Books, Libraries and Culture

It is a book on books and their traditional abode like libraries, both of which contribute to develop the culture of a nation. To have a wider perspective of the main focal theme and to establish co-relationship between the books, libraries and culture, an overview of culture with its various manifestations, along with the story of evolution of books and libraries are presented to the readers. As public library movement is a continuously developing process, the author has tried to visualize Library Vision 2020 in India. To appreciate the multi-faceted characteristics of modern public library concept, various aspects of the subject are elaborated in different articles. Particular emphasis is given on Community Information Service (CIS) which is gaining world-wide growing importance and is now considered to be immensely needed in Indian scenario too. To further develop the focal theme, critical areas of modern book preservation and oft-quoted apprehension of digital divide and so-called threats to printed books and reading habits are also analysed in detail. In fine, the collection of articles aim to attract readers’ deeper interest and attention towards books and libraries that will eventually enrich our cultural heritage. While concluding, a glowing tribute is paid to the first Indian National Librarian through which the author wishes to formulate an innovative Five Principles of Librarianship.