonic/Internet
Events/meetings 1440 52%
Study groups 1485 45%
Photocopying 922 44%
Wi-Fi facility 238 (6% of total libraries) 42%
Inter-library book loans 417 34%
Children’s program 1075 31%
Film shows 247 21%

6.3.3 Services desired in the future

More than half of the public library users desire Wi-Fi facility, followed by book renewal/reservation facility through
Internet/ telephone and photocopying facilities.

Services desired
Base 4082
Wi-Fi facility 51%
Book renewal/reservation facility-telephonic/Internet 47%
Photocopying 29%
Public info 23%
Study groups 22%
Inter-library book loans 19%
Events/meetings 18%
Children’s program 14%
Film shows 12%

114
 Findings from Survey of Public Library Users

Services offered vs Services desired

• Photocopying facilities are desired by more users than those that are offered.
• Book renewal/reservations through telephone/Internet also see more need among users.
• Wi-Fi facility is a service that is desired by most users.

47% 51%
47%
36% 35%

26% 29%
23% 23%
22% 17%
18% 19%
14% 10% 12%
6% 6%

Public Study Events/ Children’s Xerox Renewal/Reservn.- Inter-library Wi-Fi Film

info groups meetings program phone/online book loans facility shows

Services offered
Services desired

Services desired in the future – by library category

• Wi-fi facility is the most desired service across all categories of libraries
• Book renewals/reservations through telephone or Internet also sees need across all libraries. A significant
proportion of users of village and municipality libraries also wanted photocopying facilities.

Q: Which services do you want the library to offer in future?

State Municipal/ Sub-dist./ Panchayat
District NGO Others
Central Corporation Taluk / Village
Base 790 1087 346 743 298 559 259
Book renewal/reservation
45% 49% 56% 49% 42% 38% 47%
facility-telephonic/Internet
Events/meetings 16% 21% 20% 19% 16% 14% 17%
Photocopying 28% 31% 35% 30% 34% 21% 26%
Inter-library book loans 18% 20% 27% 15% 19% 14% 20%
Public info 27% 22% 27% 28% 27% 14% 10%
Study groups 26% 24% 14% 25% 20% 20% 10%
Wi-Fi facility 56% 57% 42% 49% 44% 38% 64%
Children’s program 14% 15% 19% 11% 15% 9% 19%
Film shows 15% 13% 18% 9% 9% 11% 7%

115
 Findings from Survey of Public Library Users

Services desired in the future – by user category

Consistently it is found that Wi-Fi facility is the most desired across all user categories. Users also sought book renewal
through telephonic/Internet means and photocopying facilities.

Services desired Students Employed Unemployed Others

Base 1801 1210 847 224
Book renewal/reservation facility-
47% 43% 51% 53%
telephonic/ Internet
Events/meetings 19% 17% 17% 17%
Photocopying 32% 26% 28% 27%
Inter-library book loans 19% 19% 18% 23%
Public info 23% 25% 21% 19%
Study groups 24% 20% 20% 23%
Wi-Fi facility 60% 47% 41% 41%
Children’s program 13% 15% 16% 11%
Film shows 12% 12% 14% 5%

Wi-fi facility is a service that is particularly

desired by a higher proportion of youngsters Q: Which services do you want the library
to offer in future?
Aged up to 25 59%
Aged 26-60 46%
Aged 60+ 26%
Base - 4082

6.3.4 Public information services availed and desired

This section presents the findings on various public information services like weather conditions, agriculture, form
filling-govt. services and so on that users have availed.
• Of the available services, employment info was the most availed service in the last one year.
• Employment info, work related info and Govt. form filling services were public information services that were
desired.

Q: What are some of the useful public information services that you availed from the library in the recent past?
Public info availed Public info wanted
Base 1964 4082
Weather conditions /climate 17% 18%
Ocean /sea conditions 8% 11%
Agriculture/ farming 16% 19%
Work related 33% 29%
Filling forms –Govt. services 28% 33%
Employment info. 50% 39%
Info on banking /loans 11% 28%
Payment facility (Electricity, Phone, Water,
5% 21%
Tax)

116
 Findings from Survey of Public Library Users

Public information services availed - By library category

• Employment info, work related information and services such as filling forms are among the most utilized
public information services. Employment info sees relevance across urban and rural regions.
• Information related to weather conditions, agriculture and farming are availed to a great extent in
panchayat/village libraries (as they are more farming centric). Therefore, it is important this information
offered is customized by region.

Q: What are some of the useful public information services that you availed from the library in the recent past?
Urban Rural
State Municipal/ Sub-dist./ Panchayat
District NGO Others
Central Corporation Taluk / Village
Base 394 501 124 414 131 250 150
Weather conditions /climate 13% 14% 21% 19% 28% 7% 29%
Ocean /sea conditions 8% 6% 11% 10% 5% 6% 5%
Agriculture/ farming 11% 11% 21% 21% 30% 12% 28%
Work related 36% 35% 40% 32% 32% 24% 25%
Filling forms –Govt services 28% 33% 24% 25% 27% 21% 33%
Employment info. 44% 55% 56% 50% 53% 54% 36%
Info on banking /loans 7% 12% 15% 15% 11% 10% 7%
Payment facility (Electricity,
5% 6% 9% 6% 5% 4% 1%
Phone, Water, Tax)

Public information services desired – by user category

• Employment information is the most desired public information service among students, employed and
unemployed personnel.
• Other services sought by users:
o Students, Employed and Unemployed - Form filling services
o Employed - Work related and Info on banking/loans

Q: What are some of the useful public information services that you would expect the library to provide?
Student Employed Unemployed Others
Base 708 183 96 16
Weather conditions /climate 15% 15% 13% 19%
Ocean/sea conditions 11% 19% 13% 13%
Agriculture/ farming 15% 15% 16% 25%
Work related 29% 34% 29% 25%
Filling forms – Govt. services 31% 31% 38% 44%
Employment info. 32% 44% 56% 19%
Info on banking /loans 13% 33% 27% 25%
Payment facility (Electricity, Phone, Water, Tax) 9% 25% 33% 13%
Others 21% 9% 22% 0%

117
 Findings from Survey of Public Library Users

Public information services desired – by library category

• Employment information is the most desired public information service, desired across most people profiles.
• Information such as on agriculture, farming and weather conditions are desired to a great extent in
panchayat/village libraries

Q: What are some of the useful public information services that you would expect the library to provide?

State Municipal/ Sub-dist/ Panchayat

District NGO Others
Central Corporation Taluk / Village
Base 790 1087 346 743 298 559 259
Weather conditions /climate 19% 19% 19% 21% 25% 6% 19%
Ocean/sea conditions 15% 10% 8% 13% 14% 5% 14%
Agriculture/ farming 20% 18% 12% 22% 37% 12% 19%
Work related 36% 28% 27% 25% 39% 19% 29%
Filling forms –Govt services 43% 33% 20% 33% 37% 21% 43%
Employment info. 50% 41% 27% 38% 44% 24% 48%
Info on banking /loans 33% 31% 20% 33% 33% 11% 32%
Payment facility (Electricity,
23% 22% 21% 26% 26% 8% 17%
Phone, Water, Tax)

Public information services desired – by age group

Employment and filling forms info is most desired by youngsters, while those aged 60+ desire services related to
agriculture, farming and payment facilities.

Age up to
Aged 26-60 Aged 60+
25
Base 1835 1982 259

Weather conditions /climate 19% 17% 20%

Ocean/sea conditions 10% 12% 12%

Agriculture/ farming 18% 20% 25%

Work related 30% 28% 23%

Filling forms –Govt services 37% 31% 24%

Employment info. 43% 38% 24%

Info on banking /loans 28% 29% 24%

Payment facility (Electricity, Phone, Water,
20% 21% 26%
Tax)

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 Findings from Survey of Public Library Users

6.4 User rating of libraries and their services

The users were asked to rate the quality of services offered by libraries, as well on a number of specific parameters
such as quality of resources, library services, staff, online access and facilities. The following section presents findings
from the same.

6.4.1 Quality of services offered by the library

The users were asked to rate quality of services of libraries on a 5-point scale ranging from excellent to poor. Overall,
over one-half of the users rate the services offered to be ‘very good’ or ‘excellent’.

Rating of quality of services is marginally higher in NGO and village libraries, compared to other categories.

Base - 4082 Q: Based on your experience, how would you rate the quality of services offered by this Library?

Poor, 2% By Library category

Fair, 12% Excellent, NGO 29% 41% 21%
15%
Panchayat / Village 25% 48% 17%
Very Good, 56% Sub-district/ Taluk 32% 38% 16%
Good, 30%
41%
State Central 31% 41% 13%
District 28% 41% 13%
Municipal/ Corporation 39% 35% 6%
Good Very Good Excellent

6.4.2 Parameter wise rating of services

The users were asked to give their rating on several specific parameters such as resources, facilities, online access, staff
and library services. The findings are tabulated here.
• Overall, users are most satisfied with resources and least satisfied with library facilities. This is in line with
findings from Part – A, where it has been established that there is tremendous scope for improvement of
facilities such as toilet amenities, drinking water, computer and Internet access and so on.

Q: Considering your experiences with the library, rate the quality of services
on these Parameters

Overall Facilities 13% 29% 42%

Overall Online Access 16% 28% 44%

Overall Staff 18% 29% 47%

Overall Library
18% 30% 48%
Services
Overall Resources 23% 33% 56%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70%

Excellent
6.4.3 Quality of resources and Library services Very Good

119
Base - 4082
 Findings from Survey of Public Library Users

• Across all categories of libraries, users are most satisfied with the quality of books.
▪ In line with poor quality of CDs/DVDs and e-books, the user rating is least for the two said areas.
• Ease of finding books is rated the lowest across all categories of libraries, an aspect that can be improved with
a higher degree of automation and better organization of the library.

Q: Considering your experiences with the library, rate the quality of services on these parameters

Quality of books (within area of Events / meetings /

29% 15% 26% 12%
interest) workshops (if any)
Quality of periodicals ( within
26% 14%
area of interest) Book reservations facility 21% 5%
Adequacy of books / periodicals
24% 12%
within area of interest
Photocopying facilities 15% 7%
New books availability 20% 8%
Inter-library books loans
(access from other 7% 4%
Quality of DVD/CD collection 5% 2% libraries)
Ease of finding books in
e-books / digital books 4%1% 6%3%
library

Very Good Excellent Very Good Excellent

6.4.4 Service rating of library staff

Q: Considering your experiences with the library,
• Users of public libraries respond rate the quality of services on these parameters
that approximately one-fourths of
library staff are knowledgeable, and Knowledge of library staff 21% 6%
only under one-fifths of them are
Helpfulness of library staff 12% 6%
helpful.
• This highlights the need for staff to
Very Good Excellent
be trained to serve users better.
Base - 4082

120
 Findings from Survey of Public Library Users

6.4.5 Quality of library facilities

• Users are least satisfied with aspects such as convenience of library timing, toilets, noiseless environment and
parking facility.
• Being key aspects, the library system needs to immediately focus on these areas and strive to improve user
ratings.

Q: Considering your experiences with the library, rate the quality of

services on these parameters
Seating comfort 32% 21%
Space in library 30% 18%
Location of library 26% 14%
Ambience inside library 20% 11%
Very Good
Convenience of library timing 5% 1%
Excellent
Parking facility 5% 2%
Toilets / washrooms 5% 2%
Noiseless Environment 4% 2%
Base - 4082

6.5 Extent of fulfilment of needs

This section captures the extent to which users’ needs have been fulfilled in the public libraries they visit. They were
asked to give their rating on a 3-point scale ranging from not fulfilled to completely fulfilled.
• About one-thirds users say that libraries fully fulfil their needs. However, over 60% of the users opine that
libraries only somewhat fulfil their needs – thereby highlighting that there is plenty of scope for further
improvement.

Q: To what extent has the relationship with Library fulfilled the needs for which you avail its services? Would you
say it is not fulfilled, somewhat fulfilled or completely fulfilled?
Extent of fulfillment of needs - Overall
No opinion, Not fulfilled,
1% 4%

Completely
fulfilled, 35%
Somewhat
fulfilled, 60%

Base - 4082

121
 Findings from Survey of Public Library Users

Extent of fulfilment of needs – by library category and age

• User fulfilment rating is highest in NGO libraries, and lowest in village libraries.
▪ Users from village libraries, despite indicating relatively high levels of satisfaction with services
provided, express a wish for further fulfilment of their needs
• Similarly, a higher proportion of those in the old-age group are more fulfilled compared to youngsters and
those mid-aged.
• This highlights the need for the library system to equip itself with resources and services in a manner that it
better caters to the needs of village libraries and those in the younger age groups.
Q: To what extent has the relationship with Library has fulfilled the needs for which you avail its services? Would
you say it is not fulfilled, somewhat fulfilled or completely fulfilled?

Not Fulfilled Somewhat Fulfilled Completely Fulfilled

Voluntary organization / NGO Library 3% 47% 48%

District Library 4% 57% 37%
Sub-district / Taluk Library 4% 60% 34%
State Central Library 3% 64% 32%
Municipal/ Corporation Library 2% 69% 25%
Panchayat / Village Library 6% 68% 25%
Youngsters 4% 60% 34%
Middle aged 4% 60% 34%
Old aged 5% 50% 45%

Base - 4082 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 120%

6.6 Likeliness to recommend

Extent of likeliness to recommend their library if someone were to ask their advice on library memberships was
checked.

Overall, nearly two-thirds of the users mention that they are ‘very likely’ or ‘extremely likely’ to recommend the library
if someone were to ask their advice on library memberships.

As expected, users whose needs have been completely fulfilled are more likely to recommend the library compared to
others.

122
 Findings from Survey of Public Library Users

Q: How likely would you be to recommend this library if someone asked your advice on library memberships?

Don't Not at all

know, 2% likely, 2%
Likeliness to recommend vs. level of
fulfilment of needs
Extremely Somewhat
Likely, 18% Likely, 26% Needs completely fulfilled 49% 31%

Very Likely,
Needs not fulfilled 49% 11%
49%

Needs completely fulfilled - 1418; Very likely

Base - 4082 Needs not fulfilled– 2664 Extremely likely

6.7 Importance attached to presence of libraries

Users were asked to rate the extent of loss they would feel if the service provided by their libraries was not available in
their city.
• Overall, 60% of the users mention that their library, if not present in the city, would be a major loss for them.
This goes to show that libraries play an indispensable role in our social set-up.
Users that express that their library, if absent ‘would be a major loss’ are spread across most categories of
libraries – right from state central to the village level as well as across all age groups.

Q: If the service provided by this library was not available in this city, will you consider it as a major loss, a little loss
or not a loss at all?

Not a loss Don't Categories that consider as 'a major loss'

at all know
6% 4% Panchayat / Village Library 62%
State Central Library 61%
Municipal/ Corporation Library 61%
A little Sub-district / Taluk Library 59%
A major
loss Distict Library 58%
loss
33% Voluntary organization /… 49%
57%
Old aged 63%
Middle aged 62%
Youngsters 57%

123
 Findings from Survey of Public Library Users

6.8 Willingness to contribute to new initiatives

This section covers the users’ willingness to voluntarily contribute towards development funds for public libraries and
development of online services.

Users were provided with concepts to affirm their willingness on new initiatives. The concepts are presented below:
Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India has set up National Mission on Libraries which intends to develop the
public library system in India. One of the initiatives planned by the ministry is to collect a nominal
voluntary amount from the public, which will be used to improve the infrastructure and resources for the
public library in our area.

6.8.1 Willingness to contribute to a development fund

Overall, about 45% of the users express that they are likely to contribute towards a development fund for public library
in their area. This goes to show the importance they place on the cause of development of the library system.

Users across all categories of libraries indicate willingness to contribute towards the development fund. Only one half
of the users were willing to contribute Interestingly, among the various categories, it is least in state central libraries.

Q: Would you be willing to voluntarily contribute an amount to a development fund for public library in your area?

Extremely By Library Category

Likely
13% Not at all Voluntary organization /
Not sure 38% 12%
likely NGO Library
12%
15% Sub-district / Taluk Library 34% 15%
Somewhat
Panchayat / Village Library 34% 14%
Likely
Very Likely 28%
District Library 31% 14%
32%
Municipal/ Corporation
32% 8%
Library
State Central Library 29% 12%

Very Likely Extremely Likely

Base - 4082
6.8.2 Amount users are willing to contribute

The users who were willing to contribute towards voluntary donations were asked the approximate amount they could
spend.
• On an average, users across all categories of libraries are willing to make a one-time contribution of Rs.200
towards the development fund. This is a highly encouraging sign for the library system.

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 Findings from Survey of Public Library Users

6.8.3 Willingness to contribute towards computerization and set up of online services

Public libraries plan to computerize their setup and offer online services to public. This
will provide facility for online access of e-books & journals through any devices such as
computers, laptop, tablet or mobile phone.

This section presents the findings pertaining to voluntary contributions of users towards membership for online
services.

• Overall, about one-half of the users express that they are likely to contribute towards a fund for
computerization and set up of online services in a public library in their area
• This highlights the importance users place on digitization of the library system

Users across all categories of libraries indicate willingness to contribute towards the cause of computerization and set
up of online services. As in the case of contribution to general development fund, the extent of willingness is marginally
lesser in state central and municipal/corporation libraries compared to others.

Base - 4082 Q: If such a service is available for a nominal amount, how likely are you to take a membership for online services?

By Library category
Not at all District Library 40% 17%
Not sure, likely, 13%
Extremely 12% Sub-district / Taluk
40% 15%
Likely, 14% Library
Somewhat
Likely, 23% Panchayat / Village Library 40% 13%
Voluntary organization / NGO
36% 10%
Very Library
Likely, 38%
Municipal/ Corporation Library 29% 13%

State Central Library 37% 10%

Very Likely Extremely Likely

6.8.4 Amount users are willing to contribute

On an average, 52% users across all categories of libraries are willing to make an annual contribution of Rs.100- Rs.150
towards computerization and set up of online services.

6.9 Opinion on new initiatives

Users’ views about the usefulness of initiatives such as meet the author programs, literary clubs, discussions on new
books and talks on health, career and so on were ascertained.

125
 Findings from Survey of Public Library Users

6.9.1 Usefulness of additional library services

Nearly three-fourths of the users indicate that a service such as having talks on topics of health, career, jobs, etc. is
useful. This is true across all categories of libraries, thereby highlighting the need for such a service.

Q: Would it be useful if libraries have these initiatives?

Talks on topics like health, career,
76%
etc.
Discussion on new books 72%

Literary clubs 58%

Meet the author programs 60%

Base - 4082

6.9.2 Usefulness of service access points to public libraries in public areas

Users were also asked about the usefulness of service access points of public libraries in shopping malls, railway stations
and metros.
Overall, more than 60% users say that it will be useful if public libraries provide service access points in areas such as
malls, railway stations and so on for users to use their books and other services.

Highest proportion of users from panchayat/village library and district library indicate that service access points to
libraries in public areas will be useful.

Q: If Public libraries plan to provide service access points in public areas such as shopping malls, railway stations,
metro stations to use their books & other services, will such an initiative be useful for you?
Base - 4082

By Library category

15% District Library 68%

Panchayat / Village Library 67%

26%
60% Sub-district / Taluk Library 60%

State Central Library 55%

NGO Library 51%

Municipal/ Corporation… 44%

Useful Not useful Not sure

126
 Findings from Survey of Other Library Users

7. PART C – Survey among other library users (Academic & Private

lending libraries)

In this chapter, views expressed by users of other libraries (academic, cultural/mission/embassy & private lending
libraries) have been presented. Aspects covered include usage profile and patterns, resources and services offered,
availed and desired, their rating of libraries and their services, extent of fulfilment of their needs, likeliness to
recommend and their views on a number of new initiatives.

Chapter Summary
In the following sections, views expressed by the users of other libraries namely comprising of school, college, cultural
or embassy or mission type and other private lending libraries are presented. The findings on the resources and services
offered, availed and desired, the users’ rating of the libraries and their services, degree of satisfaction of their needs,
and likelihood to recommend, are presented.

User Profile
A total of 1003 users of other libraries were interviewed. They belonged to different age groups and categories and
included students, employed professionals, self-employed and unemployed individuals. More than half the users had
been members of these libraries for 2 years or less.

Change in the frequency of visits over last 2 years

Almost 75% users indicated that the number of their visits to libraries had been increasing over the last two years. This
is an indicator of their relevance as well as that library usage will increase in the future. The users who acknowledged
a rise in the number of visits to libraries were mostly from the university and cultural/mission type or private lending
libraries.

Change in information availed in the last 2 years

Overall, more than two-thirds of the members indicated that their library visits had been increasing over the last two
years. This encouraging sign indicated that the relevance and use of libraries was only increasing over time. Among the
library categories, the highest percentage of members came from the University and cultural/mission type or private
lending libraries, suggesting an increase in the information availed through libraries.

Probable change in usage over the next 2-3 years

Almost half the users indicated that their usage of libraries would increase in the next 2-3 years, while a little over a
third of them suggested that it might decrease. Revamping the public library systems could attract the other public
library users to utilize more of their services. The two main reasons cited by users for using the library are for
educational and self-developmental needs.

127
 Findings from Survey of Other Library Users

Overall, resources like books, periodicals and newspapers were made available uniformly across all categories of the
cultural/mission/embassy and private lending libraries, while digital resources including digital books, online databases
and Internet access were offered only by the academic libraries (university and college/school libraries).

Services offered
‘Public information’ and ‘study groups’ were a couple of the principal services offered by half of the other libraries.
Wi-Fi facility was offered by 14% of the academic, cultural/mission/embassy and private lending libraries.
• Among all the library categories, the users of the university libraries showed a better percentage of services
offered to them when compared to others. Photocopying and Public information were the most prominent
services provided by the university libraries.
• Wi-Fi facility was more popular among the university libraries compared to the other library categories.

Resources availed by users

The other library users were enquired on the resources they availed from their libraries. Overall, it was clear that
books and newspapers were the most availed resources there, while Internet access was availed by a marginally
higher percentage of youngsters.

Resources desired by users

Users were invited to list the resources they wished their library would have and for those for which they would be
willing to pay an additional fee. Most users appeared to desire the availability of Internet access and expressed their
willingness to pay an additional fee to avail the same.

• Online databases were identified as being more relevant among students, while digital books were the more
preferred resource among the unemployed users.
• Digital books or e-books were more sought after by the middle-aged users.
• The Internet was largely preferred by the youth and middle-aged users. However, the need for digitization of
libraries was identified as a universal need, as Internet access is preferred by most users across all age groups.

Additional fee

On asking the users to name the library resources that they were willing to pay an additional fee for, digital books and
online databases were identified. Only a few expressed their willingness to pay an additional fee for CDs/DVDs
from their library.

