An Analytical Study of University Libraries in Kerala

Abstract

Purpose of this article is to examine the current state of four oldest general university libraries in Kerala. The study consisted of in-depth interview with four university librarians. The paper explores resources, services, infrastructures, funding, hours of opening, staffing, and library resource sharing. The study revealed that the university libraries in Kerala are hybrid type of libraries having dominance of print resources. The major share of electronic resources comes from UGC Infonet e-journal consortium. Though the individual performance of libraries in some areas reflects the mission of the university, they are not directed to the ultimate function of supporting teaching and research in the parent organization by supplying high quality material through advanced forms of information services. Problems hindering the development and progress of these libraries have also been identified and discussed.