Pt~!

dic
A ~ ; ~ I I : I ~ ~ ~ji'
~ ~ ~ I ~ I I I Budgeting
NO institution can function without adequate finance. The libraries are usually glven low
priority in the matter of allocation of funds. The librarian has, therefore, a bald task of
convincing the authorities regarding the usefulness of the program launched by hinl by
advancing tangible and plausible reasons. The head of the institution has to ellsure that an
adequate budget is granted to his institution and he should see that the allotment is properly
utilized.

10.8 KEY WORDS

Ibl~Worlc : A system of physically separate computers with
telecon~mu~~ication.linlts,allowing resources to be shared by
either commercial or ‘informal arrangen-rent.
Resource Sharing : It denotes a mode of opefation whereby resources and services
are shared in common by a number of libraries.

Standards : Stalidards are rules about the quality or size 01. shape of products,
processes, methods, terminologies etc. In Iibraly parlance, it is a
document with a few pages covering definitions, methods,
. properties, measure~nentsand so on, which may contain tables
or diagrams.
Induction : hcquainting the new recruits to the policies. procedures and
rules followed by the institution.

I Guesstimates : Estimates not hased on actual experience but on guess work I

10.9 REFERENCE AND FURTHER READING

- Ashburner, E.L. (1 986). Modern Public Libraries: Planning and Design. New Delh: Reliance
Publishing House.
.,

I
Atherton, Pauline (1977). tlandbook for information Systems and Services. Pwis: UNESCO.
1
Corbett, E.V. (1 978). Fundamentals of l i b r a ~ yOrganisation and Ad~ninistration.New Delhi:
Oxford IBH
Kaula, P.N. (1971). Library Building: Planningalid Design. New Delhi: Vikas.
Krishan Ku~nar(1987). Libraiy Administration and Management. New Delhi: Vikas.
I
Krishnamurthy. R. (1 997). Library Administration and Resources:New Delhi: Common Wealth
, Publishers.

Mookerjee, S.K. (1977). Library Organisation and Library Ad~ilinistlation,Ed.2. Calcutta: The
World Press.
I
Penna,C.V. (1 971). Planning of Library and Doc~unentationSel-vices. Paris: UNESCO.
1
. Ranganathan, S. (1 959). Library Administration. Bangalore: Sarada Ranganathan Endowment
. for Library Science.
Sharrna, H.D. (1 972). Library ~ u i l d i n ~ g nFurniture.
d Jalslndhar: Indian Bibliographic Centre.
Sykes Paul (1979). Public Library in Perspective. London: Clive Bingley.
Viswanathan, C.G.(1 978). Introduction to Public Library Organistion, ed.3. New Deiiii: Today
& Tomorrow.
I .
 --,- ".
UNIT 11 PUBLIC L H B M R ~ ~ W I ~ I S ,
STANllAmS AND GUEDELmE$

Objectives
Introduction
Definitions
11.2.1 Public Librt~ryNOI.IIIS
11.2.2 Ptrhlic Library Standa~ds
1 1.2.3 Publio Library Guidelines
11.2.4 Public Library Manifesto
Public Library S~aiidi~rdsINorn~s
11.3.1 Indian I'uhlic I.it)~il~y
St:111(li11~1b
St:i~~dards
11.3.2 11iternation:rlPublic JAibr;~i-y
Public Library G;~idclincs
11.4.1 Indian Pul)lic Lib~aryCiuidclir~c!;
11.4.2 Inter~~alionalPublic I lbrcity iiilid2 I'lllc!;
Sunuuary
Aiiswers to Self Clieck Eserciscs
Key Words
Referelices and Further Reading
----- -
1 1 OBJECTIVES
After reading tlis Unit, you will bc able to:
0 distinguish between Public Library Nol.ins, Standards and Guidelines.;
r display good knowledge, includitlg quiiiitits~tiveaspecls to soxiic cxtent, of 1)~iblic
Library
NormsIStandards in India and thoscpropagatod by IFLA as the Intcrnation:~lStnndi~rdsl
Nornis; and
. discuss Public Library Guidelines issucd for use in India as well ns Guidelines pulblishcd
at the intcmational Icvcl, by IF'LA.

Library is iI growiqg organisation. Any grorving orgnnisationwill have set goals to bc acliievcd,
whicll is attained through appropriate planning. Tlie case of p~~blic libqly is 110 esccption. In
the process of plavyli.~ig,goals are sct first, and then guidelii~estire given to illdicate how the
goals are to be aqliievcd. Finally, nor~~~sfstandards arc applied/ formulated to evaluate the
services in relation to its set goals or objectives.
Norinsfstandards:Ire to be followed cvery time a new libxaly is built or an existiiig one extended
or recognised. In any phase of its growth, it is necessary to coiltiiluallyevaluate the services
in relation to its accepted roles aild functions, to see what is being achieved and how tMs
could be done better, and to justify continued demands for ever-increasing demand of funds.
For, planning and evi~luatioiipurposes, normslstandards are cssentisl.
Every librarian ltas sources from which shelhe draws hisfher knowledge wl~ensheAie has to
plan a library or to mn it or to evaluate it. Butt, this is not enough. It may happci~that the
existing kno~vledgeinay not be s ~ a c i e nor
t up-to-date.A fonnal jpidance froi~ia11authoritative
 Marhagenlent of ~ u b l i e
Library System
source, government or profession may sometimes appear esse~rtialfor authenticity and
consequently for support from the funding agency.
Normslstandards and ,guidelines have been formulated by various library agencies/
organizations/gover~~ments, international agencies in appreciation of these crucial fdctors as
planning and evaluation of libraries, for adding authenticify to these processes and for eliciting
appropriate support for them.

11.2 DEFINITIONS
Before going into the details of norms, standards and guidelinqs, let us define tlienl. For
making the conlprelrensiol~ofthese terms easier, we shall add one Illore tenn. viz.. M;~nifesto.
They are treated in the order of norms, stajldards, guidelines and manifesto. starting from the
speciIic and ending with the general for normslstandards are based on guidelines. and
guidelines in turn emanate from manifesto.

I 11.2.1 Public Libritly Norms

Norm is a standard; a pattern; model; a type (representative of a group when judging otlrer
' examples). Norm is a standard derived or based on past perfonnance. Standards and nornls
denote the same. Hence, public library standards and public library norms are deemed to be
the same in meaningand function. Norms are used, like standards, to measure performance.
11.2.2 Public Library Standards
Standards are authoritalive principles or kles tllatatusunllyimply a 1110delor pattern for guidance,
by comparison, with which the quantity, escellence, correctness, etc.. of other Llrings may be
detemuhed. Library standards may be defined as the criteria by which senricrs nay be '
nyeasured and assessed. They are detennined by professional librarians in order to attain and
tllaintain tlie objectives they have set themselves. Standards inay bc interpreted variol~slyas
the pattern of an ideal, a model procedure, a measure for appraisal, a stilltulus for fi~lure
developnlent and as an instrument to assist decision and action.
Standards bring uniformity and order. Standardsare necessary for the establisl~illentof new
libraries and the i~llproveinentof existing ones. They are required as a glide to the level of
financial, material, and human support necessary to ensure tllat libraries will be able to fillfill
their responsibilities to the users. Library standards are essential for the planniilg and
evaluation of library sen4ces.l '
Tbe library standards provide thenorms both in qualitative terms and quantitativk terms to be
follo\ved to implement the guidelines and therebyattain the goals. The standards are used to
measure and assess the achievements, remove the hurdles and to plari for tlie future. The
library standards are considered as the minimum andnot as the n~iisimi~mstandards. Howeiier,
no ?tandards are valid for ever. They are revised frequently in appreciation of chilnges in
social conditions,educational trends, a?d tecl~nologicaldevelopine~ltaffecting libraries.
11.2.3 Public Library Guidelines
Guidelines are guides or indications of fi~turecourse of action. Guidelines tell you what itenrs
in the goals and objectives of public library are to be achieved and how. In otl~crwords, they
guide you towards the goals as delineated in the plans or blue- print for de\lelopmeilt,. For
example, based upon the Unesco Manifesto, 1294, ( a public declaration of objectives of
public libraries).on Meeting the N d s of tlie Users, the IFLA Guidelines 2000 lras discussed
in detail howbest to llfill this. According to the Guidelines, it is done through identificatio~r
of potential users, analysis of needs within the comnlunity, offering services lo the users.
customer care, user education, resource sharing, etc. Guidelines, thus,. guide yo11 to the
achievement of the principles or objectives.But guidelines are'not helpfbl to assess whether
these principles are attained. This is where standardslnoms colhe into play.
' 11.2.4 Public ~ ( b irya Manifesto
The dictionary meaning of ~klanifestois a public declaration of intentions, opinions, objectives.
i
or motives, as one issued by the government, or an organisation. The public library ~llanifesto
is a statement of the funda'~llent$ principles ofpubliclibrary.
1

I..
.
 Tlie Unesco Public Librav Manifesto, 1994. prepared ulider tlie auspices olIFLA is tlie latcst
ill the field of public library. It has been an important statenlent of principles but there was
need and denland for a Inore detailed statement of practicalguidelines and standards whicli
librarians and policy makers could use in developing public library services. Subsequently,
the public library guidelines and standards were suitably revised. So, one can say that the
guidelines immediately. and subsequently tlie standards are basedlfounded on tlie manifesto.
This can be best illustrated by the fact that every chapter of the IFLA Guidelines. 2000, starts
by quoting the relevant statement fro111tlle 1994 Unesco Manifesto.(vide Appendix for Unesco
PublicLibrary Manifesto. 1994, in short version).
Self Check Exercise
5 '

1) Wluit are standards'? What arc the functions and features of public library standards'?

