Dr. Manoj Kumar Sinha and Saumen Datta

COLLECTION AND SERVICES OF PUBLIC LIBRARIES IN : A SURVEY

Dr. MANOJ KUMAR SINHA SAUMEN DAT TA Professor, Head and Dean Senior Librarian Dept. of Library and Information Science Tripura Public Service Commission (Swami Vivekananda School of Library Sciences) -799001 Assam University (A Central University), Tripura- West, Silchar-788 011, Assam E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] ABSTRACT

The first part of the present paper discusses the status of the public libraries of Tripura, India. A complete list of the public libraries in the state with its year of establishment is listed. Highlight the district wise distribution of document collection, facilities and library services. Questionnaire combined with interview and observation were the instruments used for data collection and administered to both library professionals as well as users. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as percentage and frequency. It is seen that five libraries in West Tripura has maximum documents. More number of people visits Birchandra State Central Library than the other district public libraries. A wide variety of library and information services are provided but none of the district public libraries are providing career guidance, internet facility, and reprographic facilities. Suggestions are given in brief.

Key words : Library Services, Library Collection, Public Libraries-Tripura, District Libraries - Tripura, State Central Library-Tripura, Tripura –Libraries.

1. Introduction rivers. Located in the rugged and hilly terrain Public library is regarded as a social of the tropical forests, the erstwhile princely institution and means of vital social force. It is state of Tripura in north-eastern part of the a living force to education, indigenous country was abode of about 1 million people knowledge and to preserve the cultural in 1949 when it merged with Independent heritage customs prevalent in rural areas. A India as a Union Territory. It was granted public library is regarded as a public statehood in 1972. It has an area of institution, which is expected to convert the 10,492 sq.km and bounded by Bangladesh on potential readers into actual readers. It is also three sides sharing about 80% of its boundary regarded as a social institution. With the of its perimeter. The remaining 20% of its information explosion and creation of boundary is shared with the states of Assam knowledge, the library has acquired a key and Mizoram through land routes, and have position as the indispensable institution for a narrow corridor with Assam to link the state equipping the people with necessary with rest of the country. accumulated knowledge. As per the 2011 census, the state has a Tripura, a small state of North-Eastern population about 3.2 millions comprising tribal part of India, is a land of forests, hills and and non-tribal. Nearly two-third of the area of

22 Kelpro Bulletin, 22 (2) December 2018 Collection and Services of Public Libraries in Tripura: A Survey the state is hilly and about 59% of its total library. A great significant incident led to the area is covered with green forests. Agriculture bifurcation of the Place Library. In June, 1897 is the main source of livelihood. Severe an earthquake shook the entire North-Eastern constraints of cheap and convenient modes India and demolished almost all the important of transport, geographic isolation and poor buildings of Agartala. At that time the library economic growth have not deterred the people collection was temporary shifted in a of the state from acquiring education, and separated shed. The public in general were have a literacy rate of 97% as per recent for the first time got a chance to use the library. record. Subsequently important collections were housed in the Palace Library. After several 1.1. Public Libraries in Tripura shifting, the State Central Library was housed Tripura has its great and glorious past in a newly constructed building during the of the King Dynasty. The kings of Tripura were reign of Maharaja Bir Bikram Manikya great patron of arts, culture and literature. Bahadur in the year 1924. Library was kept The subsequent kings like Dhanya Manikya open for the four hours daily. (C.1490-1520A.D.), Rajdhar Manikya (C.1586- 2. Review of Literature 1680A.D.), Kalayan Manikya(C.1624 1660A.D.), Ramdev Manikya (C.1673- There are studies on the public libraries 1660A.D.), Ramganga Manikya (C.1804- in Tripura but recent ones are less. It is to be 1809A.D.) and their successors established noted that the first braille library in Tripura many institutions of public utility. was established in 2017 (Sengupta) on the campus of Turnstone global, a private Birchandra Public Library institute in Agartala and not in a public Maharaja Birchandra Manikya (1862- library. The status of public libraries in 1896A.D.) was not only an able ruler but a Tripura was studied by Sinha et al. (2016) and great lover of arts, culture and university wits. another study by the same author (Sinha, He established a library at (now in 2016) discusses the library development in Bangladesh) probably in the year 1896 A.D. North East India. Jeena (2012) presents the which was then within his territorial status of public libraries in Tripura state. In jurisdiction and also a very culturally the book written by Kumar (2011), section 2, enlightened place. This library was popularly part G gives a detailed description of Tripura known as the Place Library. It was started with and the development of various types of the collection of two hundred valuable books libraries in the state.A small description of including manuscripts, palm leave puthy of libraries in Tripura is detailed by Taher (2001) Bangle, hand written , Krishnamala, in his book. Many of the other studies deal Champak Vijoy and the other chronicles of the with the libraries in North East India and Royal house of Tripura. Tripura is mentioned, but not in detail.