Languages accessed the most

The users across the different categories of libraries were queried on the language resources accessed the most often.
On the whole, more than half the other library users were found to access Hindi or other regional language
resources.

• A higher percentage of the university library users utilized English language resources.
• More than 85% of the cultural/embassy and private lending libraries showed a preference for regional language
resources.

128
 Findings from Survey of Other Library Users

Utilization of the services available

From the services offered by academic, cultural/mission/embassy and private lending libraries, more than half of the
user population was found to avail book reservation/ renewal facility via the telephone or Internet, followed by
photocopying facilities. Although only 14% libraries provided Wi-Fi facility, about half the users of these libraries
availed the same, emphasizing the importance of the Internet.

Library services – offered and desired

The users of other libraries (academic, cultural/mission/embassy & private lending libraries), were invited to identify
the services offered by their libraries and the ones they desire their libraries to provide them in the future.

Services offered

Public information and study groups were the major services availed by the users. Wi-Fi facility was availed by only
14% private libraries.

Services desired in the future

• On services desired in the future, half the users wished to have the facility to make book/
reservations/renewals via phone/Internet.
• Over 40% users requested photocopying and Wi-Fi facilities in their libraries.
• Across library categories, book renewals/reservations through telephone or the Internet, Wi-Fi facility and
photocopying were desired by the users.

Public information services

• Employment information was the most availed service during the last one year, among students, employed
persons and the unemployed.
• The ‘employment info’ and ‘Govt. form filling services’ were identified as desired facilities to be provided in
the future.

User rating of libraries and their services – all parameters

Users were requested to rate the quality of services provided by libraries, as well several specific parameters including
quality of resources, library services, staff, online access and facilities. It became evident that,

• Nearly 60% of the users rated the services provided by the libraries as ‘very good’ or ‘excellent’.
• The quality of services was found to be marginally higher in the university/college/school libraries, when
compared to other libraries.
• The quality of the resources, books in particular, elicited user satisfaction. However, the user rating was low
for the availability of CDs/DVDs and e-books, indicating the need for libraries to improve these facilities.
• Nearly half the other library users rated the quality of the services such as events/ meetings and workshops,
as marginally higher than the other services these libraries provided.
• Regarding the library staff, the users' responses indicated that almost one-quarter of the library staff were
knowledgeable, and less than one-fifths were helpful. This reveals the dire need for staff to be adequately
trained to serve the users better.

129
 Findings from Survey of Other Library Users

• In terms of the online services provided, more than half agreed that the Internet speed and computer
availability in the academic, cultural/mission/embassy and private lending libraries were good. However,
access to the online databases and books required greater improvement.

Extent of fulfillment of needs

When the users were requested to rate the degree of satisfaction they experienced with the facilities of the other
libraries they visit, about two-fifths of them stated that the libraries fully met their needs. However, over 50% of the
users opined that libraries only ‘somewhat fulfilled’ their needs.

• Among the age groups, less than 40% of users in the young and middle-aged groups were observed to state
that their needs were ‘completely fulfilled’ by their libraries.
• Among the library categories, 49% users of the cultural/embassy/mission and private lending libraries
indicated that their needs were ‘somewhat fulfilled’.
• Nearly 60% users of the college and university libraries admitted that their needs were ‘somewhat fulfilled’.

Importance attached to the presence of libraries

Users were requested to rate the degree of loss they would suffer if the service provided by their libraries was
unavailable in their city. It was reported that nearly half the users felt that they would consider it a major loss if the
library was absent in their city. This highlights the vital role the libraries play in our social set-up. Mostly, the users of
cultural/embassy/mission libraries responded that their library, if absent, would be a great loss, even though their
needs were only fulfilled partially by these libraries. This shows that these libraries constitute an essential part of the
social needs of the users.

Utilization of Public libraries by other library users

More than three-fourths of other library users were observed to have never utilized any of the public/government
facilities available in the city. More university library users had visited public libraries, possibly indicating that these
users’ needs had not been completely satisfied by their libraries.

Reasons for the non-usage of public libraries

The primary reason for the non-usage of public libraries is because other library users may have never visited such
libraries. The availability of old books; outdated resources and facilities were some concerns which have resulted in
their non-usage.
• Most students have never ever visited public libraries. Among the working group, the employed and
unemployed personnel expressed that the non-availability and age of the books were significant concerns.
Availability of books in the local languages and by foreign authors were the oft-cited requirements of the
unemployed personnel.

Public library membership

When other library users were requested to share their inclination to take public library membership in the future,
nearly two-fifths of the users replied positively. The student population was identified as the most likely group to
seek membership. A small percentage of employed individuals expressed willingness to become members, while
most unemployed responded in the negative.

130
 Findings from Survey of Other Library Users

Willingness to recommend

Overall, more than half of the academic, cultural/mission/embassy and private lending library users gave assurance
of being ‘very likely’ to recommend the library if they were asked for advice regarding library memberships; this is
indicative that users believe that with the implementation of certain improvements, the services offered by other
libraries are very beneficial. As expected, users who have experienced complete satisfaction are more likely to
recommend the library compared to others.

Users’ willingness to contribute towards nominal contribution

The users were asked to indicate their willingness to contribute towards a development fund and for online services,
in their libraries.

Development fund

More than 50% of the users expressed their likelihood to contribute towards a development fund for the public library
in their area, highlighting the importance they placed on the cause of the development of the library system.

• Users across all library categories expressed willingness to contribute towards a development fund. This
percentage is the highest among the users of university libraries.
• On an average, users across all categories of libraries were willing to contribute Rs.200/- towards the fund, a
certainly positive and encouraging sign.

Membership for online services

• Overall, half the users expressed that they would probably contribute towards the fund for computerization,
as well as the set-up of online services in the public library in their area.
• On average, users across all categories of libraries expressed willingness to make a one-time contribution of
Rs.200/- towards computerization and setting up of online services.

Opinion on the usefulness of additional library services

Users were queried on the usefulness of additional library services in public libraries, like 'Meet the Author'
programs, literary clubs, and discussions on new books and talks on health, career and the like.

• Almost three-fourths have responded that ‘talks on topics of health, career, jobs’ and ‘discussions on new jobs’
would be useful.

Opinion on the usefulness of access points to public libraries

Users were also requested to respond on their perception of the usefulness of service access points of public libraries
in malls, railway stations and other public spaces.
While half the users stated that the service access points provided by public libraries would prove beneficial, the
remaining half responded either in the negative or expressed their uncertainty of the effectiveness of such a move.

131
 Findings from Survey of Other Library Users

Detailed Results

7.1 Usage profile & patterns

Information such as years of membership, number of visits they make to libraries and information availed from libraries
was obtained from users.

7.1.1 Age of users and User categories

Among the respondents interviewed, majority were youngsters of ages 19-25 and children.

Majority of the other public library users met were students, while only a few of them were employed.

Among the respondents met, more than half of the users have been members of other libraries (academic,
cultural/mission/embassy & private lending libraries) for 2 years or lesser.

Age of users User categories

71%

46%

25% 21% 18%

5% 10%
2% 1% 2%

Upto 18 19-25 26-35 36-45 46-60 Over 60 Student Employed Unemployed Others
yrs

Q: Since when are you a member of this library?

4.1 to 8 More than 8
years, years,
8% 3%

2.1 to 4
years, 24% 2 years or
less, 58%

Answering Base - 740

7.1.2 Change in number of visits over last 2 years

Overall, almost three-fourths of the members indicate that their visits to libraries have been increasing over the last
two years. Only around 3% members have mentioned that there has been a decrease in visits. This hints that relevance
and use of libraries has increased over time – a positive sign.

132
 Findings from Survey of Other Library Users

Members indicating an increase in visit to libraries are highest among university and cultural/embassy/mission or
private lending libraries.

Q: In the last 2 years, how has your usage of the library changed in terms of number of visits?

No. of visits by Cultural/embassy/

5% University College
18% Library Mission/Private
Library / School
3% category Lending/Others
Base 45 115 185
74%
Increase 87% 83% 66%
Decrease 4% 3% 3%
Remained Same 9% 12% 24%
Don’t know 0% 3% 7%
Increased Decreased Remained same Don't know

Base – 345 (Members for more than 2 years)

7.1.3 Change in information availed over last 2 years

Trends on information availed through libraries – whether it increased, decreased or remains the same – were
examined.
Overall, around three-fourths of the members indicate that their visits to libraries have been increasing over the last
two years. This is an encouraging sign indicating that the relevance and use of libraries is only increasing over time.

As in the case of visits, highest proportion of members from university and cultural/embassy or private lending libraries
indicate an increase in information availed through libraries.

Q: In the last 2 years, how has your usage of the library changed in terms of information availed?

Base – 345 (Members for more than 2 years) Information Cultural/embassy/

University College
availed by Mission/Private
Library / School
Library category Lending/Others
7% Base 45 115 185
17%
2% Increase 84% 84% 64%
73% Decrease 4% 3% 2%
Remained Same 9% 10% 24%
Don’t know 2% 3% 11%

Increased Decreased
Remained same Don't know

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 Findings from Survey of Other Library Users

7.1.4 Likely change in usage over next 2-3

Q: In the next 2 – 3 years, how likely is your
years usage to increase, remain same or decrease?
It is imperative to note that while about 46% of 16%
3% 46%
the members indicate that their usage of libraries
is likely to increase in the next 2-3 years, about 36%
36% of members say their usage would decrease. Base - 1003

• Revamping public library systems could

bring in the other public library users to
utilize more of their services. Will increase Will decrease Will remain the same Don't know

7.1.5 Reasons for using the library

Two main reasons cited by users for using the library are for educational and self-development needs.

Q: Looking back, can you tell me the primary reason for using this
library?
Educational / learning 32%
Self / Personality / skill development 28%
Build general knowledge 15%
For reading – in general 10%
Prepare for competitive examination 8%
Get information on employment 2%
For leisure / Socializing / Good quality… 2%
Improve English language skills 1%
Others 2%
Base - 1003

7.2 Resources offered, availed & desired

Information on various resources offered by the other libraries, and then about the specific resources that they
personally avail was examined. They were then also checked about the resources that they wished/desired the other
libraries provided, but currently not available.

7.2.1 Resources availed by users

This sub-section covers the various resources availed by users at an overall level as well as by age groups. Resources
such as books, periodicals and newspapers are offered uniformly across all categories of libraries. Overall, books and
newspapers are the most availed resources in libraries. As expected, Internet access is availed by a marginally higher
proportion of youngsters.

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 Findings from Survey of Other Library Users

Q: What all resources do you avail of?

Overall By user profile

Age up to 25 Aged 26-60 Aged 60+
Base 1003 708 287 7
Books 88% 89% 84% 71% (5)
Periodicals/magazines/journals 62% 59% 71% 86% (6)
Newspapers 68% 68% 67% 86% (6)
Digital books/e-books 8% 6% 15% 14% (1)
CDs/DVDs 5% 3% 9% 0
Children’s books/magazines 20% 21% 17% 71% (5)
Online databases 8% 8% 8% 0
Internet access 15% 16% 11% 0
Dissertations/thesis materials 7% 7% 8% 0
None/was doing my own work / own reading 3% 3% 3% 0

7.2.2 Resources desired by users

Users were checked about the resources they desired for the library to have and for those for which they are willing to
pay an additional fee, if the other libraries (academic, cultural/mission/embassy & private lending libraries) were to
provide.
• It is observed that a maximum proportion of the users not only desire Internet access but are also willing to
pay an additional fee to avail it. Users were also willing to pay additional fees for digital books and online
databases.
• Though CDs/DVDs were desired resources, not many were willing to pay an additional fee for the same.

Q: Which all facilities would you want the library to offer?

Q: For which all facilities would you be willing to pay an additional fee?
Resources desired v/s willingness to pay additional fee
60%

50% Internet access

40%

Books, newspapers, Digital books and Online

30% database
periodicals

20%

10%
CDs/DVDs

0%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%
Base - 1003 135
 Findings from Survey of Other Library Users

Resources desired by user profiles

A higher inclination to use digital resources as a means of information seeking, shows an attitudinal shift from the
traditional resources (books/newspapers/magazines).

Internet access is the most desired resource among all users. Online databases see more relevance and need among
students, compared to other users. Digital format of books also sees more need from the unemployed users as
compared to students or those employed.

Resources Desired Students Employed Unemployed Others

Base 708 183 96 16
Books 8% 6% 18% 13% (2)
Periodicals / magazines / journals 5% 4% 20% 6% (1)
Newspapers 4% 5% 22% 0
Digital books/e-books 32% 31% 46% 31% (5)
CDs/DVDs 30% 19% 40% 13% (2)
Children’s books/magazines 7% 8% 23% 19% (3)
Online databases 46% 37% 29% 13% (2)
Internet access 51% 63% 46% 56% (9)
Dissertations/thesis materials 12% 15% 9% 31% (5)

Desire expressed for Internet access - by

Q: Facilities desired – Internet access
library category
College/School Library 55%
More than 50% of the college or school library users
and cultural/embassy/mission type library users Cultural/embassy/mission/
53%
express the desire for Internet access. Private Lending/Others

University Library 46%

Base - 1003

Desire expressed for additional digital resources - by age group

• While middle aged users sought more of digital books or e-books, the youth desired for more online databases.
Internet was desired predominantly by the youth and middle age users.
• However, it should be noted that the need exists among the older age groups as well, thus highlighting the
fact that the need for digitization of libraries is universal.

Q: Facilities desired – Digital resources

Youth Middle age and older

Base 708 294
Digital books/e-books 31% 38%
Online databases 45% 35%
Internet access 51% 58%

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 Findings from Survey of Other Library Users

7.2.3 Languages accessed the most

This sub-section presents the findings on language resources users access the most across various categories of other
libraries (academic, cultural/mission/embassy & private lending libraries).
Overall, 56% of the other public library users access Hindi or other regional language resources.
A higher proportion of users use English language resources in university libraries. However, more than 55% of the
users of cultural/embassy /private lending libraries preferred other regional language resources.

Q: Which language resource do you use the most in this library?

Languages accessed Cultural/embassy/

41% University College
56% the most – By library Mission/Private
Library / School
categories Lending/Others
Base 127 376 500
English 44% 42% 39%
Other regional
English Other regional languages 41% 59% 58%
language resources

7.3 Services offered, availed & desired

Libraries provide additional services like conducting events/meetings, book renewals through phone or online, film
shows, children programs and a range of other services. The academic and cultural/embassy/private lending library
users were checked about the various services offered by their libraries, the services that they have availed in the last
one year as well as those that they desired.

7.3.1 Services offered

Services offered - Overall

• Public info and study groups are prominent services offered by about one-half of other libraries.
• Wi-fi facility is offered by 14% of academic, cultural/mission/embassy & private lending libraries.

Q: What are the services offered by the library?

Q: Which of the available services have you availed in the last one year?
Services offered Services availed
Base 1003 260
Book renewal/reservation facility-telephonic/Internet 26% 83%
Events/meetings 29% 22%
Photocopying 22% 28%
Inter-library book loans 14% 16%
Public info 39% 31%
Study groups 38% 17%
Wi-Fi facility 14% 3%
Children’s program 16% 3%
Film shows 7% 2%

137
 Findings from Survey of Other Library Users

Services offered - By library category

• Users of university library have better proportion of services offered as compared to users of other libraries.
• Photocopying and Wi-fi facility see more prominence in university libraries than college/school libraries.

Q: What are the services offered by the library?

University Cultural/embassy/ Mission/ College /

Library Private Lending/ Others School
Base 127 376 500
Book renewal/reservation
24% 31% 22%
facility-telephonic/Internet
Events/meetings 31% 39% 21%
Photocopying 43% 20% 18%
Inter-library book loans 12% 16% 12%
Public info 40% 48% 31%
Study groups 36% 45% 34%
Wi-Fi facility 32% 21% 4%
Children’s program 10% 20% 14%
Film shows 2% 13% 5%

7.3.2 Utilization of available services

• Among services offered in academic, cultural/mission/embassy & private lending libraries, those that users
availed in the previous year were captured.
• It is seen that more than three-fourths of these library users availed book reservation/renewal facility through
telephone or the Internet, this was followed by photocopying facilities.
• The importance of Internet is re-iterated that though only 14% of all libraries provided Wi-Fi, about half of
other public library users availed the same as well.

7.3.3 Services desired in the future

About half of the users desired book reservations/renewals through phone/Internet. A significant proportion of users
wanted photocopying and Wi-Fi facilities in other libraries.

Services desired
Base 1003
Book renewal/reservation facility-telephonic/Internet 50%
Events/meetings 20%
Photocopying 42%
Inter-library book loans 20%
Public info 24%
Study groups 19%
Wi-Fi facility 42%
Children’s program 19%
Film shows 16%

138
 Findings from Survey of Other Library Users

Services desired in the future – by user category

Consistently it is found that book reservations/renewals, photocopying and Wi-Fi facility is the most desired across
all user categories.

Services desired Students Employed Unemployed Others

Base 708 183 96 16

Book renewal/reservation
50% 57% 39% 56%
facility-telephonic/Internet
Events/meetings 21% 19% 18% 25%
Photocopying 41% 48% 36% 50%
Inter-library book loans 19% 24% 16% 31%
Public info 23% 31% 15% 31%
Study groups 20% 18% 9% 13%
Wi-Fi facility 42% 51% 29% 38%
Children’s program 21% 22% 8% 6%
Film shows 18% 19% 0% 6%

7.3.4 Public information services – availed and desired

This section presents the findings on various public information services like weather conditions, agriculture, form
filling-govt. services.

• Of the available services in other libraries (academic, cultural/mission/embassy & private lending libraries),
Employment info was the most availed in the last one year.
• Employment Info and Govt. form filling services were public information services that were desired.

Q: What are some of the useful public information services that you availed from the library in the recent past?

Public info availed Public info wanted

Base 1003 1003
Weather conditions /climate 3% 14%
Ocean /sea conditions 0% 12%
Agriculture/ farming 3% 15%
Work related 5% 30%
Filling forms –Govt. services 6% 32%
Employment info. 12% 36%
Info on banking /loans 2% 18%
Payment facility (Electricity, Phone, Water, Tax) 2% 14%

139
 Findings from Survey of Other Library Users

Public information services desired – by user category

• Employment information is the most desired public information service among students, employed and
unemployed personnel.
• Other services sought by users:
o Students, Employed and Unemployed - Form filling services
o Employed- Work related and Info on banking/loans

Q: What are some of the useful public information services that you would expect the library to provide?
Student Employed Unemployed Others
Base 708 183 96 16
Weather conditions /climate 15% 15% 13% 19%
Ocean/sea conditions 11% 19% 13% 13%
Agriculture/ farming 15% 15% 16% 25%
Work related 29% 34% 29% 25%
Filling forms –Govt services 31% 31% 38% 44%
Employment info. 32% 44% 56% 19%
Info on banking /loans 13% 33% 27% 25%
Payment facility (Electricity, Phone, Water, Tax) 9% 25% 33% 13%
Others 25% 24% 17% 13%

7.4 User rating of libraries and their services

The users were asked to rate the quality of services offered by libraries, as well on a number of specific parameters
such as quality of resources, library services, staff, online access and facilities. The following section presents findings
from the same.

7.4.1 Quality of services offered by the library

The users were asked to rate quality of services of libraries on a 5-point scale ranging from excellent to poor.
The top 2 ratings of “very good” and “excellent” are used to assess the rating of various parameters, this is to remove
any uncertain responses.
Overall, over one-half of the users rate the services offered to be ‘very good’ or ‘excellent’.

Rating of quality of services is marginally higher in university and college/school libraries, compared to other
categories.

140
 Findings from Survey of Other Library Users

Q: Based on your experience, how would you rate the quality of services offered by this Library?

Fair, 5% Poor, 1% By Library category

Excellent, College/School
26% 28% 36%
13% Library
Good, 35% Cultural/embassy/mi
Very Good, ssion/Private 38% 48% 7%
56%
45% Lending/Others

University Library 28% 47% 18%

Base - 1003 Good Very Good Excellent

7.4.2 Parameter wise rating of services

The users were asked to give their rating on a number of specific parameters such as resources, facilities, online access,
staff and library services. The findings are tabulated here.
• Overall, users are most satisfied with resources and least satisfied with library facilities.

Q: Considering your experiences with the library, rate the quality of services on these Parameters

Overall Resources 22% 36%

Overall Library Services 19% 35%

Overall Staff 21% 31%

Overall Online Access 19% 32%

Overall Facilities 13% 34%

Base - 1003 Excellent Very Good

141
 Findings from Survey of Other Library Users

7.4.3 Quality of resources and library services

• Across all categories of libraries, users are most satisfied with the quality of books.
• In line with poor quality of CDs/DVDs and e-books, the user rating is least for the two said areas.

Q: Considering your experiences with the library, rate the quality of services on these parameters
Base - 1003 Very Good Excellent Very Good Excellent
Quality of books (within area of
32% 21%
interest) Events / meetings /
Adequacy of books / periodicals 33% 16%
27% 16% workshops (if any)
within area of interest
Photocopying facilities 19% 15%
New books availability 30% 10%
Quality of periodicals ( within Book reservations facility 26% 6%
28% 12%
area of interest)
Ease of finding books in
e-books / digital books 12% 4% 14% 6%
library
Inter-library books loans
Quality of DVD/CD collection 12% 4% 10% 8%
(access from other libraries)

7.4.4 Quality of library facilities and online access

More than half of users respond that Internet speed and availability of computers in other libraries is good. However,
access to online databases needs more improvement.

Users are least satisfied with aspects such as convenience of library timing, toilets, noiseless environment and parking
facility. Being key aspects, the library system needs to immediately focus on these areas and strive to improve user
ratings.

Q: Considering your experiences with the library, rate the quality of services on these parameters

Base - 1003
Very Good Excellent Very Good Excellent

Seating comfort 39% 22%

Speed of internet access 40% 25%
Space in library 34% 23%
Availability of computer
39% 22% Location of library 23% 20%
terminals
Ambience inside library 25% 16%
Access to online
36% 17%
databases
Parking facility 9% 6%

Toilets / washrooms 9% 4%

Noiseless Environment 9% 4%

Convenience of library timing 8% 1%

142
 Findings from Survey of Other Library Users

7.5 Extent of fulfilment of needs

This section captures the extent to which users’ needs have been fulfilled by the other libraries they visit. They were
asked to give their rating on a 3-point scale ranging from ‘not fulfilled’ to ‘completely fulfilled’.

• About two-fifths of the users say that libraries fully fulfil their needs. However, over 50% of the users opine
that libraries only ‘somewhat fulfil’ their needs – thereby highlighting that there is plenty of scope for further
improvement.

Q: To what extent has the relationship with Library has fulfilled the needs for which you avail its services? Would
you say it is not fulfilled, somewhat fulfilled or completely fulfilled?

