GUWAHATI, Feb 8 � In view of the emerging challenges in a technologically progressive society, the District Library, Guwahati is planning to add new sections to attract more readers. This library which is going to celebrate its golden jubilee on February 9 started computerization of its sections in December last year only, and will complete the process very soon.
According to an official of the library, to meet the challenges particularly thrown by the internet and the electronic media, it was now of paramount importance to create a sophisticated reading ambience.
It needs to be mentioned here that this library was established in the year 1955-56, and has more than 85,000 collections. It was started at Curzon Hall and shifted to its present building in the year 1959. It has three sections � reading and reference, science and technology and issue at present and is planning to add four more.
�To get the attention of the young generation, there is a lot to improve in all the public libraries. We can no longer ignore the competition from the internet as that has affected the number of our readership,� said the official adding that the District Library, Guwahati has proposed to open a career section, a section for senior citizens, a section for women and a children corner.
Though it has a glorious history and was the most sought after destination of students, intellectuals and cross section of citizens, it has been witnessing a decline in the number of readers of late. On Wednesday, only a few people were seen in the reading section. As per sources, only 30 to 40 entries on the average are recorded in the register, and sometimes there are even fewer readers. This has been a matter of concern not only for the authorities but also for that section of the citizens eager for a strong library movement in the State.
�A library is always my favourite destination. I still remember those days when Ram Goswami, the first state librarian created a vibrant reading ambience. But after the retirement of Goswami, there was a gradual decay in the functioning of the entire government public libraries in Assam,� recollected veteran journalist DN Chakravartty pointing out that the public libraries have to be infused new life to attract the young generation growing up with the internet.
Chakravartty further said that the infrastructure of the libraries should be improved and that they should also boast of an enviable collection.