Ujjayanta Palace Library 3. Objectives of the Study

The King Radha Krishna Manikya (1896- Following are the main objectives of the 1909A.D.) constructed the study: Library in 1900 A.D. The establishment of the i) To examine the status of the public Palace Library was the land mark of the libraries in Tripura library movement of Tripura, though the ii) To find out the status of the library library was closed to the common people. collection in public libraries of Afterwards the strictness was relaxed and the Tripura men of letters were permitted to use the said

23 Kelpro Bulletin, 22 (2) December 2018 Dr. Manoj Kumar Sinha and Saumen Datta

iii) To examine the services and facilities facilities and services. Interview was provided by the public libraries in conducted in English, Bengali and Hindi. Tripura Kokborak language was also used for better understanding and response. iv) To record the suggestions received from the users and professionals for 5. Analysis of Data improvement of the public libraries in 5.1. Public Libraries in Tripura Tripura. 5.1. Public Libraries in Tripura 4. Research Methodology It is found (table 1) that in Tripura, there is a State Central Library, seven district Questionnaire combined with interview Libraries, eight sub-divisional libraries, six method was adopted as data collection tools. block level libraries, two rural libraries and Data is supplemented with primary, only one town library. Thus Tripura has a total secondary and direct observation. User study of 25 public libraries including the state has been conducted drawing samples from central library. It is to be noted that there is among the public library users. Separate no mobile library in Tripura which is essential questionnaires for library professionals and for the service of the people of rural areas of library users given. The author personally Tripura. A complete list of public libraries in visited the various libraries and noted the Tripura is given in Appendix 1.

Table 1 Public Libraries in Tripura at a Glance

T ype of Public Library Nos.

State Central Library 01

District Library 07

Sub-Divisional library 08

Town Library 01

Block Level Library 06

Rural Library 02

Total 25

5.2. Population Served by Public Libraries in Tripura

Table 2

Population Served by the Public Libraries of Tripura

Total Population 3671032

Total Public Libraries 25

One library 1,46,841

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The total population of Tripura is can say that one library is serving to 3,671,032 as per Census-2011, and there are 1, 46, 841 people of the state. a total of 25 public libraries. Therefore, we 5.3. Year-wise Establishment of Public Libraries in Tripura

Table 3 Year-wise Establishment of Public Libraries in Tripura

Name of the Library Year of Establishment

Birchandra State Central Library 1896

Nazrul Granthagar 1954

North Tripura District Library 1954

Unakoti District Public Library 1954

South Tripura District Library 1955

Sonamura Public Library 1956

Khowai District Public Library 1958

Amarpur Public Library 1960

Bimal Singha Smriti Granthagar 1961

Sabroom Public Library 1961

Bishalghar Public Library 1964

Melaghar Public Library 1967

Dhalai District Library 1973

Ushabazar Public (Town) Library 1973

Teliamura Public Library 1974

Kakraban public Library 1977

Panisagar Public Library 1977

Rajnagar Public Library 1977

Bagafa Public Library 1977

Paharmura Public Library 1989

Kanchanpur Public Library 1989

Baikhora Public Library 1991

Kathalia Public Library 2009

Nazrul Pathagar 2011

Khumulwng Public Library 2011

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The history of the public library service from that year the public library system has in Tripura started 120 year long. The table 3 been started after independence. In the year shows that Bir Chandra State Central Library 2011, three libraries were established which is 120 years old library in Tripura which was are the newest public libraries in Tripura. established in the year of 1896. During the 5.4. District-wise Distribution of year 1950’s, seven libraries were started. Public Libraries Further from the year 1990 to 2010, there is a stagnant condition of libraries in Tripura as It is found that in west and south no new library was established during that Tripura districts, there are 5 libraries each period. During the year from 1961 to 1967, and have the largest nos of libraries. In North four libraries had been started. Seven libraries Tripura District there are three libraries and were established during the year 1973 to 1977. in Khowai, Gomati and Dhalai District have From the year of 1989 to 2011, another four two libraries in the entire three districts. There public libraries were started. In the year of is only one library in Unakoti District. 1954, three libraries were established and

