An Equitable Approach towards 21st Century Public Library Systems in India: a Case Study
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Date
2025-12-02
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INFLIBNET Centre Gandhinagar
Abstract
The landscape of library systems in urban and rural libraries of India faces multiple challenges.
A cultural shift and focus are needed towards reviving the culture of reading and public
libraries outside the libraries of educational institutions and universities in India. In this
study, the authors analyze the library systems in India and propose the Toronto Public Library
model, largest and busiest public library in North America as an adaptable framework for
revisioning library systems for the world’s largest democracy - 21st century India. Furthermore,
a case study of libraries in rural areas of Punjab is highlighted to address the needs for an
equitable framework of distribution and access to libraries for socially excluded groups,
women and people with disabilities. Libraries have the potential to be a transformative space
for skills and intellectual development for the general public while bridging the socio-economic
divide
Description
14th International CALIBER 2025, Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, November 17-19, 2025
Keywords
Case Study, Marginalized Societies, Persons with Disabilities, Public Libraries, Public Library System - India, Rural India, Toronto Public Library, Women