2) Distinguisll between manifesto, guidelines and standards.

Note: i) Write your answers in the space given bclow.
ii) Clieck your answcrs with the answwfcrsgi\leh in tlie end of tlic Unit.

11.3 PUBLIC LIBRARY STANDARDS

'

The processes and nletllods used in developing standards for the evaluation of librury'are
many. These may be:'i) deterlllini~lgwllich libraries were generally thought to bc good ones
and then using Ihose to be the co~llparisonagainst wwrhicli otl~ers\\)ere wcasurcd, ii) using
esperts by appointing a colllllliltcc of'tllc Iaidcrs in tlie field to come togclhcr to dcter~iline
what elelnents would be includcd in tlic statenlent of standards. and wliat partic~~lor statistics
wouldbe Lhe ones sgainsr which otlicr libraries wodd bc mcaa~red,and iii) liiring an expert as
a consultant. (111 India. the~methodofgi~tlicringlibrav esperls togtlier to de\clop consensus
qn the content of the standards has been utilised). Authority, consensus, and custom, thus,
sanctify standards.
There are twwlo kinds of standards, qua~~titative and qualitative. Standards relaling lo quantity
represent precise lneasurclllcnt (and are simple to apply) like size of library collection. budgets,
and st@. Qualitative stanhrds relate to the intrinsic nahlre ofentities (directly no1 hleasurable)
like leadership, skill. intelligencc and llonesty applied by librav professio~lalsin tlie service.
It may not be easy to reilcll agreelllcnt on quantitati~estandards as standards prepared in one
situation may have little or no validity outside it. For the same reason, it is argued, tliere can
be no criteria that can be used in international level. Standards of course can vary in dcgree.
They lnay be citller slandards of adequacy or standards of escellence. Sta~ldardsof iidequacy'
in onc country nlay \\re11 bc standards of escelle~lccin anothcr.
Standards written in one country, however, havc often influenced the fonn tind content of
standards produced in olhers. On the other hand. standards prepared by IFLA, influenced by
esistillg ~latiollalstandards, ha\-ccacouragcd otlier connlries to prepare similar standards.
Tliat librav standards need constant revision because of rapid changes in conditiolls affecling
tlienl isapparent from the number of documents of recent origin and from thc Tact tliat many
earlier stnteltients are under reviewvat some point orti~ncor other.
In retrospect: Tlle first attempt to fonllulate standardsfor public Hbi-arieswas ~nadcink933 by
tlie American Library Association (ALA). It has bedn rev'iscd Inany a time subsequently to
meet the needs of the changing times. America. in fact, has always provided leadership and
has been in the forefront in the updaling ofllle public library standards. Similar develop~nellt
 M:tnagcmeat of Public
Library System
has taken place in Britain where the first co~nprehensivestandards on public library were
published in 1962. The Library Association, London, has always been involved in this field
and published various standards. Mention may be made of Moael starenlei7t of stoi~dai.d,sin
public library services (1995). Basic stock for the pzrblic re#krence libcnr~p(1998), and
Gtridelinesfor rejkrence and information services inpublic libraries (1 999).The Government
rele8sed the draft for the'latest revision of plrblic library standards in May 2000. Britain has
decided to revise the public library standal-ds on yearly basis. Standards have since been
adopted in several countries of the world. It is well supported by the fact that the survey of
library standards conducted by Withers in 1974 covered 20 countries. The international
orgaqizations, like Unesco and IFLA, have played a significa~itrole in formi~lationof public
library guidelines and standards.

11.3.1 Indian Public Libfary Standards

In India, reports starting from the Advisory Committee by K. P. Sinlia ( 1 958) to tlie latest
National Policy on Library and Information Systerll (NAPLIS, 1986), have stipulated various
nonnslstandaids,goals and guidelines for public libraries. However, tlie co~iipieliensive
document on this topic has been the one published by tlie Raja Rammohun Roy Ltbrary
Foundation (RRRLF) in 199 1 entit led G~rirlEliircsfor Public Libritrj)Sj~sfe~tt.~
nitrl Ser~~ice.v,
Tlie RRRLF is aGovernment of lndiaorganisation engaged in tlie prooiotion of public library
movement in India. These Giridelines are generally based on Unesco Public Library Manifesto
and IFLA Standards for Public Libraries, but some nqvel features to suit Indian situi\tions
have been included. This document doesn't list the standards separately, but k' rives in
appropriate places in the Guidelines. The,se are segregated below:

11.3.1.1 Finance

T o start with, the states spending less than 70 paise per capita (the national average) sliould
try to reach a level of expenditure of Re., 1 per capita 'or alternatively one per cent of annual
I
expenditure on education and culture during the 8th Plan (1992-'97) ljeriod and those who
were already spending above Re. I per capita should try to reach a level of expenditure of
Rs.2.50 pet.capita.

Tlie Guidelines have recommended levying of n'cha&e on tlie public library service. in order
to make it worthwhile, the charge should be Rs. I0 perannitm, but a coilcession of33 per cent
(Rs.20) be allowed to a fanlily consisting of three members, eacli give11[lie right to borrow
books in their individual capacity. .

11.3.1.2- Library personnel

A general formula, rather than a specific recommendation, has been offered by the document.
One post per 2,000 literate population should be provided for'central Libraries at state/
. divisional /districr/city levels. In other public libraries, it should be one post for every 2.500
literate population. In case ofcentral Libraries; tlie propoition ofprofessional:staffto the total
should be 40 per cent against 33 per cent in other.public libraries.
..

Generally, a gross area of 2 1,520 s q . ~is. provided for a pbpu~ationof 25,000, i.e:, 0.86 scl. R. per
person, these being the international standards. For all public libraries i n towns and villages
ns well as the branches of City Central Libraries, this international standards will be applied,
However, in case o f a village, the rnini~ni~~n area ofa library buildi~igshould be 1,000 sq. fl, in
order to facilitate its functioning a s a community centre and also 10serve scl~oolchildren. if
there,is no separate school library.
'
Thf;Central Libraries have been divided into.two cI?sses, viz., Class 1 and ~ l a ' s s;I. Class I
buildings meant for population ofmore than 20 lakh will have a gross ar'ea of 50,000 sq. ft.
Others between populationof 20 lakh and 25,000 will have Class I I building of 25,000 sq. ft. In
. . both 'the'cases, the site should be large'enough to allow expansion up to 100 per cent. No
building will have an area ofmore than one lakh sq, ft.The Guidelines have specifically listed
which level of libraries belong ttr which class of libraries.
 11.3.1.4 Site

The library building shodd be located centrally in a l ~ i gdensity

l~ area. It sl~ouldbe in close
with educatioii institutions or tlle main coninlercial areas. Transportationfacilities
should also be given appropriate priority. The site should be levelled so thit no steps sl~ould
be required to enter the library. The frontage should have ~nininlun~ sud esposure and sl~ould .
have protection from strong winds. especially in tlie coastal and desert areas. Tlie foundation
should be strong enougll for future vertical espansio~lor alternatively the site sliould be large
enough to facilitate llorizo~ltalespansion.
r
11.3.1.5 Design
~ 1 1 building
c sl~ouldbc niodular in dcsign. whicl~should nleail that dlstancc bctwecn tlie
pillars sl~ouldbc i~iiifor~n. Tlic distiiticc between tlie pillars sllo~lldnot be less tllan 21 A. and
Illore tlian 30 ft. and bc ditVisiblcby thrcc. The building should be preferably rect;lngular ia
sllape as bookracks and tables are also 111adcin the salile shape. No il~ezza~~inc floors are
rcconunended. No ceiling sliould be lnorc tlian 16 It. in lieigl~tin non-air-conditioned, and not
less illall nine icct sis incl!cs in case of air-conditioned buildings (to providefor ccili~~gfans).
Each floor should bc at ollc sillglc level to facilitate liiovelllent of book trolleys. A book
elevator (lilt) sliould bc pro\*ided.i f 1 IIC building Iliis liiore than one floor. Internal staircases
should be avoidcd in tlic 111iddlc of tlw floor. No basenlent should be provided 1111lcss sub-soil .
is \.cry deep. Tile load bcarit~gcapacity of all floors should be 50 kg, per sq, 111.
Tlie sectip~issllould be so placcd on different floors i l l such a f;~sliionthat (lie traffic is
rcduced to the ~ i ~ i n i ~ n uOnly
m . florcscent lights \vit11 double 4 feet tubes (without plastic
, casing) sliould be used, NO scparilte study cubicles. but tables measuring 90x120 cm, should
be provided. Book capacity sliould bc worked out at tlie rate of 120 vohnnes per: 1 1 sq, ft. of
floor area. Eacli rcadcr sliould haw an arca of 25 sq. fl. Each ad~l~illistrative staff is to be
allotted an area of 54 sq..!f and 97 sq. R. for cataloguing staff.