Table 4 District-wise Distribution of Public Libraries

District-wise Public Libraries of Tripura Nos. of Library

West Tripura District 05

Khowai District 02

Sepahijala District 03

South District 05

Gomati District 02

North Tripura District 03

Dhalai District 02

Unakoti District 01

Total = 08 Districts 25

have a collection of 89,467 books. Three 5.5. Document Collection of libraries of Sepahijala District has a collection Public Libraries of 73,589 books. Three libraries of North It has been found that (table 5) five Tripura District 73,417 documents and two libraries of the west Tripura district have the libraries of Dhalai District have 64,931 books. highest collection of books (2, 80,615). In There is only a single library in Unakoti District south Tripura there are five libraries and the and it has a collection of 62,126 books. Two total collection of books of all the five libraries libraries of Khowai District of Tripura has the is 1,015,26. Two libraries of Gomati District lowest collection (56028).

26 Kelpro Bulletin, 22 (2) December 2018 Collection and Services of Public Libraries in Tripura: A Survey

Table 5 District-wise Distribution of Libraries and Their Collection Districts in Tripura Number of Total Number of Library Books Position West Tripura District 05 280615 1 Khowai District 02 56028 8 Sepahijala District 03 73589 4 South District 05 101526 2 Gomati District 02 89467 3 North Tripura District 03 73417 5 Dhalai District 02 64931 6 Unakoti District 01 62126 7 Total 08 Districts 25 8,01,699

5.6. Visit of Library Users Tripura District Library. In four libraries namely Dhalai District Library, Ambassa, It is seen from the analysis (table 6) that North Tripura District Library, Dharmanagar, more than 100 Library users per day visit Unakoti District Public Library, South Tripura Birchandra State Central Library whereas 61 District Library, Belonia, a range of 31 to 60 to 100 Library users per day visit three public library users are visiting. Least number of libraries namely Khowai District Public visitors (01-30) are in Khumulwng Public Library, Nazrul Granthagar, Udaipur, South Library.

Table 6 Visit of Library Users More then Sl. No. Name of the Libraries 01 to 30 31 to 60 61 to 100 100

1 Bir Chandra State Central Library X X X 

2 Khowai District Public Library X X  X

3 Khumulwng Public Library  X X X

4 Dhalai District Library, Ambassa X  X X

5 Unakoti District Public Library X  X X

6 North Tripura District Library, X  X X Dharmanagar

7 Nazrul Granthagar, Udaipur X X  X

8 South Tripura District Library, X X  X Belonia

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5.7. Library Service Hours Tripura. All types of library services are provided in full swing by the Birchandra State Library service is available 6 days in a Central Library and most of its sections week from Tuesday to Sunday. Monday is the functions from 8.00 am to 8.00 pm (12 hours holiday for all public libraries in the state of daily).

Table 7 Library Service Hours

Birchandra State Other 07 District Sl No. Service Available Other 07 District Central Library Libraries

1 Lending Section 8.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m. 1.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m.