Extent of fulfillment of needs - Overall

1% Not fulfilled
5%
38% Somewhat fulfilled
55%
Completely fulfilled

No opinion
Base - 1003

Extent of fulfilment of needs – by library category & age

• User fulfilment rating is highest in cultural/mission/embassy and private lending libraries.

• Similarly, a higher proportion of those in the old-age group are more fulfilled compared to youngsters and
those mid-aged.
• This highlights the need for the library system to equip itself with resources and services in a manner that it
better caters to the needs of those in the younger age groups.

Q: To what extent has the relationship with Library has fulfilled the needs for which you avail its services? Would
you say it is not fulfilled, somewhat fulfilled or completely fulfilled?

Not Fulfilled Somewhat Fulfilled Completely Fulfilled

College/School Library 5% 59% 35%

Cultural/embassy/mission/Private…5% 49% 44%

University Library 3% 57% 34%

Old age 57% 43%

Youth 5% 56% 38%

Middle age 5% 55% 38%

Base - 1033
143
 Findings from Survey of Other Library Users

7.6 Likeliness to recommend

Extent of likeliness to recommend their library if someone were to ask their advice on library memberships was
checked. Overall, more than half of the academic, cultural/mission/embassy & private lending library users mention
that they are ‘very likely’ to recommend the library if someone were to ask their advice on library memberships. This
shows that users believe that with certain improvements, the services provided by these libraries are very beneficial.
As expected, users whose needs have been completely fulfilled are more likely to recommend the library.

Q: How likely would you be to recommend this library if someone asked your advice on library memberships?

Don't Not at all

likely, 2% Very likely Extremely likely
Extremely know, 1%
Likely,
Somewhat
15%
Likely,
25% Needs completely fulfilled 54% 26%

Very
Likely,
54% Others 54% 9%

Base - 1003

Importance attached to presence of libraries

Users were asked to rate the extent of loss they would feel if the service provided by their libraries was not available in
their city.
• Overall, about half of the users mention that their library, if not present in the city, would be a major loss for
them. This goes to show that libraries play an indispensable role in our social set-up.
Predominantly, users of cultural/embassy/mission and private lending libraries state that their library, if
absent, would be a major loss. This is despite the fact that their needs are only somewhat fulfilled by these
libraries. This shows that these libraries are an essential part of the users’ social needs.

Q: If the service provided by this library was not available in this city, will you consider it as a major loss, a little loss
or not a loss at all?
Don't
know
Categories that consider as 'a major loss'
Not a loss
at all 5%
College/School Library 45%
15%
A major Cultural/embassy/mission/… 49%
loss
A little 45% University Library 30%
loss
35% Middle aged 50%

Youngsters 43%

Old aged 29%

Base - 1003
144
 Findings from Survey of Other Library Users

7.7 Public libraries in the eyes of other public library users

The other library users (academic, cultural/mission/embassy & private lending libraries) were asked to express their
views on the reasons of non-usage of public libraries and future plans of membership in a public library.

Overall usage

It is observed that more than three-fourths of other library users had not used any of the public/government facilities
in the city.

Q: There are public/Government library facilities in this

city. Have you used any of them in the last one year?

3%
21%

76%

Base - 1003 Yes No No Response

Usage - By library category

Compared to users of other libraries, it is observed that more users of university libraries have visited public libraries
as well. This can be construed that, as the users’ needs have not been completely fulfilled by these libraries, they have
sought services from public/government facilities.

Q: There are public/Government library facilities in this city. Have you used any of them in the last one year?

Cultural/embassy/
University College /
Mission/Private
Library School
Lending/Others
Base 127 376 500
Yes 32% 28% 13%
61% 71% 84%
No
No response 78 266 418

145
 Findings from Survey of Other Library Users

Reason for non-usage

The reasons for non-usage of libraries would help to pinpoint the needs gap of users as well as help to improve the
libray scenario.

• A primary reason for non-usage of public libraries is because the academic and private lending library users
may have not visited libraries.
• There also exists the concern that the books are old, the resources and facilities required are unavailable.

Q: What would be the reason for non-usage?

Reasons of non-usage - Overall

Never been to a public library 19%
Books are old 17%
Books & periodicals I need not available 16%
Facilities are inadequate 16%
Shortage of text books 15%
Internet not sufficient / non online access 15%
Not modern 13%
More local language books / periodicals needed 12%
Books of foreign authors are not there 12%
Don’t know where it is 11%
No e-books / digital books 10%
DVD/CD collection – not available / insufficient 9%
Not in an accessible place 8%
Using other better libraries 6%
Events / programs – not available / insufficient 6%
Being a Government / public facility 5%
Ambience not good 4%
Base - 762 Others 1%

Reasons for non-usage-By user category

The reasons for non-usage vary according to the various user types.

• Remarkably, most of the students have not visited a public library before.
• Employed and unemployed personnel state the non-availability and age of books, a concern.
• Among the unemployed personnel, it is seen that books in local languages and foreign authors were desired.

146
 Findings from Survey of Other Library Users

Q: What would be the reason for non-usage?

Students Employed Unemployed Others

Base 552 125 74 11
Books & periodicals I need not
14% 18% 27% 18%
available
Shortage of text books 12% 18% 35% 9%
Books are old 14% 22% 38% 27%
No e-books / digital books 9% 8% 23% 9%
DVD/CD collection – not available / 9%
8% 14% 9%
insufficient
More local language books / periodicals
9% 18% 30% 9%
needed
Books of foreign authors are not there 6% 22% 34% 18%
Facilities are inadequate 14% 15% 31% 18%
Not modern 11% 14% 34% 0%
Internet not sufficient / non-online
16% 13% 15% 27%
access
Events / programs – not available /
4% 8% 9% 9%
insufficient
Being a Government / public facility 4% 12% 7% 0%
Never been to a public library 22% 12% 8% 9%
Ambience not good 2% 6% 9% 0%
Not in an accessible place 7% 9% 8% 0%
Don’t know where it is 12% 13% 8% 9%
Using other better libraries 6% 6% 11% 0%
*Since this is a multiple-choice question, the values would be more than 100%.

Public library membership – Overall

Other public library users expressed their future plans on membership in a public library in the future, the findings are
given here.
• While nearly two-fifths of the users said they might become members of public libraries in the future,
approximately one-fourth of users did not want to become members.
• Students are more likely to become members of public libraries, with a minor proportion of employed
personnel affirming the same as well. However, unemployed personnel have replied in the negative.

147
 Findings from Survey of Other Library Users

Q: Do you have plans to become a member of any public library in the near future?

By User category

Others 19% 31% 13% 38%

27% 13% Yes
Unemployed 26% 48% 26%
24% May be
46%
Employed 8% 29% 29% 34%
No
Student 16% 38% 20% 26%
No response

Yes May be No No response

Base - 1003

7.8 Willingness to contribute to new initiatives

This section covers the users’ willingness to voluntarily contribute towards development funds for public libraries and
development of online services.

7.8.1 Willingness to contribute to a development fund

Overall, about 41% of the users express that they are likely to contribute towards a development fund for public library
in their area.

This goes to show the importance they place on the cause of development of the library system.

Users across all categories of libraries indicate willingness to contribute towards the development fund. Interestingly,
among the various categories, it is highest among users of university libraries.

Q: Would you be willing to voluntarily contribute an amount to a development fund for public library in your area?

By Library category
22% 15%
College/School Library 32% 7%
8% 21%

Cultural/embassy/mission/
34% 30% 9%
Private Lending/Others

University Library 43% 10%

Not at all likely Somewhat Likely Very Likely

Extremely Likely Not sure Very Likely Extremely Likely

Base - 1003

148
 Findings from Survey of Other Library Users

7.8.2 Amount users are willing to contribute

The users who were willing to contribute towards voluntary donations were asked the approximate amount they could
spend.
• On an average, users across all categories of libraries are willing to make a one-time contribution of Rs.200
towards the development fund. This is a highly encouraging sign for the library system.

7.8.3 Willingness to contribute towards computerization and set up of online services

This section presents the findings pertaining to voluntary contributions of users towards membership for online
services.

• Overall, about one-half of the users express that they are likely to contribute towards a fund for
computerization and set up of online services in a public library in their area
• This highlights the importance users place on digitization of the library system
• Users across all categories of libraries indicate willingness to contribute towards the cause of computerization
and set up of online services. As in the case of contribution to general development fund, the extent of
willingness is marginally lesser in college/school libraries as compared to others.

Q: If such a service6 is available for a nominal amount, how likely are you to take a membership for online services?

By Library category
18% 9%
22%
9% College/School Library 44% 8%

43% Cultural/embassy/mission/ Private

40% 10%
Lending/Others

Not at all likely Somewhat Likely University Library 43% 10%

Very Likely Extremely Likely
Not sure Very Likely Extremely Likely

Base - 1003

7.8.4 Amount users are willing to contribute

On an average, 51% users across all categories of libraries are willing to make an annual contribution of Rs.200-Rs.500
towards computerization and set up of online services.

7.9 Opinion on new initiatives

Users’ views about the usefulness of initiatives such as meet the author programs, literary clubs, discussions on new
books and talks on health, career and so on were ascertained.

6
Public libraries plan to computerize their setup and offer online services to public. This will provide facility for remote
online access of e-books & journals through any devices such as computers, laptop, tablet or mobile phone.
149
 Findings from Survey of Other Library Users

7.9.1 Usefulness of additional library services

Nearly three-fourths of the users

Q: Would it be useful if libraries have these initiatives?
indicate that a service such as having
talks on topics of health, career, jobs
and discussions on new jobs is useful. Talks on topics like health, career, etc. 81%
This is true across all categories of
libraries, thereby highlighting the need Discussion on new books 77%
for such a service.
Meet the author programs 65%

Literary clubs 66%

Base - 1003

7.9.2 Usefulness of service access points to public libraries in public areas

Academic, cultural/mission type or embassy and private lending library users were also asked about the usefulness of
service access points of public libraries in shopping malls, railway stations and metros.

Overall, while about one-half of the users say that it will be useful if public libraries provide service access points,
whereas the other half of other public library users responded that it would not be helpful or that they weren’t sure.

Q: If Public libraries plan to provide service access points in public areas such as shopping malls, railway stations,
metro stations to use their books & other services, will such an initiative be useful for you?

Usefulness of service access points to public libraries in

public areas - Overall

26%

48% Yes
No
25% Not sure

Base - 1003

150
 Comparison of User Perspectives

7.10. Detailed findings – Users perspective - Comparison of Public Libraries with

Academic, Cultural/Embassy/Mission Type and Private Lending Libraries

This chapter summarizes the key differences between public library users and private library users and their experiences
with their libraries.

7.10.1 Comparison of User profiles

Though youngsters are prominent users in both types of libraries, it is seen that other libraries have more children
users while public libraries had more middle aged users (26-35).

Public library users - Age Other library users - Age

46%
38%

28%
25%
21%
11% 9%
7% 7% 5%
2% 1%

Upto 18 19-25 26-35 36-45 46-60 Over 60 Upto 18 19-25 26-35 36-45 46-60 Over 60
yrs yrs

7.10.2 Comparison of resources

Resources offered

It is observed that a higher proportion of other library users responded that their libraries provide resources such as
Internet access, digital books and CDs/DVDs.

Public library users Other library users

Base 4082 1003

Books 100% 100%
Periodicals / magazines / journals 90% 83%
Newspapers 94% 88%
Digital books/e-books 8% 16%
CDs/DVDs 9% 17%
Online databases 9% 18%
Internet access 16% 26%
Dissertations/thesis materials 22% 25%

151
 Comparison of User Perspectives

Resources desired

Users from both government public libraries as well as other libraries unanimously wanted the same resources,
namely these are digital books, CDs/DVDs, Internet access and online databases.

Public library Other library

Base 4082 1003
Children’s books/magazines 12% 9%
Online databases 36% 42%
Internet access 60% 53%

7.10.3 Services offered

• On an average, users of academic, cultural/embassy and private lending libraries enjoy more services such as
telephonic/Internet book renewals or reservations and Wi-Fi facility.
• Public libraries however, are undisputed in providing services such as public info, children’s programs and
hold events or meetings.

Public library Other library Level of sig.

Base 4082 1003
Book renewal/reservation facility-telephonic/Internet 17% 26% 99%
Events/meetings 35% 29% 99%
Inter-library book loans 10% 14% 99%
Public info 47% 39% 99%
Wi-Fi facility 6% 14% 99%
Children’s program 26% 16% 99%

Services desired
• It is observed that in line with the services that were not offered, users desired those services, for eg. It is
seen that more public library users wanted more of children’s programs as compared to other library users.
• Similarly, more than half of public library users wanted Wi-Fi facility which is an unavailable service

Public library Other library Level of sig.

Base 4082 1003
Book renewal/reservation facility-telephonic/Internet 47% 50% 90%
Events/meetings 18% 20% 80%
Photocopying 29% 42% 99%
Study groups 22% 19% 95%
Wi-Fi facility 51% 42% 99%
Children’s program 14% 19% 99%
Film shows 12% 16% 99%

152
 Comparison of User Perspectives

7.10.4 Usage Feedback

Primary reason for using this library
• The data provides a comparison on the primary reasons of usage in government public libraries and other
academic, cultural/mission/embassy and private lending libraries.
• Approximately 14% public library users respond that preparation for competitive exams was a primary
reason of usage for them. Hence the need to provide additional resources for the same is highlighted.

Other primary reasons included easily accessible location and a peaceful atmosphere helped in concentration or
reading.
Public library Other library Level of sig.
Base 4082 1003
Educational/learning 22% 32% 99%
Prepare for competitive examination 14% 8% 99%
Build G. K 17% 15% 80%
Get employment info 3% 2% 90%
Others 5% 2% 99%

Parameters benefited on:

• It is imperative to note that 32% users of public libraries respond that they have benefited on employment
information compared to 26% of private library users.
• The data suggests that users frequent private libraries for improving their English language skills and for
better Internet access.
Public library Other library Level of sig.
Base 4082 1003
Self/Personality/skill development 19% 24% 99%
Build G. K 50% 47% 90%
Improve English language skills 28% 32% 95%
Get employment info 32% 26% 99%
Access Internet 5% 11% 99%
Others 9% 15% 99%

7.10.5 Rating the quality of libraries

It is observed that the services provided by the academic, cultural/mission/embassy and private lending libraries are
rated higher by their users as compared to the public library users.

Q: Public library users - Rating the quality Q: Other public library users - Rating the
quality
Overall Facilities 13% 29% Overall Resources 22% 36%
Overall Online Access 16% 28% Overall Library Services 19% 35%
Overall Staff 18% 29% Overall Staff 21% 31%
Overall Library Services 18% 30% Overall Online Access 19% 32%
Overall Resources 23% 33% Overall Facilities 13% 34%

Excellent Very Good Excellent Very Good

153
 Comparison of User Perspectives

7.10.6 Fulfilled user needs

The data suggests that approximately 38% users of other libraries (academic, cultural/mission/embassy and private
lending libraries) feel completely fulfilled while 60% public library users are somewhat fulfilled.

Public Library 4% 60% 35% Not Fulfilled

Somewhat Fulfilled

Other Library 5% 55% 38% Completely Fulfilled

Public Base - 4082
Other library Base - 1003

Quality of services based on experience

The data suggests that 45% other library users believe that their library services are very good.

Public Library 15% 41%

Excellent
Very Good
Other Library 13% 45%
Public Base - 4082
Other library Base - 1003

If the library service provided was not available

• The data clearly suggests that Public libraries fare well amongst users as nearly 60% users respond that this
would be a major loss.
• Approximately 16% users believed that if the service provided by other libraries was unavailable, it would
not be a loss at all.

Public Library 57% 33% 6%

A major loss
A little loss
Other Library 45% 35% 16% Not a loss at all
Public Base - 4082
Other library Base - 1003

154
 Comparison of User Perspectives

7.10.7 New initiatives

Voluntary donations for library development

• It is imperative to note that nearly 35% users of other libraries (academic, cultural/mission/embassy and
private lending libraries) were very likely to donate an amount towards a development fund for a public
library in their area.
• However, 13% public library users were extremely likely to donate for the public library development.

Public library users 32% 13%

Very Likely

Other library users 33% 8% Extremely Likely

Public Base - 4082
Other library Base - 1003

Membership for online services

• 43% other library users respond that they are willing to take membership if online services are provided.
• 14% public library users were extremely likely for membership for online services.

Public library users 38% 14%

Very Likely

Public Base - 4082 Extremely Likely

Other library users 43% 9%
Other library Base - 1003

Usefulness of additional library services

The data suggests that both public library and other academic, cultural/mission/embassy and private lending libraries
users are receptive towards additional library services.

Public library users Other library users

Base 4082 1003
Literary clubs to discuss literature/poems 58% 54%
Talks on topics like health, career, jobs etc. 76% 73%

Library service access points in shopping malls, railways, metros

• Nearly 60% public library users respond that service access points of public libraries in railways, metros will
be useful to them.
• It is important to note that only 48% of other library users feel this would be a useful initiative to them
Usefulness of service access points

Other library users 48%

Yes
Public Base - 4082 Public library users 60%
Private Base - 1003

155
 Findings of Non-Users of Libraries

8. PART D – Survey among non-users

This chapter presents findings from the non-users’ segment. Aspects covered include reasons for non-usage, alternate
information sources accessed, their needs and expectation from a public library, interest in visiting a public library in
the near future and willingness to contribute towards public library initiatives.

Chapter Summary

The following chapter focuses on the detailed findings from non-users of any of the libraries. The features discussed
include the reasons for non-usage, accessing of alternate information sources, their needs and expectation from a public
library, interest in visiting a public library in the near future and willingness to contribute towards public library
initiatives.

Profile of non-users

A total of 2035 users were interviewed. The users were drawn from different age groups and categories, and comprised
students, working and unemployed individuals.

Relevance of public libraries

The views of non-users on the relevance of public libraries and their reasons for non-usage were identified, as
mentioned below.
• Nearly 54% of the non-users stated that public libraries were relevant to them, suggesting that despite being
non-users, many among the public accepted that libraries were pertinent.
• However, over one-third of the non-users felt that libraries held no relevance for them

Reasons for the non- use of libraries

The non-users were requested to cite their reasons for avoiding the use of libraries.
• Half the non-users declared that the main reason was their lack of time.
• Among students, over one-third stated that lack of time was their reason for not using the library.
• Over 60% of the employed non-users acknowledged that the lack of time was the main reason for not using
the library.

Alternative sources for information/knowledge

The non-users were invited to list the alternative sources for information/ knowledge for information or knowledge.
• Over two-thirds of the non-users predominantly used newspapers/magazines or media such as TV/radio as
the alternative sources of information or knowledge. Less than one-tenth depended on e-books, external
training programs and CDs/DVDs.

156
 Findings of Non-Users of Libraries

• Among the user category, students were identified as being dependent on magazines/newspapers, their own
books and other online sources of information. Similarly, a large percentage of the employed persons (69%)
and unemployed personnel (72%) also used newspapers/magazines as information sources.

Needs and expectations from a public library

Non-users were also invited to express their needs and expectations from a public library.

Ideal resources and needs from a public library

• Most non-users stated that books, newspapers, periodicals/magazines/ journals were the ideal resources that
a public library needed to provide.
• Over 40% non-users felt that Internet access was the most-needed resource.

Resources that will make a non-user use a public library

Nearly 50% non-users cited that they would use a public library if Internet access/wi-fi facility was available. This was
identical to the users' perspectives as well, where one of their biggest needs was the provision of the Internet/wi-fi
facility in the library. This reiterates the need for digitization of libraries.
• Across all user categories, the suggestion was that if Internet access and books were made available they would
attract the non-users. However, some differences in the needs of the users were observed.
• More students required online databases, digital books/e-books and periodicals, as well as journals.
• A higher percentage of the unemployed persons expressed their need for CDs/DVDs. They also expressed
interest in books and magazines.

Services that will attract one to use a public library

• Over 50% non-users stated that they would access a public library if the library provided employment
information and services like book reservations/renewals via phone or Internet.
• Work-related services, form filling for Govt.-related services and photocopying were some of the other
services mentioned as desirable by over one-third the non-users.
• Book renewals or reservations via telephone or the Internet and employment information were services that
would attract the non-users to use a public library, for those across all categories.
• While more students showed an inclination towards form-filling services and photocopying facilities, the non-
users from the employed persons sought information on banking/loans, payment facilities and events/
meetings.

Languages desired by non-users

A large percentage of the non-users indicated their need for libraries to offer regional language resources, reflecting
the view of the users.

Subject areas desired by non-users

With respect to subject area, education-related books were the most desired, revealing that most non-users are looking
to utilize public libraries to satisfy their needs.
157
 Findings of Non-Users of Libraries

• Subjects like engineering, IT, literature, and commerce appeared to be more popular among the students.
• Non-users who were employed showed a preference for business/ management, sports and recreation-related
resources.
• Fiction / novels and politics or current affairs were subject areas desired by the employed and unemployed
personnel.

Interest in visiting a public library in the near future

Overall, nearly two-thirds of the non-users indicated they were ‘somewhat interested’ in visiting a public library in the
near future. This implies that public libraries should make themselves more relevant to the public by offering facilities
such as Internet access, as well as organizing career-related forums.

Aspects, if offered, that would attract non-users to visit public libraries

Almost two-thirds of the non-users expressed that they would visit public libraries if they would organize talks on
subjects related to health and career. This was very similar to the views expressed by the users, indicating the need and
felt relevance expressed by all.

Willingness to contribute to a development fund

Overall, almost one-third of the non-users expressed their likelihood to contribute towards a development fund for a
public library in their areas. Therefore, libraries can first begin to work towards attracting the non-users to use the
libraries, and then consider a development fund.
Non-users declared that they would contribute up to Rs.150/- towards the development fund.

The likelihood of taking paid membership for online services

The responses of non-users regarding their likelihood of taking paid membership for online services.
• Overall, about 35% of non-users expressed their inclination to pay a nominal amount towards membership
for computerization and the setting up of online services in a public library in their area.
• One-fourth of the non-users expressed their willingness to make a voluntary contribution towards a
development fund for public libraries. This reveals that non-users are open to paid memberships, provided
Internet access facilities were included.
• Regarding the actual amount, they were willing to pay, non-users were ready to make a one-time contribution
of up to Rs.150 towards the service.

Effectiveness of service access points to public libraries in public areas

Non-users were also requested for suggestions regarding the usefulness of service access points of public libraries in
shopping malls, railway stations and metros.
Overall, while about one-half of them responded that the service access points offered by public libraries would
prove useful, the other half of non-users negated the move or responded expressing uncertainty regarding the
outcome.

