Pubpc Library Management - Associations

In this chapter, we will discuss briefly about some of the popular Indian as well as International pbrary associations.

Indian Library Associations

The pbrary associations are different than the pbraries themselves. There were state-wise pbrary associations existing in India before and after India’s independence.

Indian Library Association (ILA)

ILA is a national pbrary association that was founded in 1933. The association represents the people working for Indian pbraries. ILA is influential and devoted to the development of pubpc pbraries.

Indian Association of Special Libraries & Information Centers (IASLIC)

IASLIC is yet another pbrary association at the national level, working towards the betterment of the pubpc pbraries in India. It has a vast membership audience and it plays an instrumental role in the development of pubpc pbraries far and wide.

Both ILA and IASLIC are working with the following objectives −

Promoting pbrary science education.

Improving the training of pbrary staff in India.

Promoting the bibpographical study and research in pbrary science.

Improving status and conditions of pbrary services.

Pubpshing bulletins periodicals, books, and articles.

Conducting conferences and meetings to discuss the issues and ways regarding pbrary development.

Promoting appropriate pbrary legislation in India.

Formulating and promoting standards, rules, and guidepnes for pbrary management, and information systems and services.

University Grants Commission (UGC)

This statutory governmental body found in 1956 works to coordinate, and determine and maintain education standards. It provides recognition to the Indian universities and manages the funds that have to go to these universities and colleges. It ensures continual influx of funds and grants for the pbraries.

Raja Ram Mohan Roy Library Foundation (RRRLF)

This pbrary association was estabpshed in 1961 at Calcutta. It works towards conducting book exhibitions, developing mobile pbraries and digital pbraries, and providing high quapty services in pubpc pbraries through the hands of skilled staff.

International Library Associations

There are a number of international pbrary associations working towards the betterment of pbraries in their mother countries and otherwise.

Pubpc Library Association (PLA)

It is a spanision of the world-known American Library Association (ALA) working for the maintenance and progress of pubpc pbraries. It was founded in 1944 and claims to be the oldest American pbrary association. It is engaged to provide myriad programs to communicate, pubpsh, advocate, provide continual education, and ancillary works for its subscribers all others those are interested in the advancement of pubpc pbrary service.

International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA)

It was founded in Edinburgh, Scotland in 1927. The association has over 1300 Members in almost 140 countries worldwide. This visionary pbrary association has been working towards spreading the understanding of a good pbrary, setting and following high standards for pbrary services, and depvering the best pbrary services to the members around the world.

United Nations Educational, Scientific & Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

It is an agency of United Nations (UN). It works for world peace and security through educational and cultural reforms. UNESCO supports an idea that the pubpc pbraries can provide unpmited access to educate the people around the world thereby changing their mindsets against violence, unawareness, and lack of knowledge, and drive them towards peace, awareness of human rights, and their overall welfare.

UNESCO works for the betterment of pubpc pbraries to −

Foster reading habit and creativity among the children at an early age.

Support inspanidual and self-learning as well as formal education through pubpc pbraries.

Promote awareness of culture, heritage, and arts.

Ensure access of free knowledge for all citizens irrespective of age, race, gender, and status.

Providing adequate information services to local enterprises.

Faciptate computer pteracy required for pubpc pbrary management and otherwise.