2 Reprography 1.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m. Not available

3 Career Guidance Section. 1.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. 1.00p.m. to 7.00 p.m.

4 Children’s Corner 1.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m. 1.00p.m. to 7.00 p.m.

5 Digital Library (Cyber Café) 12.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. Not available

6 Braille Section 8.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m. Not available

7 General Reading facility 8.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m. 1.00p.m. to 7.00 p.m.

8 Reference Service 8.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m. 1.00p.m. to 7.00 p.m.

9 Reading facility for Children 1.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m. 1.00p.m. to 7.00 p.m.

10 Journal & Periodical Study facility 8.00 a.m to 8.00 p.m. 1.00p.m. to 7.00 p.m.

11 Free Newspaper Reading Service 1.00 p.m to 8.00 p.m. 1.00 p.m to 8.00 p.m.

12 Information Searching facility from 8.00 a.m to 8.00 p.m. 1.00 p.m to 8.00 p.m. Old Newspaper

5.8. Library Services Provided by facility, reading facility for senior citizen, District Public Libraries information searching facility from old newspaper etc. It is found that Internet facility It is seen from the analysis (table 8) that is not available in any of the seven district all the seven libraries are giving the common libraries in the state and the reprography library services for the sake of common people service is yet to be introduced in the district such as lending service, general reading libraries of Tripura. facility, free newspaper reading service, reading facility for children, women reading

28 Kelpro Bulletin, 22 (2) December 2018 Collection and Services of Public Libraries in Tripura: A Survey

Table 8 Library Services Provided by District Public Libraries

Sl. Name of the Library 123456789101112 No.

1 Khowai District Public Library   XX X X 

2 Khumulwng Public Library   XX X X 

3 Dhalai District Library, Ambassa   XX X X  Unakoti District Public Library 4   XX X X 

5 North Tripura District Library,   XX X X  Dharmanagar

6 Nazrul Granthagar, Udaipur   XX X X 

7 South Tripura District Library,   XX X X  Belonia

Note: (1) Lending Service (2) General Reading facility (3) Cyber Café facility (4) Career Guidance Study facility (5) Free Newspaper Reading service (6) Reading facility for Children (7) Internet facility for the users (8) Women Reading facility (9) Reading facility for Senior Citizen (10) Use of computer for official purpose (11) Reprography (12) Information Searching facility from Old Newspaper.

6. Findings v) Five libraries in West Tripura district has the maximum number i) Birchandra State Central Library is of documents (2,80,615) the oldest library in Tripura established in 1896 and Khumulwng vi) Total documents in all the 25 Public Library is the newest district libraries is 8,01,699. library. vii) More number of people (more than ii) As per the calculation, one library 100 users) visit Birchandra State is serving to 1,46,841 people of Central Library than others and Tripura. Khowai district public library is next in order (range 61 to 100 users). iii) Most of the public libraries in Tripura were established during the viii) A wide variety of library services are second half of the 20th century provided by Birchandra State (1951-2000). Only one library Central Library than other district established after 2001. libraries.

iv) A total of 25 public libraries in ix) Reprography, Digital library (Cyber Tripura with West Tripura and café), Braille section are not been South District have five libraries provided in the district libraries in each. the state.

29 Kelpro Bulletin, 22 (2) December 2018 Dr. Manoj Kumar Sinha and Saumen Datta

x) Library service hours are more in  Library staff (both professional and the state central library than in the semi-professional) should be given district public libraries. opportunity to upgrad skills in hardware, library software, retro- xi) Among the district public libraries, conversion, database creation and Khowai district public library is search, networking, design and giving better services when development and maintenance of compared to others. library website etc. xii) Among the seven district public  Create more posts of professional libraries, ‘NazrulGranthagar’ of staff in libraries and appoint enough Gomati district has the highest staff in libraries. collection of books and Dhalai district public library has the lowest  Problem of power cut should be collection of books. minimized.

xiii) NazrulGranthagar, Gomati district 8. Conclusion has the highest number of Public libraries in Tripura are registered library members comparatively less and not in proportion to the (35.05%) and Khumulwng Public population. Finance is a major problem for the Library has the lowest registered development of public libraries in the state. members (0.14%). In many of the library buildings, repair is xiv) It is to be noted that none of the pending. More number of locally published and district libraries are providing career important books is the need of the hour. Due guidance, internet facility and to several reasons, common people of Tripura reprographic facilities. are slowly keeping away from public libraries. At present higher education department, 7. Suggestions Government of Tripura is following a common Following are the major suggestions for recruitment rules for recruiting librarians, public libraries of Tripura for efficient library library assistants, sorter and binders in service for the betterment of the common college and public libraries. Separate people of Tripura. recruitment rules for the library professionals in college and public libraries of Tripura state  More funds should be allotted to the should be introduced. Uninterrupted power public libraries to develop adequate supply and internet connection is a dream library collection of printed as well now. The government of Tripura should take as e-resources necessary steps to strengthen the public

 All public libraries should be libraries in the state for all round progress of automated and should take up the the peoples of this part of India. task of retro-conversion by creating the Library data base

 Public Library Website should be created which allow the users to access digital collections.