Tlie reading tablc size for o ~ i persoii

c sliould be 75 xbO c~n.for four 150x90 tin. for 6 persoiis
240x120 cm. No partition sl~oltldbe provided on tlie tabletops. Steel sliould bc preferred tp
ivoodc~~racks. Ri~mingtonand Godrcj designs are considered to be of interl~ationiilstandards.
111dianlibraries are advised to follow tlie specifications laid &low11 by the ~ u r c a uof Indian
Standards for filr~iiture.building, shelving'cabinets. ligliting. binding, safety. etc. A few
samples are given below:
Indiun Libr0r.v Stunhrds

I
1) ~pecificitio~~sfor wboder~shelving)
cabinets (adjustable type)) IS: 41 16(reuffirmed-1998)
1,

2) Specifications for steel sllelving cabinets IS: 3312(reuf$rnted-1990)

3) Design of library buildings-recon~n~endations)
relating to its prinlary elements ) IS: 7553(revised- 19 89)
4) Specificationsfor libri~ryhrniture) Purt I ~ i m b e r h1:#2Y(Purt I)
Y 91)
-1 9 78 (re~rfflrme~l-I
and littings ) Purt II Steel IS: ZXZY(Purt II)
-19 77(uf$rmed-ZYYX) .
.5) Code of practice in library ligl~ting IS: 2672-1966(re(1flrnted-lYYO)
0 Speciiication for mobile library van IS: 2661-1975(reuf#rm~'~i-lY99)
1 7) Guide for fireparation of abstracts (1st rev.), IS: 795-1976(reuf$rmed-19 92)

8) Guide for data elenlents and record format for IS: 11370-1985(rcuflrmed-1H8)
coinputer based databases for bibliographic
description of different kifids of documents
 01' Public
Ful;~engc~~rcat Sclf Check Esercisc
Library Systcnl .
3) What are the standards stipulated for public libraryfinancing in India?

4) Describe the design standards for library buildings prcscribcd by tllc Guidelines for
Public Library Systenls and Services'?
Note: i) Write your answers in the space given below. .

ji) Check your answers with tlle answers given at theelld of the Unit.
? .

....................................................................................................................

............................................ 4......................'..................*....:.........................

11.3.2 International Public Libra~yStandards

In 1973, IFLA (International Federation of Library Associatioils and Institulions) publislied
Baiidardsfor Public Libraries, and re-issued in 1977 with sligllt modifications. In 1986. this
was replaced by.Guide/ineaJ.r Public Libraries. As their titlcs suggcst, they represented
two different approaches to providing practical guidance to librarians. The 1973 versioii
provided a ra'nge of quantitativc'standards including the size of collections. size of
administrative units, opening hours, staffing levels and building standards. Tllese were
declared as universally applicable (the lFLA Guidelines did not consider tlle iieed for diferrent
/,'
standnrdi for different countries, since tlie general objectives in all countries were the same.
the inodlfling factor being tlie pace at which develop~lientcould take place).
The 1986 Guidelines took a still different view and did not include any qcluatitati\rc
recommendations, as they were not coilsidered universally rele\~ant.It arbqled tha't in tlic
present state of library de\relopment, their needs and resolirces or libraries varied so widel!
that t11ere.coiildbe no colnlllon standards for services. For inslancc, t hc IFLA stipulatiol~t h ; ~
public library sliouldprovide free public acccss to tlle Intemet/World Wide Wcb to all citizens.
regardless of.thcir ecbnolliic means (vide Electronic Network undcr4.2.3) will not bc relc\~ani
in the Asian or African contest presently. Tlic IFLA 2000 versioll (yet to be finally acccpled
on incorporation of some more instances of library practices in dilrerent parts of tlie norld)
lras also followed the sanle logic and has not provided ally standards or quantitiiti~e
recommendations. I11 other words, since 1986 they have offered 1101 fules but advicc. based
on experience drawn fro111many different coutltries, wllicli were collsidered to be capable of
general application. Hence, it s,hould be concluded that stalldards or quantitative
recoininendations are no longer in fashion as far as the inter~lationalbodies are concerned. ,
Despite the fact that issuingof standards is not in practice today by iiilernational organisations
like Unesco or IFLA, theIFLA Standardsfor Public Libraries 1973/1977 are still used as an
important docunlentin this field. A few inlportant items are sum~llarisedbelow: Tllese stanchrdd
norms are usuallf intended to be minimal. The learners sho~lldstudy the nilestad-:ice given
(on qnantitative aspects) in the IFLA Guidelines, 2000, also along with these standards.
IFLA Standardsfor Public Libraries 197311977: Selected Items
~ublic~ibrary
System
Preferred nlini~nunlpopulation - 1.50,MX)
~ i n i ~ n u ~ ~ l p o p u l al t~i oonn i lregarded
l~ as viable 3JXX)

AdministrativeUnit
Minimum populations in any cirbums~ances , 3.(w
service Points: opening Hours
Urban main libraries 60 ho\iiasper week
Branch libraries 18-60 hours per week
Book Stocks
a Minimum working stock for all departments, exclz~dingspecial colloctiorm, calcr,lated
in relation to literate population:
In smallest administrative unit, 3 volumes per inhabitant In general circumstance, 2 volumes
per inhabitant .
(When children up to 14 years of age constitute 25-30% of the population, children's
books should comprise one-third of the total stock.)
a Reference books (included above):
In srnallestadministrative unit 100 volumes
In general circumstances Up to 10% of total stock
Annual additions per 1,000 population:
In general circumstances 250 per annum
'In small administrative units 300 per annum '

Children's books in same proportion as in total stock --- (see above).

References books in libraries serving populations over 50,000 -1 0% of all additions.
Periodicals, including newspapers
In administrative units of up to 5,000 population 50
In administrative units of 5,000- 1,00,000 population 10 per 1,000 population
(These figures include multiple copies, periodicals in foreign languages, and periodicals for
children)
Staff '

Total ion-manual stafl(professiona1, clerical, administrative):

1n smallest administrativeunit, 1 full-time qualified librarian with clerical assistance
In large administrative units with developed 1ibrary.services --. 1 per2,OOO popi~latio~l
In very large administrative units -- I per2,500 population

In a developed, urban, compact unit 33% of total staff

In a library system with many branches an shall service points 40% oftotal staff .

(In a large library system, one third of professional librarians should be specialised in
children's work).
Building
Distribution in urban arehs:
A branch library within &.; km:,of most residents.
A relatively large library within 3-4 krn. ofmost residents.
Areas of departnients, etc.:
'
Adult lending and reference facilities: see table below:
 \

e nPublic
M i ~ ~ ~ s g c n ~oC t Adult Rrfc.l.ence Fncilities
Adult Lending Facilities
1,llrrnry Systclll
o p k n shelf- Floor nrea-needed Open- shelf Scating
ncuommodmtion eccommodation ' nrcn
Population Volumes Total at Ism2 Numbers Floor aren Number Floor rlre:~
Served per 1000 shelf per 1000 of needed at of pluces nt 2.5 1n2
population capacity volumes volumes 10 m2 per tit.l.5 per per pluce.
required (minimum 1000 vols. 1000 pop*
100 m2)

1OpOO 600 6,000 1 0Om1 900 91n2 15 38111'

1,00,000 500 50,000 7501n2 20,000 200 11i2 150 375rn2

*This level of provision can sometimes be reduced in libraries serving populutio~islurgcr tht~n1,OO.OOI).

