Chennai: Extending online access to books and journals to upgrading reading halls into co-working spaces and introducing digital membership cards, the school education department is planning a digital upgrade of its public libraries across the state. Key proposals include introducing an open source integrated library system on the lines of ‘Koha’ and D-Space software in Anna Centenary Library to other libraries in the state, allowing members to remotely access the library resources online
At present, out of 162 libraries in the city, 16 have been converted into co-working spaces. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Chennai | Silver Rate in Chennai | Bank Holidays in Chennai | Public Holidays in Chennai | Chennai AQI | Weather in Chennai | Petrol Price in Chennai | Diesel Price in Chennai | CNG Price in Chennai | LPG Price in Chennai Stay updated with the latest Chennai news.
Proposals were also given to introduce e-cards to those availing of membership,” an official from DPL said. Co-working space-cum-libraries will soon come up at full-time libraries in MKB Nagar, Ayanavaram and Royapettah, among others,” an official with the district library office said. Director of libraries S Jayanthi said the proposals had been sent to the govt, but decisions on which library would benefit and cost were yet to be made. It is a step in the right direction to bring public libraries on a par with privately owned libraries,” said K Nithyanandam, president, Madras Library Association.
The initiatives, proposed during a recent meeting of authorities from the Directorate of Public Libraries (DPL), aim to transform libraries on a par with the department’s vision for libraries outlined in the policy note. Such library management systems are currently in place in top state libraries, including the Anna Centenary Library and Kalaignar Centenary Library in Madurai. They not only provide a catalogue of library and employee resources, but also help streamline day-to-day operations from check-in/check-out. “Discussions were made to expand this to other libraries, majorly full-time libraries where there is adequate footfall and space. Other additions include upgradation of library reading halls into air-conditioned co-working spaces with WiFI facilities through renovations in collaboration with CMDA or the civic bodies. “Nine more libraries are being upgraded, and they will be completed by the end of this year. “We will work with whatever the govt approves and follow their directives. It is a long process and nothing has been finalized yet,” she added. “Digitization is a tremendous advantage, which will help bring in youngsters to competitive exam aspirants to libraries. Download the TOI App.