158
 Findings of Non-Users of Libraries

Detailed Results

8.1 Profile of non-users

8.1.1 Age of non-users and User categories

Among the respondents interviewed, majority of non-users were youngsters of ages 19-25 and middle aged people.

Majority of the non-users met were employed professionals and students, while only a few of them were unemployed.
Base - 2035
Age of non-users User categories
47%
34% 32%
34%

14% 19%
10% 8%
3%

Upto 18 19-25 26-35 36-45 46-60 Over 60 Student Employed Unemployed

yrs

8.2 Reasons for non-usage

Non-users’ views on the relevance of public libraries and the primary reasons for non-usage have been ascertained and
presented below.

8.2.1 Relevance of public libraries

Overall, about 54% of the non- Q: Considering your current situation, how relevant is a
users express that public libraries library for various self – development needs that you have?
are relevant to them. This goes
11%
to imply that despite being non-
users, many among the general 35% 54%
public find libraries to be
pertinent.

Base - 2035
Relevant Not relevant Don't know

159
 Findings of Non-Users of Libraries

8.2.2 Reasons for non - usage of libraries

Reasons for non-usage - Overall

Lack of time is the primary reason cited for non-usage, as mentioned by over one-half of the respondents.

Q: What are the reasons for NOT using any library currently for pursuing any
of your information needs?

Busy / No time for library 50%

I refer internet for information 14%
I don’t read / don’t enjoy reading 10%
It is far away from where I live 10%
Books I need are not available 9%
Library timings are inconvenient 9%
I have books at home 8%
Others 6%
Use resources in my office/college/school 6%
Don’t know where it is 5%

Base - 2035 Don’t know how to use library 3%

Reasons for non-usage - By user category

• The most significant reason for non-usage is that people are busy and cite lack of time to visit a library.
• However, students also cited that the books needed by them were unavailable and they preferred using
resources in college or school.

Type of resources desired Students Employed Unemployed

Base 690 955 390
I don’t read / don’t enjoy reading 6% 10% 18%
Busy / No time for library 36% 63% 40%
Library timings are inconvenient 9% 9% 7%
Books I need are not available 16% 4% 9%
I refer Internet for information 19% 11% 12%
Don’t know where it is 6% 4% 8%
Don’t know how to use library 3% 3% 5%
It is far away from where I live 13% 8% 11%
I have books at home 12% 4% 8%
Use resources in my office/college/school 11% 4% 0%

160
 Findings of Non-Users of Libraries

Alternative sources for information/knowledge

Non-users predominantly utilized news- Overall

papers/magazines or media such as
TV/radio as alternative sources of Newspapers / Magazines 68%
information or knowledge. However, TV/ Radio programs 60%
awareness is required on the benefits of Own books 28%
reading books or accessing multiple sources Other online resources 23%
for various uses such as gaining
Resources at workplace /… 13%
employment, filling government forms etc.
E-books 8%
External training programs 6%
CDs/DVDs 4%
Base - 2035 Alternative info sources

Alternative sources for information/knowledge - By user category

• The data suggests that apart from newspapers and TV/radio, students relied on their own books and other
online resources for information. 20% of employed personnel also relied on online sources for information.
• Hence, providing access to Internet in public libraries, could potentially convert non-users to users.

Type of resources desired Students Employed Unemployed

Base 690 955 390
E-books 12% 9% 2%
Other online resources 33% 20% 13%
Own books 43% 18% 26%
CDs/DVDs 6% 3% 2%
Resources at workplace /
21% 10% 4%
educational institutions
External training programs 7% 6% 6%
Newspapers / Magazines 64% 69% 72%
TV/ Radio programs 53% 64% 63%

161
 Findings of Non-Users of Libraries

Prioritizing focus areas to make the public library system attractive to Non-users

The Non-Users are segmented basis a process of assigning primacy to basic barriers in a pre-defined sequence. An
illustration is provided here: If a respondent said that he did enjoy reading and further that he had no time for library,
his\her primary was defined as ‘Lack of Reading Habit’. Similarly, if a respondent was said that he did not know how
to use a library and further that he did not know where it was located, the relevance barrier was given primacy.

It was observed that relevance of the Public Library System is the key barrier for 60% of the non-users.

The attributes that define relevance are:

• Busy / No time for library (Dominant)

• Books I need are not available

• Don’t know how to use library

Use alternative Lack of

sources, 13% reading habit,
11%
Convenience,
5%

Location, 11%

Relevance
Issues, 60%

162
 Findings of Non-Users of Libraries

The most non-users who stated that they will visit a library in the next 1 year were those with relevance issues. This
indicates that the segments with Relevance issues need to be acted upon on priority.

Interested to visit
Those who would visit

300
in the next 1 year

200 Relevance Issues

Use alternative
100 Location sources
Convenience Lack of reading habit
0
100 300 500 700 900 1100
Overall segments

Driving relevance of Public Libraries for Non-Users

Higher education students have stated that they would visit a library despite the barrier. Non-users who had
relevance issues as a barrier are over-indexed in the below profiles:

• Business/ petty traders

• Officer/executives

• Amongst females, housewives are over-indexed

163
 Findings of Non-Users of Libraries

*Skews vs ‘All Non-users’ %ge (bars in green reflect +ve skews, bars in red reflect –ve skews)

Non-users who had relevance issues as a barrier would use libraries if the below were provided:

• Resources: Books, Periodicals/magazines, Internet access

• Services: Employment info, Payment facility, Info on banking/loans

Employment info, payment facilities are services that would attract non-users

164
 Findings of Non-Users of Libraries

Non-users who had relevance issues as a barrier wanted the below subject areas:

• Self-development
• Engineering & Technology
• IT/Computer science
• Management/Business, Recreation

Talks on various topics spanning health, career and literary clubs are key to attract non-users to utilize libraries

Summarizing the Non-Users with Relevance as barriers:

165
 Findings of Non-Users of Libraries

• College/University students are more likely to visit public libraries

• Books, periodicals and internet access are resources sought by the non-users in this segment.
• Employment info, info on loans, payment facilities, Remote book renewals and reservations are key services to attract
these non-users.
• The major subject areas Non-users seek are:
o Self-development, Engineering & Technology, IT/Computer science and Management/Business, Recreation
• Non-users seek talks on various topics like health, career etc. Literary clubs would also attract non-users
• As a community driven initiative retired personnel from various fields must be invited to discuss about their industries.
Such initiatives must be publicized in local & online media

The initiative to attract Non-users are:

4. Libraries must evolve into one-stop shops providing employment info, digital access , payment facilities etc.
This signifies that libraries must evolve into a information and services provider.
5. Non-users must be attracted into the public library system by hosting talks on career, health, events etc.
Awareness drives must be held for the same.
6. Students and youth must be target segments, highlighting that libraries must improve their resources and
services to cater to this digital savvy segment.

8.3 Needs and expectations from a public library

The following section presents the various needs and expectations non-users have from a public library.

8.3.1 Basic resources and needs from a public library

The non-users expressed their views on resources a public library must generally provide and the resources that it could
also provide in addition to the general resources.

• Books, newspapers and periodicals are basic resources a public library must provide.
• However, most non-users responded that Internet access, newspapers, periodicals, wi-fi and online database
was needed.

Basic resources libraries must possess Resources needed

Internet access 25% 42%
Newspapers 64% 31%
Periodicals / magazines /
56% 29%
journals
Wi-fi 14% 28%
Children’s books / magazines 19% 25%
Books 80% 23%
Online databases 7% 22%
Digital books / e-books 7% 20%
Children’s books 17% 19%
CDs / DVDs 9% 19%
Dissertations / thesis
6% 13%
materials
Remote online access of books 3% 8%

166
 Findings of Non-Users of Libraries

8.3.2 Resources that will make a non-user use a public library

• Vast majority of the non-users cite that Q: Which resources, if offered, will make you
they would use a public library if it were use a public library?
to have Internet access/ Wi-Fi facility. Internet access 49%
This is in line with users’ views as well, Books 32%
wherein one of their biggest needs is
Wi-fi 31%
for libraries to be equipped with
Newspapers 25%
Internet/Wi-Fi.
Periodicals / magazines / journals 20%
• This being reinforced by non-users
drives home a strong message on Online databases 17%
importance of digitization of libraries. Digital books / e-books 15%
• Non-users also cite books as a resource CDs / DVDs 12%
that would prompt them to utilize a Children’s books / magazines 10%
public library. Children’s books 10%
Dissertations / thesis materials 8%
Remote online access of books 7%
Base - 2035

Resources to convert a non-user to user - By category

• Across all categories, Internet access and books are resources that if offered, would attract non-users.
• However, differences in needs are observed among user categories:
o Students - More students needed online databases, digital books/e-books and periodicals/journals.
o Unemployed - Children’s books and magazines sees more relevance among unemployed personnel.
A marginally higher proportion of unemployed personnel expressed their need for CDs/DVDs.

Type of resources desired Students Employed Unemployed

Base 690 955 390
Books 42% 28% 27%
Periodicals / magazines / journals 25% 17% 19%
Newspapers 25% 27% 23%
Digital books / e-books 19% 13% 13%
CDs / DVDs 13% 12% 14%

167
 Findings of Non-Users of Libraries

Children’s books / magazines 9% 9% 15%

Online databases 21% 15% 13%
Internet access 56% 45% 44%
Dissertations / thesis materials 9% 7% 7%
Children’s books 10% 10% 11%
Wi-fi 40% 28% 24%
Remote online access of books 9% 7% 4%
None 1% 3% 2%

8.3.3 Services that will make one use a public library

This section summarizes the services that non-users desire from a public library.

• It can be seen that more than 50% would access a public library if they were to provide employment
information and services such as book reservations/renewals through phone or Internet.
▪ Work related services, form filling for govt. related services and photocopying are some of the other
services desired by over one-third non-users.

Q: If you were to access a public library, which of these services would

you desire?
Book renewal/reservations facility-phone/internet 51%
Employment information 51%
Work related 36%
Filling forms – Govt services 33%
Photocopying facilities 31%
Information on banking / loans 23%
Payment facility (Electricity, Phone, Water, Tax) 22%
Events / meetings 19%
Weather conditions / climate 14%
Agriculture / farming 13%
Inter-library books loans (access from other… 12%
Ocean / sea conditions 5%
Base - 2035 Others 2%

Services to convert a non-user to user - By category

• Book renewals or reservations through telephone or Internet and employment information are services that
could attract all categories of non-users utilize a public library.
• On an average, more students seek services like form filling services and photocopying facilities.
• Employed personnel seek information on banking/loans, payment facilities and events/meetings.

Services desired Students Employed Unemployed

168
 Findings of Non-Users of Libraries

Base 690 955 390

Book renewal/reservation facility–telephone/Internet 62% 45% 50%
Events / meetings 17% 21% 19%
Photocopying facilities 34% 28% 31%
Inter-library books loans (access from other libraries) 14% 11% 11%
Weather conditions / climate 14% 15% 14%
Ocean / sea conditions 4% 5% 6%
Agriculture / farming 8% 14% 18%
Work related 30% 40% 35%
Filling forms – Govt services 37% 32% 30%
Employment information 54% 49% 52%
Information on banking / loans 18% 28% 21%
Payment facility (Electricity, Phone, Water, Tax) 13% 28% 22%
Others 2% 2% 3%

Languages desired by non-users

Q: Which language resources do you want the
In line with what the users said, vast library to provide?
majority of non-users too indicate a need
for libraries to offer regional language
27%
resources.

58%

Base - 2035
English language Regional language

Subject areas desired by non-users - Overall

In subject area, education related books are the most desired, indicating that most non-users are looking to put public
libraries to functional use to fulfil their needs.

169
 Findings of Non-Users of Libraries

Q: Which subject areas would you want the library to offer?

Education 51%
Self-Development 29%
Politics / current affairs 27%
Sports/games 23%
Recreation 23%
Fiction / novels 21%
Information Technology / Comp. Science 18%
History / Geography 18%
Religion 16%
Management / business 15%
Engineering & Technology 15%
Literature – English 14%
Medicine 14%
Science / Mathematics 13%
Agriculture / farming / fisheries 13%
Literature – other language 11%
Law 11%
Commerce / Accountancy 10%
Base - 2035

Subject areas desired by non-users - By category

• Apart from the prominent subject areas such as education and self-development, minor differences are seen
in the subject areas desired by different categories.
• Subjects such as engineering, IT, literature, commerce sees more prominence among students.
• Employed personnel seek more business/management, sports and recreation related resources.
• Fiction/novels and politics or current affairs are subject areas desired by employed and unemployed personnel
alike.

Desired subject areas Students Employed Unemployed

Agriculture / farming / fisheries 9% 16% 12%
Education 66% 42% 48%
Engineering & Technology 22% 11% 9%
Information Technology / Comp. Science 23% 16% 13%
Law 13% 11% 7%
Literature – English 18% 12% 11%
Literature – other language 12% 10% 11%
Management / business 13% 17% 11%
Medicine 14% 15% 11%
170
 Findings of Non-Users of Libraries

Commerce / Accountancy 12% 10% 6%

Fiction / novels 20% 22% 24%
History / Geography 22% 15% 16%
Self-Development 27% 31% 26%
Politics / current affairs 23% 28% 29%
Recreation 19% 26% 22%
Religion 11% 18% 19%
Science / Mathematics 21% 10% 9%
Sports/games 22% 25% 21%

8.4 Interest in visiting a public library in the near future

Non-users were asked how interested they would be to use the services of a library in the next one year, and also
aspects that would draw them towards visiting a Q: How interested would you be to use the
library. services of a library in the next one year?
• Overall, nearly two-thirds of the non-
users are only ‘somewhat interested’ in 17% 20% Very interested
visiting a public library in the near
future. Public libraries should make Somewhat
62% interested
themselves more relevant to the public
Not interested
by offering facilities such as Internet
access as well as organizing career
Base - 2035
related forums (see 7.3.1)

Aspects, if offered, that would make non-users

visit public libraries Would you be interested to visit a library
if it conducts these events/discussions?
Findings on their interest in new initiatives such as
literary clubs, discussions on new books and so on are Talks on topics like health,
8% 26% 61%
career etc
presented here.
Discussion new books 12% 37% 46%
• Almost two-thirds of non-users mention that
they will visit public libraries if they organize
Meet the author-programs 13% 36% 42%
talks on topics like health and career. The
same had been expressed by users as well,
hereby indicating the unanimous need and felt Literary clubs 14% 46% 30%
relevance as told by all.
Base - 2035 Will not visit Not sure Will visit
8.5 Willingness to contribute towards new
initiatives
Non-users were asked and checked for their willingness to contribute towards development funds for the betterment
of public libraries.

171
 Findings of Non-Users of Libraries

8.5.1 Willingness to contribute to a development fund Q: Would you be willing to voluntarily

contribute an amount to a development
• Overall, about 26% of the non-users express that they fund for public library in your area?
are likely to contribute towards a development fund
for public library in their area 19% 23%
6%
• As expected, lesser proportion of non-users as
compared to users indicate likeliness 20% 31%
• Therefore, libraries can firstly work towards attracting
non-users to use the libraries, and only as a next step
discuss about contribution towards development
fund. Not at all likely Somewhat Likely
Very Likely Extremely Likely
Base - 2035 Not sure

8.5.2 Amount non-users are willing to contribute

The non-users who were willing to contribute towards voluntary donations were asked the amount they were willing
to contribute towards a development fund.
• Non-users that are likely to contribute towards a development fund say that they are likely to make a one-time
contribution of up to Rs.150 towards the fund.

8.5.3 Likeliness to take paid membership for online services

The non-users were asked how likely they are to avail a paid membership for online services if this will provide facility
for remote online access of e-books & journals through any devices such as computers, laptop, tablet or mobile phone.

• Overall, about 35% of the non-users express

that they are likely to pay a nominal amount Q: If such a service is available for a
towards membership for computerization nominal amount, how likely are you to take
and set up of online services in a public a membership for online services?
library in their area. 17% 19%
8%
• However, when asked on voluntary
contributions towards a development fund 27%
30%
for public libraries, only 26% non-users
affirmed in the affirmative. This means that
non-users are open to paid membership,
provided Internet access is available. Not at all likely Somewhat Likely
Amount non-users are willing to contribute Base - 2035 Very Likely Extremely Likely
Not sure
172
 Findings of Non-Users of Libraries

35% Non-users that are likely to take a paid membership to avail online services say that they are likely to make an
annual contribution of up to Rs.150 towards the service.

8.5.4 Usefulness of service access points to public libraries in public areas

Non-users were also asked about the

Q: If Public libraries plan to provide service access
usefulness of service access points of points in public areas such as shopping malls, railway
public libraries in shopping malls, stations, metro stations to use their books & other
railway stations and metros. services, will such an initiative be useful for you?

Overall, while about one-half of them 26%

say that it will be useful if public libraries 48%
Yes
provide service access points, the other
No
half of non-users responded that it 25%
Not sure
would not be helpful or that they
weren’t sure. Base - 2035

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9. Part E - Overall performance of libraries

The performance of libraries across Indian states based on various parameters are presented in this chapter. These
findings indicate the current status, areas for prioritization, budgets etc., and the focus areas for setting up new Urban
and Rural libraries.

According to the sample allocation, Public Libraries across all the Indian states were invited to participate in the survey.
Specifically, the study included the State Central libraries, District libraries, Town/City libraries, Divisional/Regional
libraries, Sub-divisional/Taluka libraries, Village/Rural libraries, Tribal Area libraries, NGOs and other libraries.

The participation levels varied in each state and in a few instances the coverage of the allocated samples posed a
challenge due to the non-co-operation from the authorities and the non-receipt of library lists. In light of this, the
findings will be only broadly directional for further action in improving the libraries.

Sample distribution

• The states showing greater sample achievement include:

• Karnataka (637 libraries), Tamil Nadu (522 libraries), Maharashtra (511 libraries), Gujarat (423 libraries),
West Bengal (389 libraries), Andhra Pradesh (311 libraries), Uttar Pradesh (311 libraries),
Telangana (298 libraries), Orissa (250 libraries), Delhi & NCR regions (245 libraries), Kerala (208 libraries)

• States with representation from 100 -200 libraries:

• Rajasthan (188 libraries), Bihar (126 libraries), Himachal Pradesh (115 libraries) and Madhya Pradesh (106
libraries)

• States with representation from 50 -100 libraries:

• Goa (98 libraries), Assam (82 libraries), Jammu and Kashmir (56 libraries) had representation from more
than 50+ libraries.

• States with limited libraries in the sample

• The North-Eastern states of Manipur (29 libraries), Arunachal Pradesh (23 libraries), Meghalaya (22
libraries), Nagaland (20 libraries) and Mizoram (18 libraries). States like Jharkhand (14 libraries),
Uttarakhand (30 libraries), Haryana (35 libraries) and Punjab (34 libraries) had very limited participation.
The scenario was similar in the Union territories like Lakshadweep, Puducherry, Dadra & Nagar Haveli
and Chandigarh.

Classification / Ranking

Based on their overall scores, the top 10 States (ranked in order) are termed Progressive, while the remaining are
labeled Moderately Progressive. Within specific parameters, the states with scores above the national average are
categorized as Progressive, while those with scores below the national average are designated Moderately Progressive

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State Performance Rating - Building Blocks

1. Parameters used for performance comparison: Key

parameters that mirror the status of libraries, their A. Amenities B. Digitization
performance and other aspects that would facilitate the
development of libraries were selected.
Parameters
A. Amenities
A major factor determining the status of libraries has D. User satisfaction
C. Resources
been the presence / lack of user amenities. Hence, (Voice of users)
to differentiate among the libraries, the critical
amenities that were considered include:

Amenities Evaluation
Electricity connection Penetration of amenities
Drinking water
Toilets

B. Digitization levels
From the users’ component of the study, it became evident that the digital presence was a growing requirement
among them. Hence, the performance of states in terms of digitization was ascertained on the basis of:

Digitization levels Evaluation

Computers Penetration levels of
Internet equipment & services
Photocopiers and
scanners

C. Resources
The stronger aspects of a Public Library are its resources. The states were compared by factoring in the
resources mentioned below:

Resources Evaluation
Book stocks Avg. number of books in the libraries
Staff Avg. number of staff in the libraries

D. User satisfaction
A critical factor for libraries is the stamp of approval provided by the library users. Therefore, user satisfaction
in the parameters listed below was checked to estimate the performance of the states:

Satisfaction parameters Evaluation/rating

Overall resources Excellent and very good
Overall facilities scores
Overall services
Overall staff
User satisfaction with online access
Average visitors/day

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2. Computation of composite score

• The penetration of sub-parameters or the average number of resources across all states was evaluated.
• The different ranges of penetration (or average number of resources) were assigned suitable scores. This was
done so that the scores are balanced between Urban libraries and Rural libraries.
a. A brief illustration is provided below:
i. Sub Parameter - Drinking water:
i. This is a basic necessity for a library; however, differences in penetration are evident
among the Urban and Rural libraries.
ii. States in which more than 90% of the State and District libraries had drinking water
facilities were assigned a score of 3, whereas those with 81%-90% of State and
District libraries with drinking water were given a score of 2 and those with less than
80% of these libraries having drinking water were given a score of 1.
iii. States with more than 70% Town/Divisional and Sub-divisional libraries having
drinking water facilities were assigned a score of 3, while States with 51%-70% of
Town/Divisional and Sub-divisional libraries with provision of drinking water were
assigned a score of 2 and those with less than or 50% libraries possessing drinking
water facilities were assigned a score of 1.
iv. States having 100% Rural libraries with drinking water facilities were assigned a score
of 4, while those with 81%-90% of libraries provided with drinking water were
assigned a score of 3, and those with 61%-80% with drinking water facilities were
assigned a score of 2, while those with less than 60% drinking water facilities were
assigned a score of 1.
ii. Sub Parameter - Average number of books:
i. State and District libraries possessing more than 40000 books were given a maximum
score of 5, while those with 30000-40000 books were given a score of 4, and those
with 20001-30000 books were given a score of 3, whereas those with 10001-20000
books were given a score of 2 and those with less than 10000 books were given a
score of 1.
ii. Town/City and Divisional libraries with more than 15000 books were assigned
scores of 4, while those with 10000-15000 books were given a score of 3, and those
with 5000-10000 books were given a score of 2, whereas those with less than 5000
books were assigned a score of 1.
iii. Sub-divisional libraries with more than 10000 books were assigned a score of 3, while
those with 5000-10000 books were given a score of 2, and those with less than 5000
books were given a score of 1.
iv. Rural libraries having more than 8000 books were assigned a score of 5, whereas
those with 6001-8000 books were assigned a score of 4, and those with 4001-6000
books were assigned a score of 3, while those with 2001-4000 were assigned a score
of 2 and those libraries possessing less than 2000 books were assigned a score of 1.
b. This pattern was followed for each sub-parameter.
• Each sub-parameter was assigned a weightage. The weightages for the parameters are listed:

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Key Parameter Weightage

Sub-Parameter
Urban libraries Rural libraries
Amenities Electricity connection 7% 10%
Drinking water 7% 10%
Toilets 7% 10%
Digitization Computers 8% 4%
Internet 8% 5%
Photocopiers 5% 3%
Scanners 4% 3%
Resources Avg. Number of books 10% 10%
Number of staff in libraries 8% 8%
User User satisfaction on overall resources 6% 7%
Satisfaction User satisfaction on overall facilities 6% 7%
User satisfaction on overall services 6% 6%
User satisfaction on overall staff 6% 6%
User satisfaction on online access 6% 6%
Average visitors/day 6% 5%
TOTAL 100% 100%

• The scores obtained for each sub-parameter were then multiplied by the weightage assigned.
• Over representation/under representation of the Urban/Rural libraries were moderated to the extent possible
by projecting the scores with the universe of urban and rural libraries. The scores are added to obtain a singular
overall State score for ranking the states.

