Utilization Of Information Sources And Services

The UNESCO Public Library Manifesto 1994 explains the objective of public library as self-explanatory...."the public library is a living face for education, culture and information, and an essential agent for the fostering of peace and spiritual welfare through the minds of men and women. The public library, a local gate way to knowledge, provides a basic education for lifelong learning, independent decision making and cultural development of the individual and social groups". Abraham Lincoln's proverbial remark concerning the definition and meaning of democracy, is equally applicable in the context of public library - it is an institution 'for the people, by the people and of the people.' Dr. S. R. Ranganathan defines it as a library owned and maintained by the public in the area for the socialization of its books and kindred materials for free service to the people of the area. A public library is, then, free to all, irrespective of age, profession, race, sex, color or creed and should provide free access to any literature required.