Challenging Role of Rural Libraries in the Advent of Information Technology

Abstract

The public library system in Kerala was developed as part of the renaissance occurred during the period of national struggle for independence. Public library had been serving as an agency of overall communication to society. Rural libraries are becoming more visible as an essential democratic institution and putting citizens in touch with sustainable issues. Due to the advent of technologies, rural libraries are facing challenging situation. Technologies exist today to provide telephony and internet in every village. Thus, it is engaged in communicating information to each one what one needs, at the time and place convenient to user. Rural localities often lack the individual and organizational resources, expertise and problem solving skills required to deal effectively with their situations. The rural libraries are facing many problems are under funded, understaffed, staff which are underpaid, libraries have been closed and forced into reduced hours.