30 Kelpro Bulletin, 22 (2) December 2018 Collection and Services of Public Libraries in Tripura: A Survey

References 9. Sinha, Manoj Kumar et al. (2016). An exploratory study of states of public 1. Barkataki, Meena (2005). Asomot libraries. in Tripurastate. International Rajahua Puthibharalar Janma (Origin Research Journal of Multidisciplinary of Public Libraries in Assam) Science & Technology. 3. 1, 4, 15-21. In: Librarianship in North Eastern region with a slant to information 10. Sinha, M. K. (2011). Need for technology:problems and prospects, ed strengthening and integrating public by WoomaSankarDevnath. Guwahati: libraries/rurallibraries with community Guwahati Library Association. pp 158- informationcentres of North East India: 64. Some Suggestions. In: public libraries in ICT –driven knowledge society jointly 2. Jeena, Sudhir Kumar (2012). Public organised by RRRLF, Kolkata and library in Tripura: retrospect and Manipur Library Association, Imphal modernization. AsianAcademic during September 10-11, 2011(Eds. Ch. Research Journal of Multidisciplinary. Ibohal Singh), RRRLF, Kolkata and 1, 2. MALA, Imphal, Pp.90-113. ( ISBN : 978- 3. Kumar, P.S.G. (2011). Library 81-909699- 9-4). movement and library development in 11. Taher, Mohammed (2001). Libraries North-East region; Arunachal Pradesh, in India’s national development Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, perspective: A saga offifty years since Nagaland and Tripura. Delhi,EssEss, independence. New Delhi, Concept, 856p. 563 p. 4. National Knowledge Commission 12. Bhattacharjee, R. (2002). Public (2007). Libraries, gateways to library services in India: systems and knowledge: A roadmapfor revitalization. deficiencies; Public Libraries Section — New Delhi: Government of India. Country Report: India, International 5. Nasirudheen, T..(2014).Library Federation of Library Associations and movement and development of India : A Institutions, at http://www.ifla.org/VII/ state wide scan.Calicut: University of s8/annual/cr02-in.htm, accessed 30 Calicut. July, 2016.

6. Sandys, E.F. (1999). “History of 13. CIA World Factbook,(2008). India. Tripura”, Calcutta. 7. Sengupta (2017). Available at at https://www.cia.gov/ First braille library in Tripura. The library/publications/the-world- Telegraph. 14-06-2017. factbook/geos/in.html, accessed 8 July 2016. 8. Sinha, Manoj Kumar (2016). Scenario of library development in North East 14. http://www.tripura.nic.in, accessed on India with Special reference to Assam. 11stJuly 2016. In Libraianship in 21st century (Eds. 15. http://www.tripurainfo.com, accessed H.N.Prasad et al.), EssEss Publications, on 13thAuguset 2016. New Delhi, 435-453.

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Appendix 1

Public Libraries in Tripura

State Central Library : Block level Public Libraries of Tripura: Bir Chandra State Central Library Block level Public Libraries of Tripura 1. Melaghar Public Library District Libraries of Tripura 2. Kakraban Public Library 1. Khowai District Public Library 3. Bagafa Public Library 2. Khumulwng Public Library 4. Rajnagar Public Library 3. Dhalai District Library, Ambassa 5. Kathalia Public Library 4. Unakoti District Public Library 6. NazrulPathagar, Boxanagar 5. North Tripura District Library, Dharmanagar Town Library of Tripura : 6. NazrulGranthagar, Udaipur Ushabazar Public Library, Ushabazar 7. South Tripura District Library Rural libraries of Tripura Sub-divisional Public Libraries 1. Baikhora Public Library 1. Kanchanpur Public Library 2. Paharmura Public Library 2. Bimal Singha Smriti Granthagar, Kamalpur 3. Panisagar Public Library 4. Teliamura Public Library, Teliamura 5. Amarpur Public Library, Amarpur 6. Bishalgarh Public Library 7. Sabroom Public Library 8. Sonamura Public Library

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