THE ROLE OF LIBRARY IN HIGHER EDUCATION

The role of library and librarian in recent era has changed as a result of techno-driven world. Library is considered „the heart‟ of a university or an institute offering higher education. After independence, the University Education Commission (1948-49) as well as Education Commission (1964) emphasized the need of academic libraries in India and suggested certain measures for betterment and effective management incorporating its organization, the availability of staff, open access system as well as financial support. University Grant Commission played a vital role for betterment of libraries in higher education by establishing Information and Library Network Centre (INFLIBNET). The SOUL (Software for University Libraries) developed by INFLIBNET centre, made available to its member free of charge, proved valuable in modernizing the entire set-up of academic libraries. The reservoir of Indian theses called Shodhganga, a database of thousands of theses from various universities across India has also become a chief source for researchers and academicians to seek the knowledge generated in various branches. The challenges like effective utilization of digital technologies, supporting access to Open Access Resources, etc. have not been overcome yet in every respect. The laws of library science designed by Dr. Ranganathan should be pursued firmly in a pragmatic manner. A quality education and research is not possible without a modernized library. Library is one of the major resources for the exchange of ideas. Academic and research work is very much preserved by library.