Public Library Services in Digital Environment: A study on Innovation activities with special reference to Public Libraries in Rajasthan

Abstract

Public Libraries are an essential part of the society in educating people to strengthen them as the human capital of the community. But today, public libraries are at a turning point and are struggling to survive in the contemporary world. One of the causes of this is the advent of new technologies that have changed the reading habits and learning experiences of people completely. This presents major challenges and opportunities for public library systems across the world. To address the changing needs, community challenges, and to survive in the digital age, public libraries need to be innovative. The digital era is a huge opportunity for libraries to innovate and change. Innovation has a huge significance to revive the public libraries and restore their prime position in society as a knowledge hub. By considering the same, this paper provides an overview of public library and initiatives that portray an innovative idea, approach, or service with examples of innovations that have been identified through a literature review of various research papers in the field of library science. The innovative activities can be categorized into broad areas like- collections, customer services, technology, events, and library spaces/buildings, etc. The paper also describes the role of Librarians towards the transformation of public libraries and their challenges. The present status of Rajasthan State is also described in brief by considering the telephonic interview of library professionals working in Public libraries of Jaipur, Ajmer & Kota District.