Rare Portuguese-era books are being stored in open almirah
The Margao Municipal Council library on the ground floor of the Municipal building.
MARGAO
When a team of Accountant General descended at the Margao Municipal building in September last year to conduct an audit, the team found to its shock that the Municipal library has no full-time librarian and the library was managed by an Assistant Librarian and two group ‘D’ staff.
The ground reality prompted the Audit team to observe that librarians are the backbone of any library and should possess expertise in organising and managing library resources and staying updated with information technologies.
To the audit observations, the MMC replied that the civic body had unanimously resolved to appoint one full time librarian and take the services of a professional from Goa University for effective library services. Moreover, the civic body replied that the process of procurement of CCTV, glass cupboards, curtains for library is under progress.
That’s not all. The Portuguese-era books are still craving for attention. Plans to shift all the Portuguese-era rare collection of books have hit a block for want of cupboards. While the library has started the process of shifting the rare books, the entire lot will be properly secured only after the arrival of the entire lot of cupboards.
Around 11 months now, the post of librarian is yet to be filled up by the MMC. If sources are to be believed, the librarian’s post had reportedly fallen vacant in the year 2016
“Libraries play a crucial role in providing access to information, promoting education, and supporting research and learning. Maintenance of library is an ongoing process which involves careful attention to physical infrastructure, collections, technology and user services”, the Audit team observed.
Scrutiny of records of the library has revealed that the last physical verification of the library books was conducted in January 2021. As per the report, a total of 19,272 books were available in the library. Further, it was also mentioned that 133 books issued to library members had not returned the books within due date. Therefore, it was proposed to issue reminders to the concerned members. However, no reminders ware issued till date.
The joint inspection has also shed light on computers and technology, saying in an era of digital libraries, 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 inducing the latest technology such as uploading of software (E-granthalaya), bar coding of books which makes it easy for issuance and lending of books”, the audit report stated.
On inventory management, the inspection had revealed that proper shelving and storage units were needed to organise and protect the library's physical collections, ensuring easy access and preservation.
It was 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. Portuguese 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 digitizing the deteriorating books for easier access, the audit report has stated.
In respect of security measures, the team stated that security measures should be implemented to protect the collection from theft or damage. It was observed that the camera installed in the library was not functional. 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 report added.