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 Overall performance of libraries

9.1 Performance Evaluation Results – By states

Based on the overall scores, the top 10 States (by scores) are classified as Progressive and the other states are
grouped as Moderately Progressive.

Progressive states

The performances of states in various parameters was were verified to arrive at the top ten Progressive States, based
on the observations drawn from the available samples. The strong points of each of the States are tabulated below:

Progressive States Strong Points

Kerala User satisfaction, digital presence
West Bengal Digital presence, amenities
Tamil Nadu User satisfaction, amenities
Maharashtra Amenities, digital presence
Andhra Pradesh User satisfaction, amenities
Gujarat Amenities, digital presence
Karnataka Amenities, digital presence
Rajasthan Amenities, digital presence
Uttar Pradesh Amenities, digital presence
Madhya Pradesh Amenities, digital presence
* Varying sample sizes and library categories are evident among the states.

Kerala leads the Progressive states and enjoys strong user satisfaction in the Rural libraries and offers digital presence
in the Urban libraries. Urban libraries in West Bengal have a stronger digital presence and provide sufficient amenities
as well. Customer satisfaction is higher in the Rural libraries of Tamil Nadu, followed by ample amenities in the Urban
libraries. Urban libraries in Maharashtra are well equipped with both amenities and digital equipment. Urban libraries
in Andhra Pradesh provide proper amenities and digital presence. User satisfaction is marginally higher in the Rural
libraries when compared to the Urban libraries.

The availability of amenities and digital presence in libraries are strong factors that have improved the scores,
particularly in the States of Gujarat, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.

Moderately Progressive states – Enhancement required

Apart from the top 10 leading states, the other states would need to improve the various amenities and resources to
meet the needs of the users, in the future.

Moderately Progressive states

States with sizable number of libraries Delhi and NCR regions, Telangana, Orissa,
Bihar, Goa, Himachal Pradesh,
Smaller states Assam, Haryana, Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir,
Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Tripura, Mizoram,
Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Uttarakhand
and Jharkhand. Union territories -
Lakshadweep, Dadra & Nagar Haveli,
Puducherry, Chandigarh

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 Overall performance of libraries

9.2 Performance of Grantee vs Non-Grantee libraries

Grantee libraries signify those libraries in the sample that have been mapped with the list of libraries provided by
RRRLF. The list contains only those libraries that have received monetary assistance from RRRLF.

While there have been no indications in the Terms of Reference regarding RRRLF Grantee libraries, based on the
suggestions raised by Secretary, RRRLF has shared a list of libraries that were mapped with the libraries in the
sample. The subsequent slides cover the findings from those libraries that have received Monetary assistance from
RRRLF.

Libraries RRRLF funded libraries Non-Grantee

Base 806 3542
State Central Library 2% 0%
District Library 18% 9%
Town/ City Library 17% 15%
Divisional/ Regional Library 4% 4%
Sub-divisional/ Taluka Library 12% 9%
Village/ Rural /Panchayat Library 25% 38%
Tribal area Library 1% 2%
Library of a charitable institution/ NGO 10% 11%
Others 11% 12%

Performance index of Grantee libraries on Infrastructure, digitization and staffing/resources

• Infrastructure includes: Electricity, common toilets & drinking water

• Digitization includes: Functional Computers, functional Internet
• Staffing & resources includes: Books available to issued ratio and Visitor to staff ratio

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 Overall performance of libraries

~16% of libraries who received monetary assistance from RRRLF (referred as RRRLF grantee libraries) performed
better only on staffing & resources than other libraries. Across other parameters, performance remained low.

RRRLF
Non-
Libraries Overall funded
Grantee
libraries
Base 5140 806 3542
Infrastructure 2.7 3.0 2.7
Digitization 1.0 1.5 1.0
Staffing & resources 3.5 3.5 3.0
OVERALL 2.1 2.7 2.3

Digital facilities: It was observed that Grantee libraries had better digital facilities than Non-Grantee libraries.
While the availability of resources was higher; optimal utilization of these also lagged more in Grantee libraries

Amenities: RRRLF grantee libraries also had slightly better amenities than other libraries.

99%95% Profiling of libraries- Amenities

87%
70% RRRLF funded libraries
63%
52% 55% 50%
44% Non-Grantee libraries
37% 37% 41%
32% 28%
21%
14%

Electricity Drinking Parking for 2 Toilet for Toilet for Common Parking for Generator
connection water wheelers in gents ladies toilet cars in back-up
premises premises

at 95% Level of significance

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 Overall performance of libraries

Services provided: It is observed that digital resources must improve in RRRLF funded libraries and other libraries.

Profiling of libraries- Services

Books Lending 86%
90%
Books Reference 54%
64%
Periodicals / magazines - lending 50%
58%
Book reservations 27%
33%
Services to the Specialty abled groups, children,… 28%
32%
Rare books collection 30%
29%
Non-Grantee
Auditorium/ Meeting rooms 17%
22% RRRLF funded libraries
Text books section 21%
23%
Books – home delivery 10%
13%
CDs/DVDs 6%
14%
SMS alert for members 4%
5%
Internet/ Network linkage with other library systems… 2%
5% RRRLF funded libraries – 806
Online catalogue 3% Non-Grantee libraries- 3542
6%

User perspective:

More users in RRRLF funded libraries state that digital resources were available in these libraries. More users in
RRRLF funded libraries state that digital resources and children’s books are available in these libraries. RRRLF
funded libraries also provided photocopying facilities and study groups. However, fewer users stated that these had
film shows.

RRRLF
Resources offered Overall funded
libraries
Base 4082 843
Books 97% 97%
Periodicals / magazines / journals 90% 92%
Newspapers 94% 94%
Digital books/e-books 8% 14%
CDs/DVDs 9% 12%
Children’s books/magazines 54% 68%
Online databases 9% 14%
Internet access 16% 22%
Dissertations/thesis materials 22% 29%

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 Overall performance of libraries

RRRLF
Services offered Overall funded
libraries
Base 4082 843
Book renewal telephonic 15% 16%
Book renewal internet 6% 7%
Book reservations facility – telephonic / internet-Available Services 6% 7%
Events / meetings 35% 36%
Photocopying facilities 23% 36%
Inter-library books loans 10% 12%
Public information 47% 51%
Study groups 36% 51%
Wi-fi facility 6% 2%

More users in RRRLF grantee libraries would recommend these libraries to others. All parameters garnered average
responses on satisfaction of amenities/offerings of the library – lowest being for online access. While RRRLF
grantee libraries have satisfaction scores similar to all-India average, however, the likelihood to recommend these
libraries is higher.

Libraries Overall RRRLF funded libraries

Base 4082 843
Overall satisfaction 56% 61%
Likelihood to recommend the library 66% 74%
Rating - resources 56% 62%
Rating - services 48% 53%
Rating - staff 47% 54%
Rating – online access 45% 48%
Rating - facilities 42% 46%

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 Parameter-wise performance of libraries

10. Part F- Parameter-wise Performance

The performances of the Urban and Rural libraries with respect to each individual parameter are provided in this
section. This section will facilitate the identification of the need gaps among the library categories in each individual
state.

Specifically, among the individual parameters, the Urban and Rural libraries with scores above the national average
are termed Progressive, while those with scores below the national average are termed Moderately Progressive.

The key parameters highlighted include:

• Availability of amenities
• Presence of computers and the internet
• Presence of photocopiers and scanners
• Average number of books
• Average number of staff
• User satisfaction

10.1 Amenities
In terms of amenities such as drinking water, toilets and electricity, the states showing composite scores above national
average are termed as Progressive while the libraries with scores below the national average are classified as Moderate
libraries.

Table 10.1 - Amenities

Progressive States Moderately Progressive (Enhancement required)
Urban Libraries Rural Libraries Urban Libraries Rural Libraries
Region
(Above nat. avg 1.4) (Above nat. avg 0.6) (Below nat. avg 1.4) (Below nat. avg 0.6)
Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir
Delhi & NCR, Uttar Pradesh, Chandigarh
North Haryana and Himachal Delhi & NCR Madhya Pradesh, J&K
Pradesh regions
Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam.
Sikkim Manipur, Meghalaya, Meghalaya,
North- East
Mizoram, Nagaland, Nagaland Mizoram and
Tripura Tripura
East West Bengal and Bihar West Bengal Orissa and Jharkhand Bihar and Orissa
Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Dadra & Nagar Haveli
West Goa and Rajasthan Maharashtra,
Gujarat, Goa
Tamil Nadu and Kerala Kerala Telangana, Andhra Andhra Pradesh, Tamil
Pradesh, Karnataka, Nadu, Telangana and
South
Lakshadweep and Karnataka
Puducherry
*Varying sample sizes are evident among the library categories in the states.

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Parameter-wise performance of libraries

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 Parameter-wise performance of libraries

10.1.1 Availability of essential amenities – Overall by state

Table 10.1.1 - AMENITIES
BASE7 Drinking Water Presence of Toilet Electricity Connection
Overall 5140 73% 65% 96%
Andhra Pradesh 311 86% 41% 98%
Arunachal Pradesh 23 78% 83% 100%
Assam 82 55% 30% 99%
Bihar 126 79% 71% 91%
Chandigarh 6 100% 100% 100%
Dadra Nagar 3 100% 100% 100%
Delhi/ NCR 245 85% 97% 100%
Goa 98 73% 80% 100%
Gujarat 423 90% 81% 99%
Haryana 35 91% 97% 100%
Himachal Pradesh 115 92% 96% 100%
Jammu & Kashmir 56 39% 39% 100%
Jharkhand 17 71% 82% 100%
Karnataka 637 41% 28% 74%
Kerala 208 63% 65% 100%
Lakshwadeep 1 100% 100% 100%
Maharashtra 511 88% 77% 100%
Madhya Pradesh 106 75% 74% 99%
Manipur 29 100% 90% 100%
Meghalaya 22 82% 86% 95%
Mizoram 18 78% 78% 100%
Nagaland 20 85% 95% 100%
Orissa 250 64% 50% 100%
Puducherry 1 100% 100% 100%
Punjab 34 74% 71% 100%
Rajasthan 188 93% 92% 99%
Sikkim 11 82% 82% 100%
Tamil Nadu 522 69% 60% 99%
Telangana 298 64% 29% 98%
Tripura 14 86% 86% 100%
Uttar Pradesh 311 91% 95% 99%
Uttarakhand 30 80% 83% 100%
West Bengal 389 67% 90% 100%

7
Base refers to the sample, which is the number of libraries from where data was collected
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 Parameter-wise performance of libraries

10.1.2 Availability of essential amenities – By Urban and Rural libraries

Table 10.1.2 - AMENITIES

URBAN RURAL
BASE Drinking Presence of Electricity BASE Drinking Presence of Electricity
Water Toilet Connection Water Toilet Connection
All states 3010 80% 75% 99% 2130 62% 51% 91%
Andhra Pradesh 197 90% 51% 99% 114 79% 22% 96%
Arunachal Pradesh 17 76% 88% 100% 6 83% 67% 100%
Assam 18 78% 78% 100% 64 48% 17% 98%
Bihar 66 89% 85% 98% 60 67% 55% 83%
Chandigarh 6 100% 100% 100% 0 0% 0% 0%
Dadra Nagar 3 100% 100% 100% 0 0% 0% 0%
Delhi/ NCR 237 85% 97% 100% 8 88% 88% 100%
Goa 41 76% 80% 100% 57 72% 79% 100%
Gujarat 246 91% 88% 100% 177 88% 72% 97%
Haryana 35 91% 97% 100% 0 0% 0% 0%
Himachal Pradesh 31 81% 94% 100% 84 96% 96% 100%
Jammu & Kashmir 38 42% 47% 100% 18 33% 22% 100%
Jharkhand 17 71% 82% 100% 0 0% 0% 0%
Karnataka 203 61% 55% 94% 434 32% 15% 65%
Kerala 64 70% 80% 100% 144 60% 59% 100%
Lakshwadeep 1 100% 100% 100% 0 0% 0% 0%
Maharashtra 388 90% 80% 100% 123 83% 66% 100%
Madhya Pradesh 104 74% 73% 100% 2 100% 100% 50%
Manipur 17 100% 88% 100% 12 100% 92% 100%
Meghalaya 17 82% 82% 100% 5 80% 100% 80%
Mizoram 3 100% 100% 100% 15 73% 73% 100%
Nagaland 3 100% 100% 100% 17 82% 94% 100%
Orissa 129 70% 67% 100% 121 59% 31% 100%
Puducherry 1 100% 100% 100% 0 0% 0% 0%
Punjab 32 75% 72% 100% 2 50% 50% 100%
Rajasthan 60 92% 88% 100% 128 94% 94% 98%
Sikkim 11 82% 82% 100% 0 0% 0% 0%
Tamil Nadu 366 77% 75% 100% 156 51% 25% 96%
Telangana 223 69% 30% 99% 75 51% 23% 96%
Tripura 10 90% 90% 100% 4 75% 75% 100%
Uttar Pradesh 227 90% 96% 100% 84 95% 92% 95%
Uttarakhand 29 79% 83% 100% 1 100% 100% 100%
West Bengal 170 83% 93% 100% 219 54% 89% 100%

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 Parameter-wise performance of libraries

10.2 Digital presence

The availability of equipment such as photocopiers, scanners, computers and internet connections for the computers
shows varying levels of development among the libraries and states. An important aspect to note is that while most
states have provided adequate digital equipment in the Urban libraries, their penetration is lower in the Rural libraries.

Table 10.2 - Digital Presence

Progressive States Moderately Progressive (Enhancement required)
Region Urban Libraries Rural Libraries Urban Libraries Rural Libraries
(Above nat. avg 1.5) (Above nat. avg 0.3) (Below nat. avg 1.5) (Below nat. avg 0.3)
North Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir
Himachal Pradesh, & NCR region, Jammu and Kashmir
Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh
Delhi & NCR,
Punjab, Chandigarh,
Madhya Pradesh
North-East Assam and Manipur Manipur, Mizoram Arunachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh,
and Nagaland Meghalaya, Mizoram, Assam, Meghalaya,
Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura
Tripura
East West Bengal Bihar, Orissa and Bihar, Jharkhand and -
West Bengal Orissa
West Gujarat, Goa and Maharashtra, Dadra & Nagar Haveli Gujarat, Goa
Rajasthan Rajasthan
South Kerala, Karnataka, Kerala Andhra Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh,
Telangana, and Lakshadweep, Puducherry Karnataka, Tamil Nadu,
Tamil Nadu Telangana
*Varying sample sizes are evident among library categories in the states.

10.2.1 Presence of computers

A comparative assessment by penetration of computers in the libraries is provided below:

Table 10.2.1 - Presence of computers

Progressive (States ahead) Moderately developed (Enhancement required)
Region Urban Libraries Rural Libraries Urban Libraries Rural Libraries
(Above nat. avg 0.4) (Above nat. avg 0.1) (Below nat. avg 0.4) (Below nat. avg 0.1)
North Chandigarh, Delhi & Uttar Pradesh, Delhi Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh,
NCR region, Haryana, & NCR region Jammu and Kashmir Jammu and Kashmir
Himachal Pradesh,
Punjab, Uttar Pradesh,
Madhya Pradesh
North-East Arunachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Assam, Manipur and
Assam, Sikkim and Meghalaya, Mizoram and Nagaland Tripura
Tripura Mizoram and
Nagaland
East West Bengal Bihar and West Bihar, Jharkhand and Orissa
Bengal Orissa
West Gujarat, Goa and Maharashtra Dadra & Nagar Haveli Gujarat, Goa and
Rajasthan Rajasthan
South Kerala, Karnataka, Kerala Andhra Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh,
Tamil Nadu and Lakshadweep, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu,
Telangana Puducherry Telangana
*Varying sample sizes are evident among library categories in the states.

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 Parameter-wise performance of libraries

10.2.2 Presence of computers across all states

The overall penetration of computers and internet across the various states and the split by Urban and Rural libraries
are provided below:
Table 10.2.2 - PRESENCE OF COMPUTERS
Overall URBAN RURAL
Base Presence of Base Presence of Base Presence of
computers computers computers
Total 5140 29% 3010 40% 2130 13%
Andhra Pradesh 311 19% 197 28% 114 4%
Arunachal Pradesh 23 52% 17 65% 6 17%
Assam 82 16% 18 72% 64 0%
Bihar 126 27% 66 41% 60 12%
Chandigarh 6 100% 6 100% 0 0%
Delhi/ NCR 245 54% 237 55% 8 13%
Goa 98 23% 41 44% 57 9%
Gujarat 423 25% 246 37% 177 7%
Haryana 35 74% 35 74% 0 0%
Himachal Pradesh 115 21% 31 65% 84 5%
Jammu & Kashmir 56 14% 38 18% 18 6%
Karnataka 637 6% 203 19% 434 0%
Kerala 208 54% 64 72% 144 46%
Lakshwadeep 1 100% 1 100% 0 0%
Maharashtra 511 38% 388 45% 123 16%
Madhya Pradesh 106 45% 104 46% 2 0%
Manipur 29 24% 17 35% 12 8%
Meghalaya 22 23% 17 24% 5 20%
Nagaland 20 75% 3 100% 17 71%
Orissa 250 12% 129 12% 121 11%
Puducherry 1 100% 1 100% 0 0%
Punjab 34 41% 32 41% 2 50%
Rajasthan 188 19% 60 57% 128 1%
Sikkim 11 36% 11 36% 0 0%
Tamil Nadu 522 24% 366 33% 156 1%
Tripura 14 29% 10 40% 4 0%
Uttar Pradesh 311 55% 227 61% 84 40%
Uttarakhand 30 50% 29 48% 1 100%
West Bengal 389 51% 170 65% 219 41%
Dadra Nagar 3 33% 3 33% 0 0%
Jharkhand 17 41% 17 41% 0 0%
Mizoram 18 56% 3 67% 15 53%
Telangana 298 8% 223 10% 75 3%

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 Parameter-wise performance of libraries

10.2.3 Availability of internet connections

Segregation of the States based on penetration of internet connections is listed below:

Table 10.2.3 - Presence of Internet

Progressive (States ahead) Moderately developed (Enhancement required)
Region Urban Libraries Rural Libraries Urban Libraries Rural Libraries
(Above nat. avg 0.4) (Above nat. avg 0.07) (Below nat. avg 0.4) (Below nat. avg 0.07)
North Delhi & NCR, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi Chandigarh, Jammu and Kashmir
Haryana, & NCR region, Jammu and Kashmir,
Himachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand
Uttar Pradesh,
Punjab,
Madhya Pradesh
North-East Manipur, Meghalaya Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh,
Nagaland Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim Assam, Meghalaya,
and Tripura Mizoram and Tripura
East Bihar, West Bengal Bihar, Orissa and Jharkhand Bihar
West Bengal
West Gujarat, Goa, Gujarat, Goa, Dadra & Nagar Haveli Gujarat, Goa and
Maharashtra, Maharashtra, Rajasthan
Rajasthan Rajasthan
South Kerala, Karnataka, Karnataka, Kerala Andhra Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh,
Tamil Nadu and Lakshadweep, Puducherry Tamil Nadu,
Telangana Telangana

* Varying sample sizes are evident among the library categories in the states.

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 Parameter-wise performance of libraries

10.2.4 Availability of internet connections

The tables given below represent the availability of computers with internet connections.

Table 10.2.4 - PRESENCE OF INTERNET

Base Overall
URBAN RURAL
Internet
Total 1501 50% 1215 56% 286 30%
Andhra Pradesh 60 20% 55 25% 5 0%
Arunachal Pradesh 12 0% 11 0% 1 0%
Assam 13 15% 13 15% 0 0%
Bihar 34 38% 27 41% 7 29%
Chandigarh 6 83% 6 83% 0 0%
Dadra Nagar 1 100% 1 100% 0 0%
Delhi/ NCR 132 75% 131 77% 1 100% (1)
Goa 23 39% 18 50% 5 20%
Gujarat 104 28% 92 29% 12 17%
Haryana 26 50% 26 54% 0 0%
Himachal Pradesh 24 88% 20 90% 4 75%
Jammu & Kashmir 8 0% 7 0% 1 0%
Jharkhand 7 29% 7 29% 0 0%
Karnataka 38 82% 38 82% 0 0%
Kerala 112 46% 46 65% 66 33%
Lakshwadeep 1 0% 1 0% 0 0%
Maharashtra 195 38% 175 39% 20 30%
Madhya Pradesh 48 35% 48 38% 0 0%
Manipur 7 57% 6 50% 1 100% (1)
Meghalaya 5 60% 4 75% 1 0%
Mizoram 10 10% 2 50% 8 0%
Nagaland 15 47% 3 33% 12 50%
Orissa 29 69% 16 63% 13 85%
Puducherry 1 0% 1 0% 0 0%
Punjab 14 79% 13 77% 1 100% (1)
Rajasthan 35 69% 34 68% 1 100% (1)
Sikkim 4 25% 4 25% 0 0%
Tamil Nadu 123 71% 122 72% 1 0%
Telangana 24 67% 22 73% 2 0%
Tripura 4 25% 4 25% 0 0%
Uttar Pradesh 172 55% 138 59% 34 44%
Uttarakhand 15 40% 14 43% 1 0%
West Bengal 199 45% 110 71% 89 13%

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 Parameter-wise performance of libraries

10.3 Resources
The libraries with a sizeable number of books as well as those which require enhancement are shown below:

Table 10.3 - Resources

Region Progressive States Moderately Progressive (Enhancement required)
Urban Libraries Rural Libraries Urban Libraries Rural Libraries
(Above nat. avg 0.7) (Above nat. avg 0.2) (Below nat. avg 0.7) (Below nat. avg 0.2)
Chandigarh, - Haryana, Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir,
Himachal Pradesh, Delhi& NCR, Uttar Pradesh
North
Uttarakhand Madhya Pradesh, Jammu and Himachal Pradesh and
Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh Delhi & NCR region
Assam, Sikkim and Tripura Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Assam, Arunachal
Tripura Meghalaya, Mizoram and Pradesh, Manipur,
North-East
Nagaland Meghalaya, Mizoram,
and Nagaland
West Bengal, West Bengal Bihar, and Orissa Bihar, Orissa
East Jharkhand

Goa, Gujarat, - Dadra & Nagar Haveli Goa, Gujarat,

West Maharashtra and Maharashtra Rajasthan
Rajasthan
Andhra Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Lakshadweep, Puducherry Karnataka
Karnataka, Kerala, Kerala, Tamil Nadu,
South
Tamil Nadu Telangana
Telangana
* Varying sample sizes are evident among the library categories in the states.

