National Policy for Library and Information Systems and Services in India: The New Scenario

Abstract

India has had a long history of Library and Information Services. However, due to the hierarchical social structure and the colonial past, Indian Library and Information Systems and Services (LISS) have mainly catered to the elite minority. The post-independence policies of the government have gradually changed this scenario and the LISS have become much more broad-based and people-oriented. The paper deals with the historical background of policy formulation in India, which has positively affected LISS in different ways to cope with the new environment and new expectations of the users. It also spells out the details of the National Policy on Library and Information Services (NAPLIS) and the need for a more holistic New Information Policy. Such a policy will have to deal with all the related fields and IT-oriented activities, which will give LISS the much needed direction to steer India to become an information-oriented society.