Growth and development of libraries in Manipur: a critical study

Abstract

Knowledge is power. Since knowledge is so vital for all round human development, libraries that handle and manage knowledge are indeed valuable. Knowledge and library do not develop by heap and bounce. They are developed one generation after another generation along with the development of society. Knowledge of any kind, which is useful to society, is usually recorded in a print or electronic media and libraries preserve them for posterior use. Before the invention of paper and printing press, people used to write books on natural products like stone, clay, cloth, leaves, barks, animal skins, metals etc. After invention of paper in 105 A.D. at China, many writers were fascinated and started reproduction and writing of many books in manuscripts. The invention of printing press in 1455 A.D. by Johann Gutenberg of Germany opened a new chapter in the production of numerous books in the 15th century and again with the development of ICT facilities in the 21st century, there has been tremendous development not only in the production of printed books and periodicals but also in the production of electronic books and journals and other information and upload them on internet for world wide use. In all these development, libraries play a pivotal role. As such the importance of libraries is increasing day by day. Before the advent of the ICT age, people were very much worried about the sources of information. To-day people are facing the problem of information explosion resulting in the need of Librarian who knows the right information for the right information seeker and who also knows how to give the information at the right time and thereby saving valuable time of information seeker. In fact the role of libraries and librarians are becoming more and more vital in this modern era of 21st century. Recognising the importance of libraries, nowadays many institutions/ organisations/ departments in the world are encouraging the growth and development of libraries in their respective institutions and areas.