191
 Parameter-wise performance of libraries

10.3.1 Book stocks - By all states

The average book collections across the various Public Libraries at the state level, as well as Urban and Rural levels
are presented here.

Table 10.3.1 - BOOK STOCKS

OVERALL URBAN RURAL
Base Book stocks Book stocks Book stocks
Base Base
(Range) (Range) (Range)
Total 5140 30-16,00,000 3010 100-16,00,000 2130 30-2,66,000
Andhra Pradesh 311 75-1,50,00 197 200-1,50,000 114 75-50,000
Arunachal Pradesh 23 30-61,000 17 600-61,000 6 30-2000
Assam 82 50-43000 18 100-43,000 64 50-12,000
Bihar 126 170-2,00,000 66 400-2,50,000 60 200-26,000
Chandigarh 6 6000-13,0000 6 6000-13,0000 0 -
Dadra Nagar 3 4000-21,000 3 4000-21,000 0 -
Delhi/ NCR 245 200- 16,00,000 237 500-16,00,000 8 200-83,000
Goa 98 450-1,67,000 41 500-1,67,000 57 450-20,500
Gujarat 423 100-1,00,000 246 150-1,00,000 177 100-90,000
Haryana 35 100- 86,000 35 100- 86,000 0 -
Himachal Pradesh 115 150-57,000 31 1500 -60,000 84 150-15000
Jammu & Kashmir 56 900-71,000 38 1500-71,000 18 900-9000
Jharkhand 17 3000-1,30,000 17 3000-1,30,000 0 -
Karnataka 637 200-9,00,000 203 400-9,00,000 434 200-38,000
Kerala 208 740- 15,00,000 64 2300-15,00,000 144 750-2,66,000
Lakshwadeep 1 10,400 1 10,400 0 -
Maharashtra 511 150-4,00,000 388 250-4,00,000 123 150-52,000
Madhya Pradesh 106 100-90,000 104 100-90,000 2 30
Manipur 29 200-71,000 17 1200-71,000 12 200-7500
Meghalaya 22 120-24,000 17 300-24,000 5 120-3000
Mizoram 18 1300-73,000 3 23,000-73,000 15 1300-9000
Nagaland 20 240-55,000 3 8100-55,000 17 240-30,000
Orissa 250 100-94,000 129 500-94,000 121 100-35000
Puducherry 1 - 1 - 0 -
Punjab 34 200-17,000 32 200-17,000 2 100-10,000
Rajasthan 188 1200-1,25,000 60 1800-1,25,000 128 1230-33,000
Sikkim 11 2500-47,500 11 2500-47,500 0 -
Tamil Nadu 522 150-10,00,000 366 200-10,00,000 156 150- 38,000
Telangana 298 40- 40,000 223 600- 40,000 75 40 - 25,000
Tripura 14 1200-22,000 10 7000-22,000 4 1200-17,000
Uttar Pradesh 311 20-1,75,000 227 100-1,75,000 84 20-55,000
Uttarakhand 30 1700-60,000 29 1700-60,000 1 12560 (1)
West Bengal 389 30-2,12,000 170 100-2,12,000 219 30-30,000
*Minimum-Maximum values
Includes libraries that are used as reading rooms.

192
 Parameter-wise performance of libraries

10.4 Staffing
As the factor, ‘number of staff’, also plays a major role in the performance of libraries, a few notable states have good
staff representation, which are mentioned below:

Table 10.4 - Staff

Region Progressive States Moderately Progressive (Enhancement required)
Urban Libraries Rural Libraries Urban Libraries Rural Libraries
(Above nat. avg 0.5) (Above nat. avg 0.1) (Below nat. avg 0.5) (Below nat. avg 0.1)
Chandigarh, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh,
Haryana, Jammu and Uttar Pradesh Uttarakhand, Delhi & NCR region
North and Kashmir, Uttar Delhi& NCR,
Pradesh Madhya Pradesh

Assam, Manipur, Assam, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh,

North-East Sikkim and Tripura Nagaland and Tripura Meghalaya, Mizoram and Manipur, Meghalaya
Nagaland
West Bengal Bihar, Orissa, and Bihar, Jharkhand and Orissa -
East
West Bengal.
Goa and Goa and Maharashtra Gujarat, Rajasthan, Dadra & Gujarat, Rajasthan
West
Maharashtra Nagar Haveli
Tamil Nadu Telangana Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh,
South Telangana Kerala, Karnataka, Kerala,
Lakshadweep, Puducherry Tamil Nadu
* Varying sample sizes are evident among the library categories in the states.

193
 Parameter-wise performance of libraries

10.4.1 Minimum and maximum numbers of staff

The number of staff across the various states are presented here.

Table 10.4.1 - MIN. & MAX. NUMBER OF STAFF

OVERALL URBAN RURAL
Total Total Total
Base Base Base
staff staff staff
Total 5140 1-120 3010 1-120 2130 1-17
Andhra Pradesh 311 1-68 197 1-68 114 1-2
Arunachal Pradesh 23 1-22 17 1-22 6 1-2
Assam 82 1-16 18 2-16 64 1-5
Bihar 126 1-47 66 1-47 60 1-6
Chandigarh 6 2-42 6 2-42 0 -
Dadra Nagar 3 1-3 3 1-3 0 -
Delhi/ NCR 245 1-100 237 1-100 8 1-2
Goa 98 1-119 41 1-119 57 1-3
Gujarat 423 1-29 246 1-29 177 1-4
Haryana 35 1-13 35 1-13 0 -
Himachal Pradesh 115 1-20 31 1-20 84 1-2
Jammu & Kashmir 56 1-20 38 1-20 18 1-3
Jharkhand 17 1-6 17 1-6 0 -
Karnataka 637 1-40 203 1-40 434 1-3
Kerala 208 1-94 64 1-94 144 1-4
Lakshwadeep 1 3 1 3 0 -
Maharashtra 511 1-60 388 1-60 123 1-3
Madhya Pradesh 106 1-35 104 1-35 2 1-3
Manipur 29 1-22 17 1-22 12 1-7
Meghalaya 22 1-34 17 1-34 5 1-6
Mizoram 18 2-30 3 4-30 15 1-25
Nagaland 20 1-18 3 4-18 17 1-3
Orissa 250 1-20 129 1-20 121 1-10
Puducherry 1 24 1 24 0 -
Punjab 34 1-39 32 1-39 2 2-5
Rajasthan 188 1-19 60 1-19 128 1-3
Sikkim 11 1-10 11 1-10 0 -
Tamil Nadu 522 1-41 366 1-41 156 1-5
Telangana 298 1-66 223 1-66 75 1-2
Tripura 14 1-37 10 1-37 4 1-4
Uttar Pradesh 311 1-26 227 1-26 84 1-7
Uttarakhand 30 1-12 29 1-12 1 2
West Bengal 389 1-25 170 1-25 219 1-4
*Minimum-Maximum values

194
 Parameter-wise performance of libraries

10.5 User satisfaction

The user satisfaction scores were observed to play a crucial role for some of the libraries as they helped to boost the
overall performance scores of the libraries as well. The Progressive states with user satisfaction scores above the
national average and states where enhancement is required to raise the levels of user satisfaction are presented here:

Table 10.5 - User Satisfaction

Progressive States Moderately Progressive (Enhancement required)
Region Urban Libraries Rural Libraries Urban Libraries Rural Libraries
(Above nat. avg 0.6) (Above nat. avg 0.8) (Below nat. avg 0.6) (Below nat. avg 0.8)
North Chandigarh, Delhi Uttar Pradesh Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, Delhi &
& NCR Jammu and Kashmir, Madhya NCR, Haryana, Himachal
Pradesh, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Jammu &
Pradesh, Uttarakhand Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh,
Punjab and Uttarakhand.
North-East Assam, Meghalaya, Assam, Nagaland Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh,
Nagaland, Sikkim and Sikkim Mizoram and Tripura Manipur, Meghalaya,
Mizoram and Tripura
East - West Bengal Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa and Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa,
West Bengal
West Dadra & Nagar Dadra & Nagar Maharashtra and Rajasthan Rajasthan
Haveli Haveli
Goa, Gujarat Goa, Gujarat and
Maharashtra
South Karnataka, Kerala, Karnataka, Kerala Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh,
Tamil Nadu and and Tamil Nadu Lakshadweep Telangana, Lakshadweep,
Puducherry Puducherry

195
 Parameter-wise performance of libraries

10.5.1 User feedback from Public Library users

User feedback on the overall resources, library services, staff, online access and facilities in libraries across the states is
listed below:

Table 10.5.1 - User Feedback- Satisfaction

Overall
Overall Overall Online Overall
Base Library
Resources Staff access facilities
services
Total 4082 56% 48% 47% 45% 42%
Andhra Pradesh 152 37% 45% 36% 41% 14%
Arunachal Pradesh 22 23% 18% 18% 18% 23%
Assam 66 97% 67% 65% 56% 67%
Bihar 190 34% 25% 28% 19% 15%
Chandigarh 30 63% 43% 50% 47% 47%
Dadra Nagar 20 65% 75% 75% 75% 90%
Delhi/ NCR 195 64% 59% 62% 61% 59%
Goa 130 78% 65% 68% 67% 68%
Gujarat 233 81% 71% 77% 72% 64%
Haryana 268 48% 42% 37% 39% 43%
H.P 46 43% 28% 20% 22% 17%
J&K 58 60% 45% 28% 31% 24%
Jharkhand 69 26% 17% 19% 13% 10%
Karnataka 186 80% 69% 69% 63% 45%
Kerala 178 93% 97% 97% 83% 93%
Lakshwadeep 0 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%
Maharashtra 453 62% 39% 48% 48% 40%
Madhya Pradesh 153 37% 35% 33% 33% 25%
Manipur 31 13% 13% 16% 16% 3%
Meghalaya 29 55% 28% 38% 41% 31%
Mizoram 25 40% 36% 36% 28% 28%
Nagaland 31 65% 77% 81% 48% 74%
Orissa 236 41% 35% 36% 32% 36%
Puducherry 19 74% 74% 68% 47% 37%
Punjab 86 33% 16% 20% 15% 13%
Rajasthan 178 35% 37% 30% 28% 30%
Sikkim 18 78% 72% 67% 67% 67%
Tamil Nadu 196 68% 59% 53% 56% 52%
Telangana 288 53% 41% 35% 30% 29%
Tripura 0 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%
Uttar Pradesh 263 59% 51% 49% 46% 54%
Uttarakhand 48 60% 40% 27% 40% 35%
West Bengal 185 41% 40% 38% 42% 34%

196
 Parameter-wise performance of libraries

10.5.2 User feedback from Public Library users – by Urban and Rural libraries
User feedback on the overall resources, library services, staff, online access and facilities available in the libraries across
the states, by Urban and Rural libraries, is given below:

Table 10.5.2 - User Feedback

URBAN RURAL
Overall Overall
Overall Overall Online Overall Overall Overall Online Overall
Base Library Base Library
Resources Staff access facilities Resources Staff access facilities
services services
Total 3041 57% 47% 48% 45% 43% 1041 54% 48% 45% 43% 40%
Andhra Pradesh 96 41% 55% 44% 50% 19% 56 30% 27% 21% 27% 7%
Arunachal Pradesh 8 50% 50% 50% 50% 63% 14 7% 0% 0% 0% 0%
Assam 57 96% 70% 63% 58% 68% 9 100% 44% 78% 44% 56%
Bihar 104 33% 29% 34% 21% 13% 86 35% 21% 21% 17% 17%
Chandigarh 30 63% 43% 50% 47% 47% 0 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%
Dadra Nagar 7 86% 71% 86% 71% 86% 13 54% 77% 69% 77% 92%
Delhi/ NCR 189 66% 61% 64% 62% 61% 6 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%
Goa 40 73% 78% 88% 85% 90% 90 80% 60% 59% 59% 58%
Gujarat 185 81% 75% 79% 76% 68% 48 83% 58% 67% 58% 50%
Haryana 213 53% 47% 41% 43% 46% 55 31% 24% 20% 22% 29%
Himachal Pradesh 46 43% 28% 20% 22% 17% 0 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%
Jammu & Kashmir 35 71% 43% 23% 37% 23% 23 43% 48% 35% 22% 26%
Jharkhand 33 39% 27% 33% 27% 18% 36 14% 8% 6% 0% 3%
Karnataka 113 86% 81% 77% 77% 65% 73 70% 49% 58% 41% 15%
Kerala 80 99% 98% 100% 63% 91% 98 89% 96% 95% 99% 94%
Lakshwadeep 0 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%
Maharashtra 386 61% 37% 47% 47% 39% 67 67% 49% 54% 51% 46%
Madhya Pradesh 137 42% 39% 36% 37% 28% 16 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%
Manipur 28 14% 14% 18% 18% 4% 3 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%
Meghalaya 26 62% 31% 42% 46% 35% 3 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%
Mizoram 8 25% 50% 50% 63% 50% 17 47% 29% 29% 12% 18%
Nagaland 14 50% 64% 71% 50% 64% 17 76% 88% 88% 47% 82%
Orissa 227 41% 36% 37% 33% 37% 9 22% 0% 22% 11% 11%
Puducherry 19 74% 74% 68% 47% 37% 0 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%
Punjab 86 33% 16% 20% 15% 13% 0 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%
Rajasthan 157 39% 38% 34% 31% 32% 21 10% 24% 5% 10% 14%
Sikkim 13 69% 62% 62% 77% 62% 5 100% 100% 80% 40% 80%
Tamil Nadu 123 66% 54% 52% 54% 48% 73 71% 67% 55% 59% 59%
Telangana 204 60% 41% 41% 33% 36% 84 36% 40% 20% 23% 12%
Tripura 0 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%
Uttar Pradesh 194 59% 46% 48% 43% 49% 69 57% 62% 51% 55% 68%
Uttarakhand 37 68% 38% 24% 35% 38% 11 36% 45% 36% 55% 27%
West Bengal 146 38% 35% 35% 38% 29% 39 51% 59% 49% 56% 54%
*Top 2 box score

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 Appendix

11. Appendix

States having any of the reprography equipment (printers or scanners or photocopiers)

A. The libraries equipped with reprographic equipment

States & Union Number of Libraries having any equipment-

Sl. No.
Territories libraries covered Printers/Scanners/Photocopiers
1 Andhra Pradesh 311 14%
2 Arunachal Pradesh 23 52%
3 Assam 82 12%
4 Bihar 126 23%
5 Goa 98 19%
6 Gujarat 423 21%
7 Haryana 35 69%
8 Himachal Pradesh 115 20%
9 J&K 56 14%
10 Jharkhand 17 53%
11 Karnataka 637 6%
12 Kerala 208 40%
13 Madhya Pradesh 106 30%
14 Maharashtra 511 35%
15 Manipur 29 24%
16 Meghalaya 22 27%
17 Mizoram 18 50%
18 Nagaland 20 70%
19 Orissa 250 10%
20 Punjab 34 41%
21 Rajasthan 188 20%
22 Sikkim 11 36%
23 Tamil Nadu 522 20%
24 Telangana 298 6%
25 Tripura 14 71%
26 Uttar Pradesh 311 50%
27 Uttarakhand 30 47%
28 West Bengal 389 49%
29 Chandigarh 6 100%
30 Dadra Nagar 3 33%
31 Delhi and NCR 245 30%
32 Puducherry 1 0% (1)
33 Lakshadweep 1 100% (1)

Questionnaires used for the study

This section consists of the questionnaires for public libraries, users of libraries and non-users of libraries.
198
 Appendix

RAJA RAMMOHUN ROY LIBRARY FOUNDATON (Established by Ministry of

Culture, Govt. of India) & IMRB International

Ministry of Culture, Government of India

Questionnaire for Quantitative Survey of LIBRARIES

Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation (RRRLF), an autonomous organization established under the Ministry of Culture,
Government of India, has been identified as a nodal agency for the National Mission on Libraries (NML) vide Notification No.
18-4/2009-Lib (Pt.) dated May 04, 2012. RRRLF is also nominated as technical partner by the NML for conducting quantitative
and qualitative survey of Public Libraries in India. In this connection, IMRB International has been appointed as the agency to
carry out the quantitative and qualitative survey of Public Libraries by RRRLF. The survey data and findings will be used by the
Central Government, Ministry of Culture to strengthen the Public Library system.

In light of this, your Library is being approached by IMRB International, to provide data pertaining to this Library, infrastructure,
resources, services and future requirements.

Your valuable co-operation is requested in making the NML a success.

Instructions:

➢ There are 4 Sections in this questionnaire – it covers basic library information, infrastructure and staffing information,
services and resources for users, future needs and challenges.
➢ Guidance to enter the data is provided with each question.
➢ Certain questions need a marking (tick mark) while in others factual data, or short description of rating may be
provided.
➢ If certain options are not applicable, those can be left blank
➢ Details may be filled up legibly in pen.
➢ This is a Government initiative. Hence clear and most recent information about the Library and services is very much
essential

Name of Librarian /
Head: Mr / Ms / Mrs /
Contact Tel No –
Mobile No -
For any information / clarifications: IMRB International, 105 Pantheon Road, Egmore, Chennai – 600008 INDIA. Tel – 044-42290612 / 500

IMRB International ________________ (local office) 0XXX XXXXXXXX. RRRLF – Kolkata – 033-23373463

199
 Appendix

SECTION A – ABOUT LIBRARY

1 Name of Library

2 Year of Establishment

3 Address & Contact Information

Address :

City/ Town/
Village
District

State

Pin Code

Website
www.
E-mail ID

Telephone No 1

Telephone No 2

Fax

200
 Appendix

4 Which of the following best describes this Library?

Tick One Option
Established by State Government 1
Library run by local body (e.g. Municipality/ 2
Nagarpalika/ Panchayat/ Corporation
Established by Central Govt. 3
Established by Voluntary Organization /NGO 4
Others – specify 5

5 Please select the best categorisation / description for this Library

Tick One
Option
State Central Library 1
District Library 2
Town/ City Library 3
Divisional/ Regional Library 4
Sub-divisional/ Taluka Library 5
Village/ Rural /Panchayat Library 6
Tribal area Library 7
Library of a charitable institution/ NGO 8
Others – specify 9

6 Library operating timings and holiday

a. Working Hours on a normal working day
__________ AM to __________ PM

b. Library timings during partial working days

(IF APPLICABLE) __________ AM to __________ PM
c. The weekly holiday (if any) – indicate the day S M T W T F S
of week
1 2 3 4 5 6 7

201
 Appendix

7 Staffing information for this Library

Full time Part time TOTAL
a. Number of staff in the library 

Men Women TOTAL

b. Number of staff in the library 
(Including full & part-time)

c. Number of professionally qualified staff (those with M.Lib. / B.Lib./ Dip.

Lib / Cert. Lib) 
d. Number of non-professional staff 
e. Voluntary staff (if any) 
f. Total number of staff with basic IT/Computer skills

SECTION B – AMENITIES & BUDGETING

8 Library Infrastructure and Key Amenities

a. Status of ownership of building – is it own, rented or rent free? Please select suitable
option
Tick One Option
Own 1
Rented 2
Rent free 3
b. Does the Library have these amenities / facilities listed below?
Tick against options
where it is available
Drinking water 1
Toilet for gents 2
Toilet for ladies 3
Common toilet 4
Electricity connection 5
Generator back-up 6
Parking for 2 wheelers in premises 7
Parking for cars in premises 8

202
 Appendix

9 Does the library have the following equipment?

Tick against How many of
options where it is them?
available
Photocopier 1 Avg. photocopies per day?
a

b Scanner 2
c Computers – for library users 3
d Computers-for office use 4
e Printer 5
f Internet– for office use 6
g Internet – for library users
Name of the service provider for Internet Connection
h
: ___________________________________________________

Bandwidth for Internet connection (if Internet available) :

i ____________kbps ___________ Mbps

Backup power for computers – is it available Yes, for all 1

j Yes, but for a few 2
No 3

203
 Appendix

If computers are available in Library, please answer Questions 10 to 14b.

10 a. Are any one or more services or operations in the Library computerized?

1. Yes 2. No

 
b. Which of the services or operations are computerized

USER SERVICES √ if a) Any plans for

available computerization in the
next few years?
1 Book search – By Title / Author
Yes No
1 2
2 Availability status of books / b) Which year?
periodicals
3 Book reservation
4 Book issue
5 Book renewal
6 User registration
7 Membership management
8 Online services
LIBRARY OPERATIONS
9 Accounts / finance
10 Cataloguing
11 Administration
12 Acquisition
13 Staff management
14 Payments / invoicing
* Others - specify
* Others - specify
* Others - specify

204
 Appendix

11 What is the name of the software package that is installed for

carrying out the library operations?
Tick all that
apply

1 e-Granthalaya 1
2 Libsys 2
3 Inflibnet 3
4 KOHA 4
Others-
Others-
Others-

12 If computers are available, answer

this question What were the source / sources of funds for computer purchase?
Tick all options that apply
A State Govt. grant 1
B Central Govt. grant 2
C RRRLF grant 3
D Own Library funds 4
E Donations by Indian firm / individual 5
F Donations by overseas firm / individual 6
G Municipal corporation / panchayat grant 7
Other-specify 8
H

13 If Internet facility available, answer What are the source / sources of funds to maintain online services
this question and renew Internet connections?
Tick all options that apply
A State Govt. grant 1
B Central Govt. grant 2
C RRRLF grant 3
D Own Library funds 4
E Donations by Indian private firm / individual 5
F Donations by overseas firm / individual 6
G Municipal corporation / panchayat grant 7
Other-specify 8
H
I NONE 9

205
 Appendix

14A Are all computers functional now? [Tick one option]

Yes-1 No-2 If no, for how long is it non-
functional?
14B If Internet available: Are all Internet connections functional now? [Tick one option]
Yes-1 No-2 If no, for how long is it non-
functional?

Library Budget and Expenditure

15 a. Library budget – what was the approximate budget for the library in the last 3 years?