Note: The above tigures include circulation space, staff counters, ~ t i t ~ ~ l o getc.
i~~s,

They do not includk provision for periodicals and audiovisual matcrials, which are referred to
separately.
e stdrnge of resen~estock:
In closed access stacks allow 59 sq.ft. per 1000 volu~~~es.(Tllis
capacity will'be
approximately doubled if compact shelving is employed)
111limited access, stacks allow 75sq.k. per 1000 volumes.
e Display and consultation of neiv.vpflper,varidperiodica1.v:
In libraries serving populations up to 20,000: scat per 2000 population.
For populations above 20;000: scal per 3000 popalations.
(Note however that local needs nlay vary.widely. Allow 32sq.n. per seat).
Storage and use of audiovisual materials: . no standard recom~llended.

Workroo~nsand offices: add 20% to the total area of public departments. (Ti~isjvill be
equivalent to about 10- 1212 per staff inember)
Rest rooms,.kitchen, toilets, cloakrooms, etc.:
Nunr her ofxtaf Total area required
2 8 12'

10 , 40ruZ
..
20 (A) ill?

100 220 m2
200 400 n12'
e Circulation space or "balance area":
Cirqulatipn space consists of entrance hall, stainvells, lavatories, cloakroorns, and lobbies
,
and corrido& outside the areas already discussed.
46
 Allow 10-15% of a11 public areas and 20-25% of all staffareas.Tlie higherfiglrcs are unlikely I'uhllr Lihrnry K v r ~ ~ l s .
Stnr~tlalrtlrr ~ ~ t Guldcli~~cn
d
to be needed except in some large libraries. T l ~ elower fibpres (10% and 2012/n.respectively)
should be regarded as "balance area". available for any desired pilrpose within (he building if
careful plan~ijnghas made i t unnecessary to provide circulatio~lspace on this scalc.
Self CheckExercise
j). Wlmt is the acqoisihon rate prescribed for general libraries in tlle IFLA'Guidelines. I
, I
2000 1
I
l
What is the composition of stdf in a public library. according to tlie IFLA Standards for I
I'
Public Libraries, 1973/77 '? I
I
1
Note: 3 Write your answers in the space gi\ren below. i!
I

) Clleck your answers with tlie answers given at the end of tlle Unit.
1I

11.4 PUBL'IC LIBRARY GUIDELINES

, -
, ,. , ,
, ....
Many countries i41 the wbrld llave developed their own separate guidelines f& Public libraries.
They are prepar$d.eitl~erby the library associations or by the government. I~itcrnatiolialbody
like IFLA (International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions) lias'issued
guidelines for public libraries at tlie internati~nallevel. IFLA bas also issued b~iidelincsf ~ r.
,
libraries in tlieallied helds such as libraries for the deaf people, n~obilelibraries,liospital and
disabled peopJe. Braille k talking b~oks,audio\lisual~services; etc. In this unit, kvt: sh$1
discuss o~ilytwo sels of guidelines for pi~bliclibraries. one,pertaining to India and the olller,
totlle internati.onq1le\lel.
Tlie guidelines are pri~ilarilydesiglicd to e~iablccacli local authorilyto sct scnqiccprinciples
appropriately tailorcd to thc necds of tlieir communities witliin a 11ationn1fmiincn~ork.Hownlcr.
rl~eymay also bc uscd as rccoursc to aid loagcr-tcrm senricc dcvelopmenl.

11.4.1 Indian Public Library Guidelines

As llas been indicated under India~lPublic Librnry Stilr~diirds( I 1.3.1)earlier, liobody lias ever
published any guidelines for public libraries exclusively in India. The only document is tlie
Guidelines for Public Librap Sv,vte,?rsand Services prepared by the Raja Rammol~w~ Roy
Library Foundation in 199l.The salient features of tlie Guidelines are given below:.
'
11.4.1.1 Definitions, Ohj~ttivesand Functions
The modern public library is an institution, established and administered under a state law by
a local governnie!lt or an ad lloc nutononlous library autliorily or a government deparlment
maintained wl~ollyout of pu~blicfunds, open to all without distinction and frce of charge.
Objectives and functions prescribed by Unesco Public Library.Manifistohave been reiterated
by the Guidelines.
11:4.1.2 Renourccs
. Tlle book collectiol~sliould*becomprehensive in all local languages covering all subjects
according to the need, and beloanstat~tlyreviewed, kept up-to-date and attractively prescntcd.
It sl~auldstockappropriate materials irrespective of its fohn. Since, for cepturics, the printed
word has been the accepted medium for comnlunication ofknowledge, ideas and inlbr~~lation;
books, pcriodical$and
. - newspapers remain the mo$t important resources of public librarie5.
47
 c ~ l~t u b l i c
h $ ~ i ~ ~ n g c l l l or 11.4.1.3 Orgitnisation of Services
Library S y s t e n ~
A public library building should be centrally situated, accessible to tlie pllysically lundicapped
and open at tinies convenient to the users. Tlie building and its furnisluiig sliould beattractive.
illforinal and welcoining. Direct access by readers to the sllolves is essential. The public
library should be active and positive in its outlook and encourage its use by providing
reference serviceand lending ofbooks for llolne reading. The public library is a natunll culture
centre for tlie comninunity. Space and equipment are, therefore, necessaq for exhibitions,
discussions, lectures, musical performances and film shows. both Tor adults and children.
Brailcli libraries kind mobile libraries carrying adequate book slock with ir circulatioi~dcskfor
lending of books ii~ustbe provided in rural and suburban areas. Trained and colnpetenl staff
.
in adequatenumllbers is vital to select and organise resources and i~ssistuscrs.
11.4.1.4 Public Library System

A system may be defined as an organisation of service units under which each unit discharges
its predetermined role as an integral part of the system and tlie sillaller units receive
administrative. technical, financial and personal support from the ceiitral units. In tlie case of
library services, a central unibwill provide other units (libraries) with coininon services such ,
as selection, acquisition and processing ofbooks, compilation ofbibliographies and reading
lists, and indexing of articles of local interest.
11.4.1.5 Functions o f Libraries

As tlre apex of thestate library system, tlie State Central Library has iinportant role to
play as a repositoryof a11 publicationsin tbe state, to bring out a State Bibliograpliy of all si~cli
publications; to provide common teclinical services such as ccntralised selectioii and
. processing etc. Siiililarly,tile Guidelines ha\re recorninended fiinctioiis for different categories
of public librarics,
, . viz., divisionallregionallibraries. district central libraries. tlillagclibraries,
etc.
11.4.1.6 .Voluritary Organisations I

Libraries run by voluntary organisations sl~ouldbe registered under llle Societies re gist ratio^^
Act. The State should not take over these libraries. as it would anlouiit 10 ,
ternhating their autonomy and spontaneity,Tlley should, however, be given matclung grants.

~ i b r a r ylegislation is considered necessary to develop integrated public library service in a

state. Establishment of public library networks to ensure organised co-operation ainong
different units is a desired goal.
11.4.1.8 Administrative Machinery

Tlle guidelines have recommended the need for a (a) National Coiilmission on Library and
Information Services, and (b)aBureau ofLibrary and Information Services at the central level.
It lias also suggested establisl~mentofdirectorates of libraries and librar). colnmittees at state
level.
11.4.1.9 Libritry Finance

Tlie Guidelines have reaffirmed the recojl~iileildationsof LNAPLIS~ e p o r(National

& Policy
on Library and ~nformationServices) in respe&of library finance that the c&tral and state
, governments should provide for an expendityre of 6-10 per cent of their education Sudget for
libraries. No definite recommendation has been made for library cess. It recalled tlie
recommen&tion of the 8th Plan Wqrking Group on Libraries and I~lformaticsfor levy of Re. 1
to Rs.10 per annum by all public libraries in the country. , .

