Festival of Libraries 2023

Source: PIB
GS II: Human Resource; Prelims

Overview

Why in News?

Festival of Libraries 2023 to be Inaugurated by the President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu.

The Festival of Libraries will showcase renowned libraries from around the world to spark discussions about modernizing and
Image by Lubos Houska from Pixabay

digitizing libraries in India.
Its ultimate goal is to create policies that promote the development of Model Libraries at the village and community levels. Additionally, the festival will introduce a special ranking system for libraries across India to further encourage excellence and innovation in the library industry.
This unique event is designed to engage and inspire participants from all aspects of the library ecosystem.
Special sessions will focus on library schemes and collections, including National Missions on Libraries, Manuscripts, and Archives.
There will be four theme-based drawing rooms, each featuring book-author sessions, digital displays, flip books and podcasts, the human library project, and the Indian Culture Portal.
The Children’s Zone will have hands-on activities like Readathon, Build-a-Bookshelf, Treasure Hunt, Organize-Your-Home-Library, and more to promote reading habits and help children develop a relationship with books, reading, writing, and speaking.

The National Mission on Libraries (NML) is an initiative launched by the Government of India under the Ministry of Culture to modernize and revitalize libraries in the country.
The mission was initiated to provide effective access to knowledge and information resources to all segments of society, preserve cultural heritage, and promote lifelong learning.
The National Mission on Libraries is aligned with the broader goals of the National Knowledge Commission and the National Policy on Library and Information Systems (NPLIS).
It recognizes the critical role that libraries play in knowledge dissemination, education, and cultural preservation.
The mission has been instrumental in promoting the use of technology in libraries, establishing digital libraries, and providing e-learning facilities to students and researchers.
It is a significant step towards making knowledge more accessible and inclusive for all citizens of India.

Modernization of Libraries: The mission aims to modernize and upgrade libraries by integrating information and communication technology, automation, and digitalization of library resources.
Strengthening Library Infrastructure: It focuses on strengthening the physical infrastructure of libraries, including the renovation and construction of library buildings and facilities.
Human Resource Development: The mission emphasizes capacity building and training of library professionals to enhance their skills in managing modern libraries and information services.
Digitization of Library Resources: NML aims to digitize rare and valuable manuscripts, documents, and other historical resources to preserve cultural heritage and make them accessible to a wider audience.
Outreach and Access: The mission aims to increase outreach and improve access to library services, especially in remote and underserved areas of the country.
Networking and Collaboration: It encourages networking and collaboration among various libraries and information centers to share resources and expertise.
Public Awareness: NML works towards raising public awareness about the importance of libraries and reading culture in society.
Policy Support: The mission provides policy support to various library initiatives and projects at the national and state levels.

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