The Symbiotic Reciprocation between Public and School Libraries in Rural India: Needs and Directions for Knowledge Society

Public libraries are well known as peoples’ university for its undeniable roles to society and have enough scope to fulfil information needs to all the members of a community regardless of race, nationality, age, gender, religion, language, disability, economic and employment status and educational attainments. The main functions of school libraries are related to provide academic support to the host institute by providing resources to students and staffs. In spite of that there are some common functions of public and school libraries. Or it can be said that what school libraries can do, public libraries can do it broadly. Though both of these libraries have a valuable role to build knowledge society, but at present they are unable to function properly as per society's needs. In the context of current recession emphasis has been given on mutual bonding between public and school libraries. Needs and challenging issues of mutual functioning have been identified and a joint working framework has been discussed, so that both types of libraries can come under a unique shade for their better development.