Year 2014 – 15 2013 – 14 2012 - 13

Amount
(in Rs.)
b. What were the sources of funds for this library in c. What was the contribution of
2013-14 and each?
Please tick all Amount
fund sources that
apply (or specify the % of budget in 2014-15)
1 State Government Grants 1 Rs.
2 Central Government Grants 2 Rs.
3 RRRLF 3 Rs.
4 Private Donations 4 Rs.
5 Library Membership Fees 5 Rs.
6 Donations from firms (CSR schemes 6 Rs.
etc.)
7 Others Rs.

206
 Appendix

16 Which of the following has this library received in kind (i.e., without monetary
consideration)
Pls tick all that
apply

1 Books
2 Periodicals / newspapers
3 Racks / shelves / almirahs
4 Computers / printers / scanners / photocopiers
5 Equipment (generator, Air Conditioner, fans etc.)
6 Building / space to run library
7 Water coolers / fire extinguisher
* Others-specify
* Others-specify
* Others-specify

17 Which of the staff in this library gets salary as per govt. pay scale
for the state?
Pls tick all that apply

1 Librarian / Head
2 Deputy Librarian
3 Asst. Librarian
4 Library Assistant / Tech assistant
5 Semi-skilled staff
6 Other-specify-
7 Other-specify-
8 NONE GETS PAID IN GOVT.
SCALE

207
 Appendix

SECTION C- TRAINING for STAFF

18 Has any staff in the library attended any professional training program in the
last 5 years?
Yes No
1 2

19 If underwent training, which staff had underwent any professional training in

the last 5 years?
Pls tick all that apply

1 Librarian / Head
2 Deputy Librarian
3 Asst. Librarian
4 Library Assistant / Tech assistant
5 Semi-skilled staff
6 Other-specify-
7 Other-specify-
8 Other-specify-
20 If anyone had undergone training, please specify the subjects that were
covered?
Pls tick all that apply

1 Library management
2 Library software usage
3 Computer operations
4 Library automation / digitization
5 Human resources management
Others-specify:
Others-specify:
Others-specify:

208
 Appendix

SECTION D – RESOURCES, MEMBERSHIP & USAGE PROFILES

21 Library resources / collection (indicate numbers for each language)

Indian Local Foreign
English Hindi TOTAL
Language languages
a. No. of books

No of
reference
b.
books [Not
for lending]
Total No. of
c.
periodicals
No. of daily
d. newspapers
received
e. Approximate number of children’s books –

f. Does the library has a weeding out policy for Yes 1

books (please tick suitable option) No 2
g. Number of new books added in 2014-15?

22 Please rank the usage, based on the number of people using the following resources in this library
a Books 
b Periodicals 
c Newspapers
d E-Resources (e-books / Not
9
digital books)  available

e CD/DVD  Not
9
available
f Internet services  Not
9
available

23 Membership details (if providing membership options)

a.Total number of valid registered members as on 31st March 2015
b.Total number of valid registered members as on 31st March 2014
c.Registered members as on date of filling up (Date- )
d.Approximate number of women members
e.Number of members below the age of 18 years
f.Number of physically challenged members

209
 Appendix

24 Library usage information

a. Average no. of visitors/ day as per library records nos
b. No. of visitors in the library at the time of the survey
(IMRB personnel to make note with the help of the __________________ visitors
library staff – please cover all reading rooms/ reference
points/ stack rooms etc.)
at _________ AM / PM
c. Total no. of books issued last year (April 2014 to March nos
2015)
d. Total no. of children’s books issued last year (April nos
2014 to March 2015
e. Busiest day of the week – specify
f. Weekday with least no of visitors - specify

25 Which of these form the highest number of users by age-groups?

Pls tick one option
Upto 18 years 1
19-25 2
26-35 3
35-50 4
51-65 5
66+ 6

26 Classification and Cataloguing of books

a. Are the books in the library classified – please tick suitable Yes 1
option  No 2

b. If classified, what is DDC (Dewey)  1

the system used?
Please tick against CC (Colon)  2
the one followed Any other- pls specify- *

c. Which cataloguing Card Catalogue  1

schemes does the Register forms  2
Library use?
Other – pls specify *

210
 Appendix

27 What all services are provided from the Library?

Tick against options
General Services – offered currently
where it is available
Books Lending 1
Periodicals / magazines - lending 2
Books Reference 3
Services to the Specialty abled groups,
4
children, women, neo - literate
Book reservations 5
SMS alert for members 6
Internet/ Network linkage with other
7
library systems in India
Rare books collection 8
Online catalogue 9
Auditorium/ Meeting rooms 10
Books – home delivery 11
Text books section 12
Microfilms 13
Audio books and Braille 14
CDs/DVDs 15
Bibliographic services 16

Extension Services – in the last 2 years

1.Story telling 17
2.Book exhibitions etc., 18
3.Literary programs / book
19
releases
4.Films/ Documentary
20
screening
5.Community information
services (eg., farming or agri info, weather info 21
etc)
6. Literacy programs 22
7. Lectures / discussions 23
8. Study groups / study circles
24
for exams (eg., civil services / entrance exams)
9. Meet the author programs 25
Any other services – please specify

28 Any other specialized / unique services provided from the Library? Please specify

211
 Appendix

SECTION E – FUTURE NEEDS FOR LIBRARY

29 Your priority for acquiring additional resources. Please rank according to the preference (1-highest
to 8 lowest) Rank the TOP 5
RANK
A Books
B Periodicals
C Newspapers
D E-Resources (e-books / digital books)
E CDs/DVDs collection
F Internet (new connection / improving speed etc.)
G Computerization
H Shelves / racks
I User amenities (toilets/water tables/chairs etc.)

30 Details of immediate requirements of the library (mention briefly)

Type
Infrastructure 1. Code

1 2. Code

Resources 1. Code

2 2. Code

Training 1. Code

3 2. Code

Others 1. Code

4 2. Code

212
 Appendix

31 What are the challenges / difficulties for Library if any? Please specify
1. Code

2.

32 Would the following be helpful to attract more users to this library

Tick suitable options
1. Meet the authors programs 1
2. Discussion on new books 2
3. Literary clubs 3
4. Library outreach centres ( Shopping mall, Railway station etc) 4
5. Information points in shopping malls 5
33 What needs to be done to get more users to come to this Library? Please specify
1.

2.

34 Would the public of this area voluntarily contribute an amount to a development fund for this library
if we (the Library) request them to do so?
Yes No Not sure

1 2 3

Signature of the library in-charge: ______________________________________________________

Name : ______________________________________________________

Name of the Interviewer from IMRB : ________________________

Signature : ________________________

Date : ____________

+++++++++++++++++++

213
 Appendix

Segment LIBRARY USERS (PUBLIC LIBRARY AND COMPETITION)

Name of Respondent: _____________________________________________________________________________________________

Address: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Name of city / town/

village______________________________________________________District_____________________________

State _________________________________________________________Tel: _____________________________________________

Interviewer Name _________________________________________ Dt. Of Int. 1 5

Accompanied Backchecked Scrutinized

P T

TL : 1 TL : 1 5 TL : 1

EIC : 2 EIC : 2 6 EIC : 2

OFE : 3 OFE : 3 7 OFE : 3

FM : 4 FM : 4 8 FM : 4

Interview identified Library users, preferably as they are coming out of the premises / library building. For Public Libraries, the help of staff may
be requested to interview users within premises. For others identify users outside the premises and do interview at a convenient time / place.

Introduce Yourselves and IMRB International: “Good ___________. IMRB, as you may be aware, is the premier market search firm in India. The
projects that we carry out help service providers and manufacturers understand the needs of the customers. This study is being done for RRRLF,
the apex public library institution of the Government. In this survey, we are asking about the library and information services being utilised. We
respect your privacy and hence, your feedback will not be reported individually; it will be clubbed with those of others and then analyzed. We
hope you can spend about a few minutes to go through this questionnaire. Thank you.”

Escort those who consent to a convenient location and carry out the interview.

STATE:
214
 Appendix

Andaman & Nicobar 1 J&K 14 Sikkim 27

Andhra Pradesh 2 Karnataka 15 Tamil Nadu 28

Arunachal Pradesh 3 Kerala 16 Tripura 29

Assam 4 Lakshadweep 17 Uttar Pradesh 30

Bihar 5 Maharashtra 18 Uttarakhand 31

Chandigarh 6 M.P 19 West Bengal 32

Chhattisgarh 7 Manipur 20 Dadra Nagar 33

Daman & Diu 8 Meghalaya 21 Jharkhand 34

Delhi/ NCR 9 Nagaland 22 Mizoram 35

Goa 10 Orissa 23 Telangana 36

Gujarat 11 Puducherry 24

Haryana 12 Punjab 25

H.P 13 Rajasthan 26

CITY TIER T1 T2 T3

1 2 3

AREA URBAN RURAL

1 2

GENDER M F

1 2

MEMBERSHIP MEMBER NON-MEMBER

1 2

SECTION A - QUOTA CONTROL

215
 Appendix

INTERVIEWER TO FILL Q1 & Q2

1. Name of the library where the respondent is contacted

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. Type of library / category [INTERVIEWER TO CODE IN TABLE BELOW]

3. What is your membership status with this library? Are you’re a member or Non-member but visitor-user?
2.Library Type / Category 3.Membership Status

Non-member but
Member
visitor – User

State Central Library 1 1 2

District Library 2 1 2

Public Municipal/ Corporation Library 3 1 2

Library
Sub-district / Taluk Library 4 1 2

Panchayat / Village Library 5 1 2

Voluntary organization / NGO Library 6 1 2

Other-specify 1 2

University Library 7 1 2

Cultural / embassy / mission type Library 8 1 2

Other College/School Library 9 1 2
Library
Private Lending Library 10 1 2

Other-specify-

Don’t know 99

4. Sir / madam, may I record your age please? _______________- years

Upto 18 19-25 26-35 36-45 46-60 61-70 71+

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

5. What best describes your current situation? [SHOW CARD]

216
 Appendix

Student – at school 1

Student – at College / Univ – General 2

Student – at College / Univ – Professional 3

Student – of distance education 4

Student – vocational / diploma course 5

Owner of business 6

Farmer/ Fisherman 7

Officer/executive 8

Clerical / Salesman 9

Petty trader / shop owner 10

Self employed- Professionals 11

Unemployed 12

Retired / Unable to work 13

Stay at home - housewife/homemaker 14

Others

 CHECK QUOTA AND PROCEED FURTHER

SECTION B – LIBRARY USAGE

REFER Q3 – AND ASK Q6,7 FOR MEMBERS ONLY, SKIP FOR NON-MEMBERS

6.
a. Since when are you a member of this library? _________ Years __________ Months

b. Details of the Fee that you pay now

Fee (in Rs) None / Institutional

Not Membership(Paid
charged by company)
by Library
Annual Membership fee 9 10

Refundable deposit 9 10
Other additional fee ( if
any specify) 9 10

Other additional fee ( if

any specify) 9 10

IF MORE THAN 2 YEARS CODED IN Q6A, ASK NEXT QUESTION, ELSE SKIP

217
 Appendix

7. In the last 2 years, how has your usage of Decreased Remained

the Library changed in terms of: [For Increased
same
each option check if increased /
decreased / remained same] a.Number of visits 1 2 3

b. Information availed 1 2 3
through libraries

8. In the next 2 – 3 years, is your usage of this library it likely to? [READ OUT]

Increase Remain same Decrease Don’t Know / Can’t Say

1 2 3 4

9. When did you first use this library? _________ Years back _______ Months back // Specify year _________
10. How many times did you visit this library in the past 2 months? _________ Times
11. Does the Library offer resources like: [READ OUT RESOURCE OPTION FROM TABLE BELOW, ENCIRCLE
ONLY THOSE WHICH RESPONDENT SAYS AVAILABLE]
12. What all do you avail of? [ASK FOR THOSE OPTIONS CODED IN PREVIOUS Question]
13. Which resource do you use the most in this Library? [SINGLE CODING]
14. Which all facilities would you want the library to offer? Here I am referring to the facilities that are NOT available now.
15. For which all facilities would you be willing to pay an additional fee?
RESOURCES Q11 Q12 Availed Q13 Most Used Q14 Q15 Addnl Fee
Offered Desired

Books 1 1 1 1 1

Periodicals / magazines / journals 2 2 2 2 2

Newspapers 3 3 3 3 3

Digital books / e-books 4 4 4 4 4

CDs / DVDs 5 5 5 5 5

Children’s books / magazines 6 6 6 6 6

Online databases 7 7 7 7 7

Internet access 8 8 8 8 8

Dissertations / thesis materials 9 9 9 9 9

None / was doing my own work / own reading 10 10 10 10

Others-specify

Others-specify

16. Does the Library offer services like: [Read out one by one from table below]

218
 Appendix

17. Which of the available services have you availed of in the last one year?
18. Which services do you want the library to offer in future?
SERVICES Q16 Available Q17 Last Year Q18.Want

Yes No Dk/N
A

a) Book renewal facility – telephonic 1 2 3 1 1

b) Book renewal facility – Internet 1 2 3 2 2

c) Book reservations facility – telephonic / 1 2 3 3 3

Internet

d) Events / meetings 1 2 3 4 4

e) Photocopying facilities 1 2 3 5 5

f) Inter-library books loans (access from other 1 2 3 6 6

libraries)

g) Public information 1 2 3 7 7

h) Study groups(Civil services, Examinations – 1 2 3 8 8

School/ College)

i) Wi-fi facility 1 2 3 9 9

j) Children’s program 1 2 3 10 10

k) Film shows 1 2 3 11 11

ASK IF 7 CODED IN Q17

19.
a. What kind of public information services did you avail from the library in the recent past? [SHOW CARD]
ASK ALL
b. What are some of the useful public information services that you would expect the library to provide? [SHOW
CARD]

INFO SERVICES a) b)
Weather conditions / climate 01 01
Ocean / sea conditions 02 02
Agriculture / farming 03 03
Work related 04 04
Filling forms – Govt services 05 05
Employment information 06 06
Information on banking / loans 07 07
Payment facility (Electricity, Phone, Water, Tax) 08 08
Others specify

Other specify

None 99

219
 Appendix

20. Which all languages are you comfortable to read?

21. Which language resource do you use the most from this library?
Q20 Q21

English 1 1

Other – regional languages 2 2

22. From this list can you choose [SHOW CARD] - the subject area for which you use the library the most [SINGLE CODING
ONLY]

SUBJECT SUBJECT
1 Fiction / novels 14
Agriculture / farming / fisheries
Architecture / Design 2 History / Geography 15

Education 3 Philosophy 16

Engineering & Technology 4 Self-Development 17

Information Tecy / Computer Science 5 Politics / current affairs 18

Law 6 Psychology 19

Literature – English 7 Recreation 20

Literature – other language 8 Religion 21

Management / business 9 Science / Mathematics 22

Medicine 10 Sociology 23

Veterinary Sciences 11 Sports/games 24

Commerce / Accountancy 12 Other – Specify 25

Economics 13 Other – Specify 26

Others specify :1.

___________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

220
 Appendix

SECTION C – USAGE FEEDBACK

23.
a. Looking back, can you tell me the primary reason for using this library? [DO NOT PROMPT, POST CODE]

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

b. On which of these have you been benefited on? [SHOW CARD- FOCUS ON OPTIONS THAT WERE NOT
MENTIONED EARLIER]
a b

1 1
Self / Personality / skill development
Educational / learning 2 2

Prepare for competitive examination 3 3

4 4
Build general knowledge
5 5
For reading – in general
6 6
Improve English language skills
7 7
Get information on employment
8 8
For leisure / Socializing / Good quality time pass
Participate in events / lectures 9 9

Access Internet 10 10

Accompanying children 11

Other – Specify * *

24. To what extent has the relationship with Library fulfilled the needs for which you avail it’s services. Would you say it is Not
fulfilled, somewhat fulfilled or completely fulfilled?

Not Fulfilled Somewhat Fulfilled Completely Fulfilled Not Sure

1 2 3 4

25. Based on your experience, how would you rate the quality of services offered by this Library? Would you say that it is:

Excellent Very Good Good Fair Poor

1 2 3 4 5

26. If the service provided by this Library was not available in this city, will you consider it as:

A little Not a loss at Don’t Know / Can’t

A major loss
loss all Say

1 2 3 9

221
 Appendix

27. Considering your experiences with the Library, please rate the quality of its services on the parameters that I would indicate
now [SHOW CARD] [ROTATE ORDER BY CATEGORIES]

Not Don’t
Very Poo
Excellent Good Fair Used / Know /
Good r
NA Cant Say

RESOURCES

Quality of books (in your area of interest) 5 4 3 2 1 8 9

Quality of periodicals (in your area of interest) 5 4 3 2 1 8 9

Adequacy of books / periodicals in your area of

5 4 3 2 1 8 9
interest

Quality of DVD/CD collection (if available) 5 4 3 2 1 8 9

New books availability 5 4 3 2 1 8 9

e-books / digital books (if available) 5 4 3 2 1 8 9

Overall – Resources 5 4 3 2 1 8 9

LIBRARY SERVICES

Book reservations facility 5 4 3 2 1 8 9

Photocopying facilities 5 4 3 2 1 8 9

Inter-library books loans (access from other

5 4 3 2 1 8 9
libraries)

Ease of finding books in library 5 4 3 2 1 8 9

Events / meetings / workshops (if any) 5 4 3 2 1 8

Overall – Library Services 5 4 3 2 1 8 9

STAFF

Helpfulness of library staff 5 4 3 2 1 8 9

Knowledge of library staff 5 4 3 2 1 8 9

Overall – Staff 5 4 3 2 1 8 9

ONLINE ACCESS (ask if available)

Speed of Internet access 5 4 3 2 1 8 9

Availability of computer terminals 5 4 3 2 1 8 9

Access to online databases 5 4 3 2 1 8 9

Overall – Online Access 5 4 3 2 1 8 9

222
 Appendix

FACILITIES

Parking facility 5 4 3 2 1 8 9

Toilets / washrooms 5 4 3 2 1 8 9

Noiseless Environment 5 4 3 1 8 9
2
Convenience of library timing 5 4 3 2 1 8 9

Location of library 5 4 3 2 1 8 9

Ambience inside library 5 4 3 2 1 8 9

Space in library 5 4 3 2 1 8 9

Seating comfort 5 4 3 2 1 8 9

Overall – Facilities 5 4 3 2 1 8 9

28. What would you like to highlight as 2 points for improvements in this Library? [USE CODE FROM Q27]

1. _______________________________________________________________________________________CODE: _________

2. _______________________________________________________________________________________CODE: _________

29. How likely would you be to recommend this Library if someone asked your advice on library memberships? Would it be:

Extremely Somewhat Not at all DK /

Very Likely NA
Likely Likely likely Refused

4 3 2 1 8 9

30. [For members] Would you be interested to renew the membership in this library once it is due? // [For non-members] Would
you be interested to take up membership in this library?

Yes No

1 2

223
 Appendix

SECTION D – FOR PUBLIC LIBRARY USERS ONLY

ADMINISTER THIS SECTION ONLY FOR THOSE CODED ANY OPTION 1 to 6 in Q2, ELSE SKIP TO NEXT

31. What type of resources would you like to see more in this library?

Resources Required
Materials for competitive exams 1
Text books and study resources 2
Novels / stories 3
Spiritual materials 4
Arts/History/Economics 5
Magazines 6
Health related 7
Internet access 8
CD/DVD 9
Business / management 10
Farming / agri / fishing 11
Any other-specify *
Any other-specify *

32. If public libraries charge a nominal annual membership fee, how likely are you to continue your membership?
Extremely Somewhat Not at all Not sure
Very Likely
Likely Likely likely

4 3 2 1 9

SECTION E – COMPETING LIBRARY USERS

ASK THIS SECTION ONLY FOR THOSE CODED ANY OPTION 7 to 11 in Q2 (NON-PUBLIC LIBRARY USERS), ELSE SKIP TO
NEXT SECTION

33. There are public / Government library facilities in this city. Have you used any of them in the last one year?

Yes No

1 2

SKIP TO Q ASK NEXT QUESTION

224
 Appendix

34. What would be the reason for non-usage? [SHOW CARD]

REASONS

Books & periodicals I need not available 1

Shortage of text books 2

Books are old 3

No e-books / digital books 4

DVD/CD collection – not available / insufficient 5

More local language books / periodicals needed 6

Books of foreign authors are not there 7

Facilities are inadequate 8

Not modern 9

Internet not sufficient / non online access 10

Events / programs – not available / insufficient 11

Being a Government / public facility 12

Never been to a public library 13

Ambience not good 14

Not in an accessible place 15

Don’t know where it is 16

Using other better libraries 17

Other-specify

Other-specify

35. Do you have plans to become a member of any public library in the near future?

Yes May be No

1 2 3

225
 Appendix

SECTION F – NEW INITIATIVES (ASK ALL)

READ OUT: Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India has set up National Mission on Libraries which intends to develop the public library
system in India. One of the initiatives planned by the ministry is to collect a nominal voluntary amount from the public, which will be
used to improve the infrastructure and resources for the public library in our area.

36.
a. Would you be willing to voluntarily contribute an amount to a development fund for public library in your area?
Extremely Likely Very Likely Somewhat Likely Not likely at all Not sure

4 3 2 1 9

IF 2 OR 3 OR 4 CODED THEN ASK

b. What would be the approximate amount that you would be willing to spend as one time contribution?
Rs.____________

READ OUT: Public libraries plan to computerize their setup and offer online services to public. This will provide facility for online
access of e-books & journals through any devices such as computers, laptop, tablet or mobile phone.

37. If such a service is available for a nominal amount, how likely are you to take a membership for online services?

Extremely Somewhat Not likely at Not sure

Very Likely
Likely Likely all

4 3 2 1 9

c. How much would you be willing to pay for annual subscription for online membership? Rs. ________________ per year

38. Would it be useful to you if libraries:

Useful Not sure Not Useful

1 2 3
Conduct meet the author programs
Have literary clubs (discuss literature/poems) 1 2 3

Conduct discussions on new books 1 2 3

Conduct talks on topics such as health, career, jobs etc 1 2 3

39. If public libraries plan to provide service access points in public areas such as shopping malls, railway stations, metro stations to
use their books & other services. Will such an initiative be useful for you?

