Emerging Role of Public Libraries

Library Herald Year : 2014, Volume : 52, Issue : 4 First page : ( 295) Last page : ( 302) Print ISSN : 0024-2292. Online ISSN : 0976-2469. Article DOI : 10.5958/0976-2469.2014.01410.9

Emerging Role of Public Libraries

Dutta Kala Anjan Library Directory, American Library, 24 Kasturba Gandhi Marg, New Delhi-110001. *Prof P N Kaula Memorial Lecture delivered in Ranganathan Bhawan, Delhi Library Association, Naraina Vihar, New Delhi-110028 on 8th November 2014.

Abstract Discusses the future role of public libraries, current trends, libraries in transition; need for their emerging as community cultural centres, becoming the third space for citizens of the world, the first being the home and the second the workplace of people. Librarians as part of the creative class need to take up the role of cultural entrepreneurs, offering educational and cultural programmes, besides information services for a cross section of people from all walks of life. The public library besides being a physical space also needs to be at a virtual space by adapting to new communication technologies and offering digital information. They need to continue to evolve as their communities need them, while maintaining their basic purpose of providing information and promoting knowledge and literacy.

Keywords Public libraries, third space, cultural entrepreneurs, creative class, library programmes, digital space, technology,Dutta Kala Anjan.