.11.4.1.10 Librav Services . ,

A publid library should roder senices for education, information, recrytion, culture (aestlietic
appreciation) and research. The pblic.libraries need to provide inaterials to ineet denln~ldsof
these objectives. All public libraries shall hold -i6eadingina terials irrespective of their
nomenclature, .size and location. But, non-book or audio-visual ilratcrials will be required iiid
heldmainly by central libraries or large libraries and will be aiwdcavailable to snialler i'ibrariks .
 for use. To avoid ullnecessary duplication nf serials and less used $ks, the library system 1'11 blic- Lil~rnryNIII.II~S,
St1111d11rd.s r~r~rl(;uidelir~cn
should define its Book Acquisition Policy.
11.4.1.11 Library Personnel

~tis recognised that no single formula can takecare of all sihlations. In general terms, one'post
per 2,000 literate populatio~isliould be provided ill central Libraries at statddivisional/district/
city levels. In case of central libraries. the proportion of professional staff to the total should
be 40 per cent against 33 per cent in otlier public libraries. Adequate s:aXfor central libraries
should be provided for (a) Adnlinistrative Services Division, (b) Technical Services Division
alld (c) Reader Service Division. (Details iiiay be seen under 11.3 .1.2)
11.4.1.12 Library Building
I
Generally. a gross area of21 5 2 0 sc1.R is provided for a populationof25,000, i.e., 0.86sq.ft. per
person, which is the interllational standard. But it callliot be applied in case of cc~~tral
libraries
required to scnrctlic entire nation. a state or a region. In these cases, the area is to be worked
out oh the basis of actuul need. I11 designing a library building. a brief sliould be prepared by
the concerned librarian delineating, 61)the fi~nctiollalqvalities and characteristicsof the new
building. (b)space required for administrative, technical and reader service stations, and (c)
logical placcillent of sections in relation in each otlier. The Guidelines liave also outlined
' details on design and locatio~lof tlie library building. (Dctails nlay be seen under 1 1.3.1.3-5 )
,
11.4.1.13 Othcr Physical Facilities I

1
All floors should have a uniforn~levcl of illumination. No separate study cubicles should be
provided for on any floor. Steel racks should be preferred to wooden, both in the stack area as I
well as the reading r o o m because of their durability. Book capacity should be worked out at I

jhe rate of 120 \~oluniesper 11 sq. ft, of floor area. Specifications of library fi~rnitu~~e
and
fittings have also been specified in detail by tlre Guidelines. (Details may be seen under I
11.3.1.6)
11.4.1.11 0rg;mis;ltian of Mittcrials

Wllilc rccog~lisingIhc filct 11111t tlicrc is l~ardlyany co~isiste~lcy

in processing oTbooks. tlie
Guidclincs liavc statcd tlurt thc solution lies in cc~ltralisedprocessing to be carried out by
~iiasterclassilicrs and cataloguers. I t cordd :slso save tlie tlniount of tiwe and effort Being
wasted by eacli library in proccssiug tlie same books. At times, it is felt tliat classification and
cataloguing procedures >llould be sin~pl~lied in case of small town and village libraries.
, However, it nrould be I ~ C C C S S i~1I book
~ ~ processing is centralised at central libraries and
printed ca(alogiic cards are made availsblc to all the libraries in tlie system.
11.4.1.15 Librit~yRecords itnd Stittistics ,

All libraries are espected to lllaintain statistics of library holdings and se&ices oh a regular
basis. The libraries slloilld also bring out Annual Reports wluch sliould cover all ad~iu~ustrative
mmtters (including history and background, government library relationslup), financial matters, .
technical services, readers scrvices, personnel, library holdings, building and equipment, and
co-operation with otlier libraries, etc.
11.4:1.16 Applicittionu of 1nfonn;ttion Technology

Tl~ecomputer cannot by itsel1 delecl the hullla11 error in the processing of a book. It is,
tbererore, scriousl~$d\:isedby tlie Guidelines that nlanual cataloguing (i'nvolvingclassification,
assigllnie~itoisubject descriptor, ctc,) that precedes co~rlputerisedcataloguing must first be
improved. Tlie CDSfISIS progriilame, designed by Unesco is being pronioted in India by the
Department of Scic~~tilic i~ndIndus~rialResearch (DSIR) under the NZSSAT programme. Its
inipact is yet to be assessed. India canuot develop national databases unless a national
bibliograpl~icsoftware is designed which is compatible with all makes of col~lputers.Some
orgallisations or institutions have to provide leadership in the matter.
, Self-check Exercise

' 7) According to the Guidelines for Public Library Systems and Services, how are services
. organised in a public library'?
2
 8) On tile topic of building up of a public libraly system, wliat are the guidelinwavailable
in India'?
Note: 3 Write your answers in tlie space give11below.

ii) Check your answers with tlie answers given at the end ;!the Unit..
....................................................................................................................

11.4.2 International Public Library Guidelines .

Forced by the fact that the IFLA'S Guidelinesfor Public Libraries, 1986, has been over-taken
by the dramatic developments in infornlation technology in the last few years, the Working
Group of the IFLA Section of Public Libraries has prepared nc\v \lersion. This drafl was
debated ;it the IFLA Conference in Jerusalem in August 2000 a114 it lias bee11 decided to
accept themafter incorporating some more instances of library practices.
I The IFZA Public Library Guidelines, 2000, are given in su~nrnaryfort11here. \vl~ichare accepted
as the international guidelinesfor public libraries. IFLAdid not include quantitativestandards
in t l ~ Guidelines
e bewuse it believed that standurds must vary accordi~rgto local circumstances
and must bc worked out separately in individual countries or on a regional basis. So, these
Guidelines work out to be qualitativein nature. That is, they are not "standards ", but guidelines.
The Guidelines are written as a tool, offering a detailed checklist of services slid facilities,
which a public library might offer.
11.4-2.1 Role ;indPuq)oseof Public Library
. '
The purposes of a public library are to provide resources and services in a variety of media to
meet the needs of individuals and groups for education (formal and informal whic11 is a
lifelong activity), i~lforniation(in traditional and electronic for~ns)and personal development
incl~ndingrecreation and leisure. Besides the pub;lic library's duty to nleet the needs of all
groups in the co~iimunity,it has a special responsibility to meet the needs of tlie children and
young people and act as an agency for personal and social de\dopment and change in tlie
coiium~nity.Public libraries are the key agency it1 the local comn~unityfor the collection.
preservation and prd~notioliof local culture and also for provision of conmn~unityinforillatio~i
services. For the long-term success, the librziry should be bascd on the culture of the country
arid not ona ford; introduced from el$e\vhere.
11,4.2,2 The Legd and Financial Frmenfork
Public library legislation: In order to maintain the level of service required to fulfil their functions.
public libraries sl~ouldbe supported by legislation and sustained funding by tlie appropriate
level of government. Legislation governing public libraries sliould state wliicli level of '
government is responsible for their provision and how they should be funded.

I
Funding: Funding is required not only when a public library is established but shoold be
I
,
sustained on an assured and regularbasis. The primary sources of fi~ndare taxation at local,
regional or central level, andblock grants from central, xgional or local level. Otller sources of
income may include donations, revenue from commercial activilies, revenue from user fees. ,
etc. I