Yes No Not sure

1 2 9

226
 Appendix

SECTION F - CLASSIFICATION QUESTIONS

40. Can you specify the other information

resources you use currently? 1
Libraries - others
Internet 2

Resources at workplace / educational institutions 3

External training programs 4

Online databases / e-books 5

Newspapers / Magazines 6

TV/ Radio programs 7

Other – Specify

____________ month’s back // _________ days back

41. When was the previous visit to this
library?

42. When was your last visit to any other

library?
____________ month’s back // _________ days back
43. How far is this library from your home
/ place of stay?
___________ Kms
44. When do you normally visit the library? Weekdays 1 Weekends 2
Is it on:

45. Do you own Tablet Smart phone Internet at

PC Laptop
home

1 2 3 4 5

46. Approximate Monthly Household

Income – of all earning members in Upto 10000 10001-25000 25000-50000 50000-99,999 1 Lac +
your family. (in Rs.)
1 2 3 4 5

227
 Appendix

Segment QUESTIONNAIRE – B (NON USERS)

Name of Respondent:

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

Address:

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

______

Name of city / town /

village__________________________________________________________District_______________________________

State __________________________________________________________Tel:

__________________________________________________

Interviewer Name _________________________________________ Dt. Of Int. 1 5

Accompanied Backchecked Scrutinized

P T

TL : 1 TL : 1 5 TL : 1

EIC : 2 EIC : 2 6 EIC : 2

OFE : 3 OFE : 3 7 OFE : 3

FM : 4 FM : 4 8 FM : 4

Interview identified Library users, preferably as they are coming out of the premises / library building. For Public Libraries, the help of staff
may be requested to interview users within premises. For others identify users outside the premises and do interview at a convenient time /
place

Introduce Yourselves and IMRB International: “Good ___________. IMRB, as you may be aware, is the premier market search firm in India.
The projects that we carry out help service providers and manufacturers understand the needs of the customers. This study is being done
for RRRLF, the apex public library institution of the Government. In this survey, we are asking about the library and information services
being utilised. We respect your privacy and hence, your feedback will not be reported individually; it will be clubbed with those of others and
STATE:
then analyzed. We hope you can spend about a few minutes to go through this questionnaire. Thank you.”

Andamanlocation
Escort those who consent to a convenient & Nicobar
and carry1 out the
J&Kinterview. 14 Sikkim 27

Andhra Pradesh 2 Karnataka 15 Tamil Nadu 28

228
 Appendix

Arunachal Pradesh 3 Kerala 16 Tripura 29

Assam 4 Lakshadweep 17 Uttar Pradesh 30

Bihar 5 Maharashtra 18 Uttarakhand 31

Chandigarh 6 M.P 19 West Bengal 32

Chhattisgarh 7 Manipur 20 Dadra Nagar 33

Daman & Diu 8 Meghalaya 21 Jharkhand 34

Delhi/ NCR 9 Nagaland 22 Mizoram 35

Goa 10 Orissa 23 Telangana 36

Gujarat 11 Puducherry 24

Haryana 12 Punjab 25

H.P 13 Rajasthan 26

AREA URBAN RURAL

1 2

CITY T1 T2 T3
TIER
1 2 3

GENDER M F

1 2

SECTION A - SCREENER

1.
a. Are you currently a member of any private or public library?

229
 Appendix

Yes No

1 2

b. Have you visited or utilized any services from any private or public library in the last 1 year? [SHOW CARD]

Yes No

1 2

PROCEED ONLY IF NO CODED IN Q1a AND Q1b ELSE ADMINISTER USER QUESTIONNAIRE

2. What best describes your current situation? [SHOW CARD]

Student – at school 1

Student – at College / Univ – General 2

Student – at College / Univ – Professional 3

Student – of distance education 4

Student – vocational / diploma course 5

Owner of business 6

Farmer 7

Officer/executive 8

Clerical / Salesman 9

Petty trader / shop owner 10

Self employed- Professionals 11

Unemployed 12

Retired / Unable to work 13

Stay at home - housewife/homemaker 14

Others

3. Sir / madam, may I record your age please? _______________ years ago

Upto 18 19-25 26-35 36-45 46-60 61-70 71+

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

 CHECK QUOTA AND PROCEED FURTHER

SECTION B – REASONS FOR NON-USAGE

REF Q2 AND ASK ALL QUESTIONS IN THE SECTION WITH RESPECT TO LIBRARY MOST USED

230
 Appendix

4. Is there any public library near to the place you currently live?

Yes No Don’t know

1 2 9

5. Have you ever visited a public library before?

Yes No Don’t know

1 2 9

IF YES
a. When was the last time did you visit a public library? _______ Yrs before

6. Considering your current situation, how relevant is a library for various self – development needs that you have?

Not Relevant Relevant

1 2

7. Currently what are the various alternative sources that you access for information/ knowledge?

o1
E-books
Other online resources 02

03
Own books
CDs/DVDs 04

Resources at workplace / educational institutions 05

External training programs 06

Newspapers / Magazines 07

TV/ Radio programs 08

Others specify

None 99

8. What are the reasons for NOT using any library currently for pursuing any of your information needs? [SHOW CARD, POST
CODE]

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

231
 Appendix

REASONS

I don’t read / don’t enjoy reading 1

Busy / No time for library 2

Library timings are inconvenient 3

Books I need are not available 4

I refer Internet for information 5

Don’t know where it is 6

Don’t know how to use library 7

It is far away from where I live 8

I have books at home 9

Use resources in my office/college/school 10

Other-specify

Other-specify

SECTION C – NEEDS & EXPECTATIONS

I WOULD LIKE TO UNDERSTAND YOUR IMPRESSION ABOUT IDEAL PUBLIC LIBRARY AND NEEDS &
EXPECTATIONS FROM IT

9.
a. What are the resources that a public library should ideally offer for the general public? [DO NOT PROMPT, POST
CODE]
______________________________________________________________________________________________

b. Would you also need [READ OUT REMAINING OPTION FROM TABLE BELOW]

10. Which of these resources, if offered, will make you use a public library? [SHOW CARD]

RESOURCES Q9a Q9b Q:10

232
 Appendix

Books 01 01 01

Periodicals / magazines / 02 02 02
journals
Newspapers 03 03 03

Digital books / e-books 04 04 04

CDs / DVDs 05 05 05

Children’s books / magazines 06 06 06

Online databases 07 07 07

Internet access 08 08 08

Dissertations / thesis 09 09 09
materials
Children’s books 10 10 10

Wi-fi 11 11 11

Remote online access of 12 12 12

books
Others-specify

Others-specify

11. If at all you were to access a public library, which of these services would you desire? [SHOW CARD]

SERVICES
Book renewal facility – telephonic 01
Book renewal facility – Internet 02
Book reservations facility – Online/ Telephonic 03
Events / meetings 04
Photocopying facilities 05
Inter-library books loans (access from other libraries) 06
Weather conditions / climate 07
Ocean / sea conditions 08
Agriculture / farming 09
Work related 10
Filling forms – Govt services 11
Employment information 12
Information on banking / loans 13
Payment facility (Electricity, Phone, Water, Tax) 14
Others specify

Others specify

12. Which languages are you comfortable to read?

233
 Appendix

13. Which language resource do you want the library to provide?

Q12 Q13

English 1 1

Other – regional languages 2 2

14. Which subject areas would you want the library to offer? [SHOW CARD]

SUBJECT SUBJECT
1 Fiction / novels 14
Agriculture / farming / fisheries
Architecture / Design 2 History / Geography 15

Education 3 Philosophy 16

Engineering & Technology 4 Self-Development 17

Information Technology / Comp. Science 5 Politics / current affairs 18

Law 6 Psychology 19

Literature – English 7 Recreation 20

Literature – other language 8 Religion 21

Management / business 9 Science / Mathematics 22

Medicine 10 Sociology 23

Veterinary Sciences 11 Sports/games 24

Commerce / Accountancy 12 Other – Specify 25

Economics 13 Other – Specify 26

Others specify :
___________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

15. How interested would you be to use the services of a library in the next one year?

Very interested Somewhat interested Not interested

1 2 3

16. Would you be interested to visit a library if it conducts:

234
 Appendix

Will visit Not sure Will not visit

1 2 3
Meet-the-author programs
Literary clubs (discuss literature/poems) 1 2 3

Discussions on new books 1 2 3

Talks on topics such as health, career, jobs etc 1 2 3

SECTION D – NEW INITIATIVES (ASK ALL)

READ OUT: Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India has set up National Mission on Libraries which intends to develop the public library
system in India. One of the initiatives planned by the ministry is to collect a nominal voluntary amount from the public, which will be
used to improve the infrastructure and resources for the public library in our area.

17.
c. Would you be willing to voluntarily contribute an amount to a development fund for public library in your area?
Extremely Somewhat Not likely at Not sure
Very Likely
Likely Likely all

4 3 2 1 9

IF 2 OR 3 OR 4 CODED THEN ASK

d. What would be the approximate amount that you would be willing to spend as one time contribution?

Rs.____________

READ OUT: Public libraries plan to computerize their setup and offer online services to public. This will provide facility for remote
online access of e-books & journals through any devices such as computers, laptop, tablet or mobile phone.
18. If such a service is available for a nominal amount, how likely are you to take a membership for online services?

Extremely Somewhat Not likely at Not sure

Very Likely
Likely Likely all

4 3 2 1 9

a. How much would you be willing to pay for annual subscription for online membership? Rs. ________________ per year

19. If public libraries plan to provide service access points in public areas such as shopping malls, railway stations, metro stations to
use their books & other services. Will such an initiative be useful for you?

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Yes No Not sure

1 2 9

SECTION E - CLASSIFICATION QUESTIONS

20. Do you own ?

Tablet Smart phone Internet at
PC Laptop
home

1 2 3 4 5

21. Approximate Monthly Household

Income – of all earning members in your
Upto 10000 10001-25000 25000-50000 50000 -99,999 > 1 lakh
family. (in Rs.)
1 2 3 4 5

THANK & TERMINATE

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Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation

National Mission on Libraries

CALL FOR PROPOSALS

On
Qualitative and Quantitative Survey of Public Libraries in India

May 26, 2014

1 Call for proposal .......................................................................................................................... 238

2 Context for the Survey ................................................................................................................ 239
3 Quantitative and Qualitative Survey ........................................................................................... 239
4 The RRRLF’s views on the Qualitative survey ............................................................................. 241
5 The potential users of the outputs of the Survey ........................................................................ 242
Annex I ............................................................................................................................................... 243

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 Appendix

Call for proposal

Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation (RRRLF), an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Culture,
Government of India, hereby invite submit detailed proposal for carrying out the qualitative and quantitative
surveys of public libraries in India, from agencies shortlisted from among the ones who had submitted
expression of interest in response to our advertisement.

To help you prepare the detailed proposal, we give below some more details on the project. We also offer
below our preliminary thoughts on the preferred research design. The proposal should be limited to not more
than eight pages (excluding the enclosures mentioned below) and should include:

• Technical Bid

1 A brief explanation to show why your organization is appropriate to undertake this work
including reference to any other relevant work that you have carried out.
2 A description of how you propose to carry out this work, including the anticipated research
methods, how you would deploy your research resources to conduct the work, how you
anticipate ensuring that relevant public library planning and management expertise is tapped
during the research, what major problems (if any) you anticipate in carrying out the work and
how you would expect to overcome such problems.
3 Suggestions on improvement of the annexed questionnaire.
4 An assurance that surveys will be conducted by surveyors who are conversant with the
respective local languages.
5 An indication of how you would expect to report on this work.
6 A list of questions, if any, that you would like resolved before being invited to undertake this
work.
7 Short CV of the official who would be leading the project.

• Financial Bid

1 An itemized presentation of the costs of carrying out this work.

• Enclosures

1 Complete set of audited accounts for last 3 years.

2 Name and contact details of persons in organizations where you have undertaken similar work,
in case we need to consult them.
3 CVs of key officials who would be associated with the project (if the provisional project team
has already been chosen).

❖ Note: The technical spec and financial bid needs to be submitted together in separate sealed envelope.

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 Appendix

1.2 Shortlisting timetable

- Proposals in the form outlined above should be submitted by 5pm on 9th June 2014 or by two weeks
from the date of this letter whichever is earliest.
- A 30 minute face to face session with the selection panel which shall include a 15 minute presentation
and another 15 minute Q&A session.
- The successful agency and the unsuccessful agencies will be informed of the decision within 5 working
days.
- In case the financial bid of any agency is not opened, it will be returned to the agency.

1.3 Selection criteria

Selection of the vendor will be based on the proposal, especially the technical bid, the presentation and the
follow up discussion and the financial bid.

2 Context for the Survey

National Mission on Libraries i.e. High Level Committee has been set up by Ministry of Culture, Government of
India, in pursuance of National Knowledge Commission recommendations for sustained attention for
development of Libraries and Information Science Sector. Consequently the National Mission on Libraries has
decided to implement the following four projects:

- Creation of National Virtual Library of India (NVLI)

- Modernisation of several existing public libraries in all states to act as model public libraries
- Quantitative & Qualitative Survey of Libraries
- Capacity Building

It is in this context the RRRLF, on behalf of the NML, is commissioning the surveys.

3 Quantitative and Qualitative Survey

3.1. Quantitative Survey

The Quantitative Survey is expected to show the current status of public library system in the country
which will also help in the creation of a public library database. This sample survey will collect
information on various aspects of the libraries, such as infrastructure, staff, services, usage, collection

239
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etc. Such information will be collected using a questionnaire and the surveyor visiting and talking with
the library-in-charge.

Qualitative Survey

The Qualitative Survey is expected to reveal the strengths and weaknesses of the existing public
libraries and the perception of citizens towards public libraries. By surveying a cross section of the
public, both library users and non-users, it is expected that answers to questions such as the following
would elicited:

1. How satisfied the users are with the services the public libraries offer?,
2. What services and facilities people use most/least?
3. How often they visit the libraries?
4. Which other libraries they use?
5. What needs to be done to make public libraries more useful to the community?
6. What needs to be done to make public libraries more welcoming?
7. Why a large section of the public does not use public libraries?
8. What actions need to be taken to convert “such non-users” to “users”?

3.3. The Samples

The sample of 5,000 public libraries for quantitative survey to be included from different States and Union
Territories where the following suggestive libraries should exist:

▪ All State central libraries(29),

▪ All District libraries (656),
▪ 1,000 city/town/ Divisional / Regional libraries
▪ 2,915 rural/semi urban / Sub-divisional/Taluka libraries
▪ 300 libraries being run by NGOs,
▪ 100 tribal area libraries: 25 each in Eastern, Southern, Western and Southern regions

A total of 7,000 representative samples drawn for qualitative survey from different States and Union Territories
(at least 100 per state / U.T.), representing all sections of the public, as indicated below:

• Students ( school students, college students, university students, students of professional courses and
vocational courses, students of distance education etc)
• Professionals
• Children
• Housewives
• Senior citizens
• Unemployed
• Self employed
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 Appendix

• Physically challenged persons

The agency to finalize the composition of the sample in consultation with RRRLF and any change to this agreed
composition will be made only after discussions with RRRLF.

3. 4.Survey format

The agency to discuss and agree the format of the survey and methodology to be used with RRRLF. The agency
will administer the questionnaire for quantitative survey after visiting each library selected for the purpose, and
talking it through the library-in-charge. The qualitative survey will be conducted by face to face interviews. The
agency may adopt a combination of individual interviews and group interviews.

3. 5. Survey instruments

The agency to discuss and agree the instruments to be employed in the survey with RRRLF. A draft
questionnaire for quantitative survey is annexed for reference.

3. 6.Timeline and milestones

To complete the work in ten months after the award of the project. The agency will agree to the milestones to
be established in consultation with RRRLF.

3. 6.Survey outputs

The agency to analyze the survey data as per RRRLF requirements, and to submit a draft report first. In the final
version of the report, the agency to incorporate suggestions made by RRRLF on the draft report.

The agency has to submit the raw data in digital form in a format agreed with RRRLF.

4 The RRRLF’s views on the Qualitative survey

Although it is expected that the market research agency would propose its own program of research to conduct
the work, it may be useful to outline some of our expectations.

We envisage that the research to be commissioned will entail:

1 A face-to-face interview of public library users in each of the public library catchment areas covered by
this project
2 A face-to-face interview of non-public library users in each of the public library catchment areas
covered by this project.
241
 Appendix

3 A face-to-face interview of public library users who have used computers provided in public libraries for
their own purposes.
4 In-depth conversations with a range of people in local communities in all/most of the catchment areas
of the public libraries engaged in this project.
5 The survey sample should include minority and socially-excluded groups.
6. The agency may interview people individually or in groups.

Turning to the question areas, we envisage that these are likely to include:

- General population
- Library users
- Library non-users
- Library staff and managers
- Local communities in the vicinity of libraries

For the survey of users and non-users of public libraries and its services within the public libraries, a large
enough sample of respondents will be required in each geography to adequately represent the range of library
users and non-users (by gender and age as well as by such dimensions as rural/urban; broad occupational
categories; and broad education levels) to reflect the overall patterns of use in each geography and the
information-related behavior of the range of respondents.

5 The potential users of the outputs of the Survey

It is envisaged that outputs of the survey would be used by the following stakeholders for planning and
enhancing library services in the changing context of the Indian society:

- National policy-makers responsible for framing public library related policy, including the Board of
RRRLF, the Ministry of Culture and the Departments interested in partnering in public library
program
- State leaders and administrators responsible for rolling out of public library services to citizens
- Local library authorities and local administrators responsible for overseeing and implementing
library services to citizens
- Library staff and professional organizations involved in planning, partnering and promoting library
services to citizens
- Funding and partner-based organizations who are interested in supporting the development and
enhancement of public library program in India.

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 Appendix

Annex I

Questionnaire for Quantitative Survey

1 Name of the Library:……………………………………………………………………………….. Year
of establishment:…………………
2 Address

Town/Village :…………………………………….. ……………PO.

……………………………………………………………………

District : ………………………………………………..State……………………………
…………………………………..

Pin Code : ……………………………………. Telephone No.:……………………………………...

E-Mail ID : ……………………………………. ………………………………..Website:…………………………

3 Type of the Library: ( Tick the appropriate answer)

3.1 Established and fully funded by State Government ( )

3.2 Library run by Voluntary Organization : Govt. aided ( )

3.3 Library run by Voluntary Organization : Non-aided ( )

3.4 Library run by local body(e.g. Municipality/Nagarpalika/ Panchayat/Corporation) ( )

3.5 Any other type (specify) ………………………………………………………………………………………………..

4 Status of the Library (Tick the appropriate answer)
4.1 State Central library ( ) 4.5 Sub-divisional/Taluka library ( )

4.2 District library ( ) 4.6 Village/Rural library ( )

4.3 Town /City library ( ) 4.7 Tribal area library ( )

4.4 Divisional / Regional library ( ) 4.8 Others (specify)………………………………………

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 Appendix

5 Infrastructure (Tick the appropriate answer):

Own ( ) Rented ( ) Rent free ( )

5.1 Total area (in square metres): : …………………………..

5.2.1 Number of reading seats : ……………………………

5.2.2 Number of computer terminals for users : ……………………………

5.3 Availability of basic amenities: (Tick the appropriate answer):

Potable drinking water: Yes ( ) No ( ) Electricity: Yes ( ) No ( )

Toilets: Yes ( ) No ( ) Parking: Yes ( ) No ( )

Generators Yes ( ) No ( )

6 Staffing (Tick the appropriate answer)

6.1 Number of staff in the library : Men …………. Women : ………… Total :……………….

6.2 Total number of staff : Full time ……….. Part time …………….

6.3. Number of professionally qualified staff : Men ………… Women : ………… Total :……………

6.4 Number of non-professional staff : Men …………. Women : ………… Total :……………

6.5 Total number of staff with basic IT skills : ………………….

6.6 Voluntary Staff (if any) : Men …………. Women : ………… Total :……………

6.7 Salary structure of the library staff:

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 Appendix

7 Library timing and Holiday

7.1 Library Timings: …………….

7.2 Weekly Holidays (please specify) ………………..

8 Membership details

8.1 Total number of valid registered members as on 31 March 2013: ---------------------

8.2 Approximate number of women members :…………………….

8.3 Number of physically challenged members; ……………………..

8.4 Number of members below the age of 18: ……………………

8.5 Average number of daily visitors: ………………………….

9 Library collection: (as on 31 march 2013)

English Hindi Local Language Others ( specify)

9.1 Total Number of Books

:

9.2 Total Number of

Periodicals

9.3 Number of Daily

newspapers received

9.4 Approximate number of childrens’ books :……………………………..

Whether the library has a weeding out policy : Yes( ) No( )

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10 Does the library have any of the following facilities ? (Tick the appropriate answer)

10.1 Photocopier: YES ( ) NO ( ), if “ YES” how many ……………….. 10.1.1

Average number of copies per day:………………

10.2 Computer: YES ( ) NO ( ), if “ YES” how many ………………..

10.3 Printer: YES ( ) NO ( ), if “ YES” how many ………………..

10.4 Internet connection: YES ( ) NO ( ), if “ YES” ,

Name of the service provider ………………………….and bandwidth …………………………………………..

11 Library usage

11.1 Average number of visitors per day as per library records : ………………………

11.2 Number of visitors in the library at the time of the survey………………………

specify time of visit ……………………………AM ( ) or PM ( )

11.3 Total number of books issued last year (April 2012 to March 2013):………………….

11.4 Total number of childrens’ books issued last year (April 2012 to March
2013):………………….

11.5 Usage pattern of various resources

Books: Low ( ) Medium ( ) High ( )

Periodicals: Low ( ) Medium ( ) High ( )
Newspapers: Low ( ) Medium ( ) High ( )
E-Resources: Low ( ) Medium ( ) High ( )

11.6 Your priority for acquiring additional resources:

Resources Preference (1 or 2 or 3 or 4) Enter

Preference Number
1= Highest; 4= Lowest

Book

Periodicals

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 Appendix

Newspapers

E-Resources

12 Library budget :

12.1 Approximate budget for the last 3 years

Year 2012-13 2011-12 2010-11

Amount

12.2 Main source of funds:

Source Amount

a) Government Grants

b) Donations

c) Membership Fees

d) Others

13 Classification and Cataloguing

(a)
13.1 Are the books in the library classified? YES ( ) NO ( ), if “ YES” , the system
used

DDC ( ) Any other ( ), please specify

……………………………………………………………………

13.2 Does the library maintain a Catalogue of its collection? ? YES ( ) NO ( ), if “ YES”
,

Type of catalogue: Computerised catalogue ( ) Card catalogue ( ) Register form (

)

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14. Library Services:

Type of Service Yes / No

(i) Lending

(ii) Reference

(iii) Services to the Specially abled groups,

children, women, neo-literate

(iv) Computer and Internet

(v) Extension Services

(a) Story telling

(b) Book exhibitions etc.

(c) Literary Programmes

(d) Films / Documentary screening

(e) Community Information services

14 (f) Any other service:

15. (a) Immediate requirements of the library:

Type Details

Infrastructure

Resources

Training

Others

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 Appendix

16. Challenges :

Date ……………………… Signature of the library in charge

with name & seal

Name and signature of the surveyor ……………………………………………… ……………… ………………

249