Libraries of newspaper publishers in Kerala. A survey

Abstract

Journalists working in newspapers frequently resort to retrospective reference to make news presentation more attractive and informative to the reader. Realizing the impact that the library can have on newspaper production, some newspaper managements maintain a library/inhouse information system for the provision of a comprehensive service to the editorial department. This study was undertaken with the objective of assessing the present state of newspaper libraries in Kerala with respect to their administrative set-up, organizational efficiency, library collection, technical processing, services, personnel and physical facilities. Libraries/information units attached to newspapers having a circulation of above 50 000 were chosen for study. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, examination of the relevant files and records, and by personal observation. The study revealed that the book collection of the newspaper libraries in the state of Kerala in South India is inadequate. Books are not procured regularly and even the reference books available are outdated, old editions. Newspaper managements do not seem to be enthusiastic about developing a library collection containing the latest edition of important reference books. The available materials are not properly classified and catalogued in most of the libraries and adequate measures are not taken for preservation of library materials. No comprehensive clippings indexing services are available in the majority of the libraries. Library personnel employed in the newspapers in Kerala are totally inadequate from the point of view of both quality and quantity. The problem of space is faced by almost all libraries and reading materials lie scattered in different places because of this shortage of space. Thus the picture presented by the libraries of the newspapers in Kerala is far from satisfactory.