TJie Governance of the Pllblic Library: Public libraries should be governcd by a properk
established body made up largely ofrepresentatives of tlie local co~iim~~nily incll~dingthae
elected either to the local council or to the library board. Libray co~n~nittees and b o d s
should have rules'of procedure and their proceedings shonld bc open to the gc~ieralpublc.
Altl~ougllthe final decisioils on policy will be taken by the governing body and the librariltl.
50
 ways sliould be sought to involve tlie local citizens wlio are the actual.or potential library
users.
11.4.2.3 Meeting theNeedv of the Users
Any li~iutationof access, wlietlier deliberate or accidental, will reduce the ability of the public
library to fully achieve its priiiiary role of meeting the library and information needs of the
coll~ii~uiiity
it serves. The f3llowing are i~iiportantcbnents in delivering an effective public
library sen1ice:
~&rrtifyirrgcrrid Anti[vsirig U~errs:To collect aiid a~ialysedata which identifies tliose needs
ofilldi\lidl~alsand groups within tlie conlnluilitywhich can be met by the public libraq.
Services to Uvcrs:Tlie services of tlie library sliould not be subjected to any fonn of ideological,
political, religious or commercial pressure. Services must be able to adjust and develop to
reflect changes in society. They sliould take into account the traditional cultures as well as
the new de\dopments. The library should facilitate access to children, youiigadults, pl~ysically
&advantaged and adults.
Customer Cure: Custoiliers should be involved in service development by de~nandsurvey
for library senlices, analysis of tlieir complaints and s~ggestions,etc. The public library
should help its users develop skills wliich will enable them to make the most eRective use of
the library's resources and services through guided tours and other methods including using
iilforn~ationh d communication technology.
Co-4)perrrtion und Re.~ourceShoring: The library should establish formal links with other
organisations in tlie local conimunity, e.g,, schools, cultural institutions such as museums!
gnllerics aiid archives, literacy programmes, chal~ibersof coiilmerce or boards of trade, in
o r d ~to
r jointly iriiprove services to tlre conimunity.
E/ectr4)nicNetworks: Tlrc purblic library, lo beconie tlie electro~licdoorway to inforlnatio~iin
the digital age. sliould provide access to the resources of tlie library and Lo those otlier
libraries aiid i~cormationservices through the creation, maintenance andlor participation in
effective electro~iicnetworks at the local, regional, national and increasingly international
levels. Tlie libriiry sliould provide free public access to the InternetIWorld Wide Web to
enable all citizens, regirdless of their econo~nicmeatis. It sliould have at least one public
access workstatioii witlr Inter~ietaccess a~;dapriiiter that is not shared with staff, Ifpossible,
the rciiiote acccss to its electronic resoltrces and services from their home, school or workplace
shodd be illado accessible 24 hours a day, sevcil days a week.
Library staffon llic otlrer hand, should liave acccss to the Internet/World Wide Web as well
as regular training in using tlie Internet so tllrlt they can play the role of "information navigator".
Accms to Services: Ptiblic library service outlets slrould be located for the maximum
conveilience of residents of the com~ilunity.If possible, they should be near the centre of
trirnsport networks and close to trreas of community activity, e,g., shops, comniercial centres,
cultural centres. Tlie outlet sliould be higldy visible and easily reached by faat, public transport,
nlherc a\lsilablc. or by privatevehicle. I11 well developed urban and suburban areas, a public
libraq slloiild bc iivailnble within a journey by private veliicleof about 15 minutes. I11 order to
provide tlic best possiblc access to tlie library scnlice, the library must be open at hours of
masimum convenieucc to the resideilts of tlie community.
Lihrrrcv Buildings: While plaili~ii~g 9 library, the following elements should be considered: a)
tlie fiinctioii oftlie library, b) tlie size ofthe library, c) designated spaces (space for services
to adults, children and young adults and for family use), d) designfeatures (to guaranbe easy
access lor all users and in particular persons with physi~ylipabilities), e) accessible shelving,
sigii-posting, f ) the ailibience of tlie library(adequate and attractive space, comfortable
teniperature and I~un~idity, provisio~~ of cafes), g) electronic and audio-visual equipment, h)
safety, and i) parking(safe, well-lii, appropriately identified for the haidicapped).
As regards design features, the following features should be included in the planning of a
new library: The exterior of the library should be well lit and identified witli.signs clearly
visible fro111 tlie street. Tlie elltranceof t!le library sl~ouldbe clearly visible and located on that
part of the buildiiig that ii~ostusers approach. There should be no design feali~resthat limit
tlie ability of an indi~ridualor groups to use any part of the library. Care should be taken to
n1unugenbcnt o f Public avoid steps as mucli as possible in both iilterior and esterior design. Lighting levels should
Lihrary Syste~r ' comply wit? those stated in international or national standards. Libraries that occupy hvo or
inore floors sllould provide elevators that are close to the library entrance and that easily
accommodate wheelchairs and child strollers. The library'should provide facilities for the
return of library materials when the library is closed. Mer-hours deposit boxes should be
theft proof and waterproof. A library should undertake an "accessibility" andit on a regular
basis to confirnl that there are no barriers to easy use.
As regards Accessible Shelving, materialsshould be displayed in open sllelves and arranged
at a height within easy reach for users. All shelving should be adjustable and preferably on
lockable wheels so that it can easily be moved. The furnitye in the children's section sliould
be appropriately sized. Shelves should be of accessible height and width for persons using a
wlleelchair.
On Sign-Posting, tlie Guidelines stipulate that signs sllould be carefully planned to
con~nlunicatean appropriate imageofthe library. Internal areas of the l?braty and parts ofthe
collection should be clearly identified by signs of a professional slandard so that users call
easily find them. Directional signs sllould be erected in nearby strccts and towii ccntres 10
guide the public to the library.
Regarding safety, tlie Guidelines have touched upon smoke and fire alarms, fire extinguislicrs
and emergency exits, training of staff in first aid, evacuation drills preparation of a d'lsaster
plan, etc.
11.4.2.4 Collection Development

The public library should provide equality of access to a rangelof resources that ineets the
needs of its users for education, information, leisure and personal development. The library
should provide access to the heritage of its society and develop diverse cultural resources
and experiences. Constant interaction and consultation with tlie local comnlunitywill lielp to
ensure this objective is achieved.
Collection Mirnugement Policy: Each public library system requires a written Collection
Manageinent Policy, endorsed by the governing body of the librag1 service.
The following categories of library materials may be represclitcd i l l a typical public library.
~lthoughthis list is not exhaustive: Fiction and non-fiction: periodicals: local. regional and
national newspapers; communily information, govermlleilt infonnation. busi~lessin~orniat~oii:
local history resources, genealogical resources, resources in thc prirllary language of the
conrmnity, resources in nlinority languages in the c o ~ n i t yresources
, in other languages;
music scores, computer games, toys, games and puzzles, studymaterials inclr~dingtextbooks.
The public library should provide a wide range of materials in a variety of formats which
include (though not exbustive): Books, both hard and soft covers; pamplllets and ephemera:
newspapers and periodicals including cuttings,,files;digital infonnation through the Internet,
on-linedatabases, CD-ROM databases, soft~vareprogrammes, Digital Versatile Disks @VDs):
microforms, tapes and CDs, video cassepes, laser discs, large print materials, Braille materials,
audio books, electronic books, and posters.
1 I

Stundrrrdrfor Book ~illections:The Guidelines have stipulated some stalldards relating to

book collection. Local and financial circumslancascould lead to variations in these proposed
standards.
As a general guide, an establislled book collection should bc betwwen 1.5 to 2.5 books per
capita. The minirnunl stock level forthe sl~lallestservice p&nt sl~ouldiiot be less than 2.500
books. In the s~nallektcollections inaterials for children, adult fiction and add1 non-fiction
nlay be provided in equal proportions. In larger collections. the percentage of non-fiction.
titles will tend to increase. These ratios call ~ r a according
q to tl~enccds of the local community
and the role of the public Iibrm. Relevant collections to serve the needs of young adults
should be developed (IFLA Guidelines for Library Services to Young Adults). Where the
libraq has a strong educational role, this should be reflected in,tlie coinposition of the stock.
Where reliable population figuresare not available, altenlatiye 11leUiodsof developing standards
are needed. Coinpansonswith a number of existing libraries serving coillmunities ofa sinlilar
 and make-up can be used to determine a target figure for the size of tlle collection and the P U ~ I I C Library Nurms,

resources needed to maintain it Stondnrde rind GuIdellncs

mndurds for Electronic Informution Futilities: The development of standards for the ,
provision of electronic information facilities is at an early stage. Current standards include the
following:
A standard of one computer access point per 5,000 populations has been used in Canada. The
latest standard in England recommends that the total n u w r of workstations, including
thosefor 0s-line catalogues, which are available for public use, should not be less than p.7 per
1,000populations. In Queensland, Australia, it is recommendedthat the following be provided:
~~rpopulation -
up to 50,000 1 personal computer (PC) per 5,000 population; For population
over 50,000 - 1 PC per 5,000 population for 50,000 population and 1 PC per eachadditional
10,000population. These standards recommend that at least half the public computers should
have access to tlie Internet and all should have access to a printer.
J- .
Collection Development Progrumme: The Guidelines have identified three phases of
development of a library and liave made recommendations in respect of each. In the first
phase, i.e., Establislmient Phase, sufficient range and depth of resources to meet general
needs should be tlie aim rather than comprehensive coverage. The inter-library loan system
~houldbe at its peak utilisation during this phase to supplement the developing collections.
Ideally, a new library should be establislied yith a inininium base stock of 1.0 book per capita.
Wl!ere tliis is not achievable, a modest growth plan should be.implemented to establish tliis
iiiinimum base stock over a period of three years. Access to electronic information sources
should also be iiicluded in tliis phase.
In tlie second pliase, viz., Consolidation Phase, tlie objective is to achieve growl11in the book
size, range and depth. Special conditions of tlie population are taken into account and
collections developed to meet tlie more indepth needs of the population served. A growth of
2.0 books per capita would be a inodest target over a three-year period. During the third
phase, called Steady St?te Phase. tlie collections meet the needs of the community irl depth,
range and quantity. The quality of collections js maintained by.acquisition rates matching
discard rates. N ~ formats
W are accoinmodated within the collectionsas they become available
and access is provided to the widest possible range of resources through the use of
technology.
Acquisition Rdes: The Guidelines liave laid down standards for acquisition rates for libraries
in general, small and niobilc libraries, and special collection.
General libraries: f o r general book stock in An establislied library service, tho following
acquisition rates tilay be applied:
Population Books pcr capita per aniillin Books per 1000 populatioii
Below 25,000 0.25 . 250

50,000+ 0.20 200

The follorving esamples suggest tlie size of stock for communities of different sizes:
Scenario 1 Scenario 2 Scenario 3
Established library service for: 100,000 507000pop. 20,000 pop.
Population ' populatio~ population
Median book stock:
volumes volumes voluines
Annual acquisition rate: , .
voluines
Mnnagement of Publlc ~ m a l l ~ i b r u r iundMobiie
es Libraries: In tllese oases, the acquisition rates, renewal rates or
Library Sygtem exchange rates should be based upon the collection size rather than the population served,
and be in the order of 100 per cent or more per annum. An efficient inter-library loan systemis
essential in tliese situations.
Special Collections: The collection policy must reflect the special needs wherever such
situations prevail. Particular exaqles ofthese are indigenous resources, local history resources
and reference collections.
11.4.2.5 Human Resources

