GLIMPSES OF LIBRARY MOVEMENT AND PUBLIC LIBRARY DEVELOPMENT IN ANDHRA PRADESH

Library movement is one of the most important social movements witnessed in our Country in general and Andhra Pradesh in particular since the beginning of the twentieth century. The movement which originated and developed in the three regions i.c., Coastal Andhra, Raalaseema and Telangana of the present Andhra Pradesh carved out for itself a most significant and prominent place in annals of library movement of the whole Country.
The present work "Glimpses of Library Movement and Public Library Development in Andhra Pradesh" deals with the origins, aims and objectives of library movement and development and spread of the movement in the three region s of the State.
As a result of Andhra Pradesh Public Libraries Act, 1960 a network of public libraries have been functioning in the State. The public library system consists of State Central Library (SCL) at the top followed by Regional Libraries (RLs) and at the district level the District Central Libraries (DCLs). Further down the system the Branch Libraries (BLs), Village Libraries (VLs), Book Deposite Centres (BDCs) and Mobile Libraries (MLs). In the present work anf effort has been made to provide glimpses of the activities of various types of various types of libraries and at the district level, the District Central Libraries (DCLs) under the authority of Zilla Grandhalaya Samsthas (ZGSs).
The present work also deals with the recommendations of Library Committees such as Ekbote and Vivilala appointed by the Govt. of Andhra Pradesh to look in to the working of A.P. Public Libraries Act, 1960 and the state of affairs of private libraries in the State. It also deals with role played by professional associations and organisatins for the cause of library movement and public library development and the emergence of library profession. Lastly the present work deals with LIS education in the State and the institutions which have been concerned with LIS education a different levels and courses offered by them.
For the fist time and attempt has been to present glimpses of library movement and public library development in Andhra Pradesh covering various facets with facts and figures. It is fervently believed that the present work will serve as one of the basic and important sources of information requirements of those interested in library movement and public library development in Andhra Pradesh.