Public Libraries in Malabar

Contents: Acknowledgements. 1. Introduction. 2. Review of related studies. 3. Public libraries in Malabar: genesis and development. 4. Organisation, administration, resources and users of public libraries in Malabar. 5. Utilisation of services in the public libraries--analysis. 6. User evaluation of public libraries in Malabar. 7. Conspectus. Bibliography. Index.

"In Malabar (North Kerala) comprised of six districts, the Library Movement was mainly a part of Nationalist Movement. Considering the unique characteristics of the Library Movement in Malabar and also its socio-economic backwardness with the other part of Kerala, the genesis and development of public libraries in Malabar have been studied to find out their social objectives. The various socio-political backgrounds which helped the birth of public libraries in Malabar have been traced. The organized movement in Kerala, particularly in Malabar has been arranged in a chronological order so that the evolution properly understood in a historical perspective. The existing status of public libraries in Malabar in terms of their general characteristics, organization, resources, services, and utilisation were analysed. An evaluative study on these aspects is also made based on the efficiency of the libraries. User evaluation of library resources and services has also been taken as the measure of library performance. 

The author concludes the study with the suggestions for the proper functioning and operations of the public libraries. The analysis of the strength and weakness of resources and the past performance provide meaningful inputs to take better decisions in planning the future of the public libraries. On the basis of data obtained in the study, and also considering the changing concept of public libraries in the present knowledge based society and technological advancement, the future of the public libraries is also discussed. 

The major finding of the study is that the current state of decline of public libraries is not merely due to various socio-economic factors, but due to the lack of awareness among the public about the role of public libraries in the society and the non-inclusion of libraries in the government's development priorities.

The present study is expected to help the library authorities to adopt the suitable strategies for improving their collection building and providing more efficient library services. It will assist to assess whether the libraries fulfill their various objectives and how far the libraries are lagging behind in providing satisfactory service to the community. It will remind the librarians of expected role of public relationship." (jacket)