In order to provide thebest possible service to the community, it is tlecessary to tnalntain well
trained and highly motivated staff to make effective use of the resources of the library.
StufJ'Cufegorie.~: The following categories of staff are found in,public libraries: qualified
librarians, library assistants, specialist staff on computer, finance, marketing, training, etc.
and support staff. It isrecommended that 0.5 - 1.0 per cent of the total library budget should
be earmarked for training purposes of the staff.
Stuffing Levels: Allowing for a number of factors affecting the level of staff including the
level of available resources, specific reqbirements and other local differences, the following.
basic staffing level (excluding support staff) is recommended:
one full-timeequivalent member of staff for 2;500 population
one-third of staff(excluding support staff) should be a qualified librarian.
Where reliable populationfigms are not available, smng levels can be related to he size of u
the library, fie range of its functions and the number of users. 4, 7
Tlie Guidelines have also laid down recommendations on other aspects like mouitoring of
staffdevelopment, contacts of staff for better delivery of services. cnrcer devcloplnent, \vorliing
1r
conditions, 'their health and safety, and dealing with anti-social ele~lientsin the libray. 1t.is
also stipulated that where volunteers help library stafF a written policy sliould be in place
defining the tasks of thesevolunteers and tlieir relationship to the library operation and staff.
11.4.2.6 The Management and Marketing of Public Libraries
TO be effective, a public library requires experienced,flexible and well-trained managers and
~

staff able to use a range of management techniques,

Finuncial Munugement: In order that the library operates efficiently (at optimum
perfbmunce), economically(at minimum cost), arid effectively(at m i i n u r n benefit) the Library I

Manager should look for ways of improving levels of funding, prepare 3/5 year business
.plans based on the library's long term plans and other ways.
I
Manugement Too& Community Needs Analysis, Monitoring and Evaluation, and Performance
( Measurement are recommended by the Guidelines as managelllent tools. Through the
CommunityNeeds Analysis, the library collects detailed informati011about the local community
and its library and information needs. In Monitoring and.E\~aluation.all programmes and
services are evaluated on a regular basis. Performance Measurei~~c~itsor perfonnance indicators
'are established to tlleasure the input 'and llle
''
output in order to e\lhluate and monitor the
achievement of the library's objectives.
Muiketing und ~ o m o t i o nLibrary
: managcrs can use tnarketi ng ~cchhiquesto enable tlieln
to understand and plan tlie needs of the users, and to ensure tlial tlie community and the
funding bodies fully understand the importance of public library. Lobbying and advocacy
involving interaction with decision-makers to secure specific objectives should be developed. .
Librarians should loo&for as many opportunities as possible to involve the library's governing
body in its major activities to promote the interests of the library. Another important technique
is participation in community life through p'roinotional.strategieslike book reviews on radio,
working with literature and cultural groups, supporting literacy orgtmisatioi~sand campaigns,
etc. The library sl~ouldhave a written communications, marketing and proniotions policy .
(including its evaluation) to enable it to undertake a planned pro~i~otioii of its.seryices to the .
public, t
54
7

Library stllffsllould be trained to usc comnlunication media to promote the library service and Pu bllc Librnry Nur~lls,
St~~l~dirrdv
u11c1 G u l ~ l c l i ~ ~ e s
respond to media inquiries. They should also be able to promote the library and its services
via computer and t e l e c o n ~ ~ ~ l ~ m i networks
c a t i o ~ ~ including the creation of libraqr web-sites. ,

Self Check Exercise

9) What are,the IFLA stipulations on governance of a public library'?

10) ~escrib;IFLA Guidelinesbn collection development in a public library ? 4

~ ~ t e 3: Write your answers in the space given below. !

ii) Check your answers with the answers given at the end of the Unit. I

This unit has been divided into three parts. These are: definitions, nornldstandards and
guidelines. The definitio~lpart deals with public library norms, standards, guidelines and
manifesto. Manifesto is inore general and the others gain relatively more specificity in order
guidelines, standardslnor~ns.And also the latter is based on the former in the sense while
standarddnornis are based on guidelines, guidelines are based on manifesto.
Public Library Standards or Nor~ilsare criteria by wllicll the services of a library is measured
and assessed. As in the case of guidelines, Public Library Standards prescribed at tlle national
level and international levcls haw been given in Illis Unit. In case of Indian public libraries,
the standarqs given in the appropriate places in tllc Guidelines for Public Library Systems qnd
Services src scgregatcd ilnd listcd ~ I the
I unit. ThelIFLA Guidelines at internationill level have
not given any specific standards for public libraries, as they believe that in the present state
of public library development, there could be no conlnlon standards of services applitable
. universally. Despite the f11ct that issuing of standards are not in practice today by international
organisations like U~~esco or IFLA, the IFLA Standtirdsfor Public Libraries 197311977 presented
in n summary form in tlle unit. Besides, the learners are expected.to study the n~lesladvice
given (on.quantitative aspects) in the IFLA Guidelines, 2000, along with.
lk
~uidelines,as tlx ten11indicates. are guides to realising wlut has befn dekred in ille ilnanifesto
as the intentioas/objectives. This udit deals with two sets of Guidelines, one at national level
and the other at international leyel. They are the Guidelines for Public Library Systems and
Serviqespublished by RRRLF and the IFLA Public Library Guidelines 2000 respectively.

11.6 ANSWERS TO,THE SELF CHECK EXERCISES

1) ,Standards are authoritative principles or rules that usually i'n~plya model or pattern for
guidance. by comparison. with which the quantity, excellence, correctness, elc., of other
things nray be detennincd. Public library standards may be defined as lhc criteria by
wl~icllservices lnay be,measured and assessed. They are determined by professiolial
libraria~lsin order to attain and ~naintaintheobjectives they have set for the~nselves.
, Standards may be interpreted variously as the pattern of an ideal, a model procedure, a
'measure for apprtlisal. a sti~llulu'sfor future development and as a n instrument to assist
decision and action. '

i
 1 M a ~ ~ u g e n ~ eofn tPubllc
I Library Systenl
Standards bting unifonnity and order. Standards are necessary for establishment of new
libraries and theimproveinent of esisting ones. These are required as a guide to the level
offinancial, material, and liu~nansupport necessary to ensure that libraries will be able to
fi~lfill
their responsibilities to the users. Library standards are essential for the planning
and evaluatioi~of library services.
The library standards provide the ilonlls boll, ii, qualitative teriils aiid quantitative tern~s
to be followed to implement tbe guidelines and thereby attain the goals. The staiidards
are used to lnetlsure andassess the achievements, relnovc the llurdles and to plan for the
future. Tlie library standards are considered as the ininirn~uni111d not as the inasirnu~l~
standards. However, no standards are valid forever. Tliey are revised frequciltly in
appreciation of changes in social conditions, educatioiial trends, and technological
developii~entaffecting libraries.

2) Manifesto is an important statement of principles. Guidelines and standards are more

detailed statements of practical of nature, which policy ~nakerscould use in developi~~g
public library services. Guidelines are guides or indications of hture course of action.
Guidelines are relatively more specific than manifesto in the sense that they tell you what
items in the li~anifestoare to be achieved and how.

Standards are'authoritativeprinciplesor rules that usually inlply a model or patten1 for

guidance, by conlparison, with which the quantity, excellence, correctness, etc.. of other
things lllay be deter~i~ined.
Library standards lnay be defincd as the criteria by 11~11icli
services inay be nreasured and assessed.

Tlie guidelines immediately, and st~bsequentlythe standards, arc basedlfounded on the

manifesto.

3) Tlie Guidelines for Public Library Syste~nsand Services stipulate that tlie states spending
less than 70 paise per capita (the national average) should try to reacli a level of
'
expenditure of Re. 1 per capita or alternatively one per cent of annual expenditure on
education and culture during the 8th Plan period (1992-97)a i ~ dthdse who were already
spending above Re. 1per capita should try to reach a level of expenditure of Rs.2.50 per
capita

The Guidelines have recommended levying of a charge on the public library service. In
order to make it worthwhile, the charge should be Rs.10 per annum, but a concessio~lof
33 per cent (Rs.20) bkallowed to a fa~izilyconsisting of three ii~e~nbers,
each having the
. right to borrow books in their individual capacity.
The building should be modular in design, which should inean that distance belwcen the
pillars should be unifonn. The distance between the pillars sllould not be less tlian 2 1 ft.
and not illore than 30 ft. and be divisible by three. The buildirlg sho~tldbe preferilblg
rectangular in shape as bookracks and tables are also iiiadc iu the sanle shapc. No
iiiezzanioe floors recoinmended. No cciling sliould be iiiorc than 16 fi. iu l~ciglltin non-
air-conditioned, and not less than niiie reet six inches in casc orair-conditioned buildii~gs
(to provide for ccilingfans). Each floor sl~ouldbe at one single level to facilitate iilovclilellt
ofbook trolleys. A book elevator (lift) slio~~ld be provided, if tlie building lias lnore than
one floor. Internal staircases should be avoided in the iniddlc of tlie floor. No baselnent
should be provided unless sub-soil is very deep. The load bearing capacity of all floors
should be 50 kg. per sq. m.

