The Margao Municipal library.
MARGAO
Margao Municipal Council’s iconic library is back under the scanner of the audit.
If the library had come under the lens of the Accountant General around two years ago, an audit conducted by a team of officials of the Director of Accounts for the financial year 23-24 showed that all isn’t well with the Municipal library “ the library manned by an Assistant Librarian and two Group D staffers instead of a full-time Librarian, missing books et al.
The audit pointed out that libraries play a crucial role in providing access to information, promotion education and supporting research and learning. Maintenance of library is an ongoing process which involves careful attention to physical infrastructure, collection, technology and user services, the team added.
The audit observed that the last physical verification of total collection of 19,272 books including 2,561 RTCL books was carried out in the year 2021. After verification, total 133 books were found missing which will be shown to the next audit after thoroughly checking if misplaced. The audit has proposed to issue reminders to the concerned members. However, till date no reminder was issued.
Asserting that a Librarian is the backbone of any library, the audit noted that they should possess expertise in organising and managing library resources and staying updated with information technologies. “The Municipality has a sanctioned post of one Librarian and Asstt Librarian to manage the library. However, it was observed that the library was functioning with one Asstt Librarian and two Group “D” staff,” the audit observed.
The audit has recommended implementation of security measures to protect the collection from theft or damage. “It was observed that the camera installed in the library was not functioning. The library’s atmosphere is influenced by both its activities and its patrons. Situated in a city with continuous vehicular traffic, the open windows without curtains expose readers to noise and air pollution, detracting from their comfort and concentration,” the audit observed.
After scrutinising the library register, the audit noticed that MMC library plays host to around 20,916 books, including 17,871 books in the main library and around 3,045 books in the Rabindranath Tagore Children’s library as on March 31, 2024.
A total of 91 new books have been purchased for the main library during the year 2023-24 amount to Rs 29,820, the audit observed.
Yet to embrace digital transformation
In the era of digital libraries, the audit observed that it is expected that libraries must have up to date computers and technology for users to access the library’s catalogue and databases. “The library was not updated by including the latest technology such as uploading of software (E-granthalaya). Bar-coding of books which makes it easy for issuance and lending of books,” it was further observed.
Poor storage and preservation issues
The audit pointed out that proper shelving and storage unit are needed to organise and protect the library’s physical collections, ensuring easy access and preservation. The team observed that the library books were kept in the racks of open almirah instead of cabinets with glass doors. Similarly, in the rare book section (i.e section) the vintage books were kept in open almirah showing signs of early deterioration. “The municipality may take measures to regularly inspect the vintage books for signs of pests, like insects or rodents and use book safe pest control methods. The Municipality may consider digitising the deteriorating books for easier access,” the audit recommended.