5) . For general book stock in an established libraty service, the following acquisition rates
may be applied: . .
-
Population Books per capita per annum Books per 1000 population I

I Below 25 000 0.25 * W)

 The followiiig esaniples suggest the size of stock for coiliiiiunitiesof different sizes: Yuh1lc Li brriry Norn~s.
Stl~~rtlnrdxIIIIII Cuiclelinrr
Scenario 1 Scenario 2 Scenario 3
Established library service for: l00,~X)O %m 20,oCX,
- population population population'
~ e d i a i book
; stock: 200,OO 100,ooo 40,000
volumes , volumes voluines
Annual acquisition rate: 20,000 vols, 11,250 vols. 5,000 vols.
I

I
6) Tlic stairco~npositionprescribed by tlie IFLA Standards for Public Librnrics 1973177is I

as follows:
e Total I I O I I - I I I ~ stafl(prqfi.v.~io~ial,
I?~~~ clerical, adnrinistrative):
"
--
In'sniallest adiltinistrative unit 1 full-time qualified librarian with clerical assisthce
In large administrative units with developed 1 per 2,000 population
library services
In very large adniinistrative units lper2,500 population
e Qualged librarians:
In a dcvelopcd;'urban, compact unit 33% of totd staff
In a library systeiil with inally branches an sinall 40% of total staff
service points
(In a largc library syste~ii,one-third of professional librarians sholild bc specialized
in cliildrennswork).
Tlie public libraq building should be centrally situated. accessible to llic pliysically
lia~~dicappcd aiid opc~iat tinies coiiveiiicnt to tlie user. Tlie building and its rurnisliing ,

sholild be atlractivc. inforiiial and wvelcoming. Direct access by readers lo tlie sl~elvesis
essential. Tllc public library sliollld be acti<,ca~ldpositive in its outlook, denionstratiilg
tlie valuc or its scnviccsand encouraging their use by providing reference service and
lending orbooks for lionle rcading. Tlie public library is a natural culture centre for the
coiiununity, bringing together as it doe9 people of similar interests. Space and equipment
are, therefore. liecessary for eshibitions, discussions, lectures, musical performances
aiid fdill sliows. both for,iidultsand children. Branch libraries and nob bile libraries carrying
adequate book stock with a circulation desk for lending ofbooks must be ptovided in
n~raland suburban arcas. Trained and competent staff in adequate number is vita1 to
select aiid orgaiiise resources and assist users,

8) a
India sliodd have public library system under which each unit shoi~lddischarge its
predetcniii~iedrolc asan integral part of the system and tlie smaller units sliould receive
administri~ti~fc,teclinic;~l,financial aiid personal support from thecentral \units. In other
words, tlic central unil \\'ill provide other units (libraries) with common scnlices suchas
'
selection. acq~~isition aiid proccssi~igofbboks. compilatio~lofibibliograpfiicsand reading
. lists, 2nd i~idcsiligof iirticlcs orlocal interest.
9 According to tlie IFLA Guidelines, 2000; a public librag should be governed by a properly
established body iiiade lip largely of representatives of the local cominunity, including
those elected citlier to the local council or to the library board. Library cbililnittees and
boards s h o ~ ~have
l d rules of procedure and tlieir proceedings should be open to the
general public. Altl~ougl~ the final decisions on policy ivill be taken by the governing
body and tlie librarian. ways should be sooglit to involve the local citizens wvl~oarc the
actual or potential library users.
10) Tlie IFLA Guidelines have identified three phases ofdevelopment of a library and have
~stablishmentPliase. and a sufficient range and depth of resources to meet general ,
needs should be the ail11 rather than comprehensive coverage. llie inter-library loan 57 ' '
 Management of P'ubllc system should be at its peak utilization during this phase to supplement the developing
Libriuy System made recommendations in respect of each. In the first phase, i.e., collections. Ideally, a
.new library should be established with a minimum base stock of 1.0 book per capita.
Where this is rtetachievable, a modest growth plan should be implemented to establish
this minimum base stock over a period three years. Access to electronic information
sources should also be included in this phase.
In the second phase, viz, Consolidation Phase, the objective is to achieve growth in the
bookstock size, range and depth. Special conditions of the population are taken into
account and collections developed to meet the more in-depth needs of the population
served. The book discard factor comes into play and the collection growth rate decreases
as discards begin to offset acquisitions, A growth to 2.0 books per capita would be a
modest target over a three-year period. During the third phase called Steady State Phase,
the collections meet the needs of the co~nmunityin depth, range and quantity. The
qualiiy of collections is maintained by acquisition rates matching discard rates. New
formats are accommodated within the collections as they become available and access is
provided to the widest possible range of resources through the use of technology.

11.7 KEY WORDS - -

( 'i
~ccessibility : Permission and Opportilnity to ~nakeuse of ducuments.
BibliographicSoftware : A Software which could allow to designa bibliographic
database to identify and locate bibliographic information.
1

Library Standards : , Accepted Practice or guidence to librarian in choosing the

Library Statistics
Electronic Resources
I
night design with functional efficiency
I
: Quantitative data pertaining to different sections and to
measure the performance of the Library.
: Information resources available in electronic format with
wider access. 1

1 8 REFERENCES AND FURTHER READING

IFLA (1986). Guidelines for Public Libraries. Prepared by the JFLA Sectio~iof Public Libraries.
Munchen: K.G.Saur I

IFLA (2000). Guidelinesfor Public Libraries. Prepared by the IFLA Section of PU b 1ic Libraries.
, .
, ,
Kalia, D.R.et. i.(1 991). Guidelines for:Public Library Systems and ~&vices:~~ranrhana:
fidian Journal oflibrary Studies. 2(1),3 1-84. . . ,a
. i .',, ,, .;i
(. I
i!,
t .,'I. ',: 'i

l.
Library ~ k a c i a t i o n(1 995) ~ o. d e~iotbhent of ~tahdardsfor Public Library S,irviCes, he
:..
Library Association,, London.< .' .. .. .
. :I ' '
'' '
. .
.

{"formation Services Group (1 998) Basic Stockfor the Public Rt?firenc6

Library ~ssociation'
Library. on don: Library Association Information Grotlp.
Library Association Infor~nationServices Group (1999) G~ripelinesfor Reference and
Information Seryices in Public Cibraries. London: Library Association Information Services
Group.
dffice of Arts and Libraries '(1 990). Key to Success: Pefor~rtancefndicotors ,far Public
Libraries, HMSO.
Withers, F . N.(1 974) Standards for Library Service: An international Surve:Paris: Unesco.
1

58
\

------ - ,
 I

' APPENDIX Public Library Norms, . I

Standards and Guidelines

-
Unesco Public Librriry Mnnlfesfo, 1994 Slrort versioir

According to the Unesco Public Library Manfesfo, 1994, the public library, the local
gateway to knowledge, should provide condilions for /felong learning, independent
decision-making, and cultzrral development of the individual and social grotps.
The services of the public library should be provided on the basis of equality of access to all,
regardless of age, race, sex, religion, nationality, language, or social status. Collections
and services have to inchrde all types of appropriate ntedia and modern technologies as
well as traditional malerials. High q~rality~and relevance to local needs and conditions are
fundamental. Materials must ~.eJlectcurrent trends and the evblzrtion of society, as well as
the memory ofhuman endeavour and irnagination. Collection and services should not be
subject to any form of ideological, political, or religiolrs censorship, nor commercial
presstrres.
7he Man@sfo has identfied 12 key ntissions relating to information, literaiy, eeducatian
end culture, *whichshould be at tbe core of pzrblic library services. According to the
janvesto, a public library shall in principle be flee of charge. The public library is the
responsibility of local and national authorities. It should be supported by spec@ legislation
andflnanced by nalional and local governmeno and sho~rld a national library
network. It also emphasised the need for a clear policy in relation to local conlmunity
nee&, co-operation with allied entities, accessibility of services, training to library stafi
user education and maintaining of professional standards of operation.