The document summarizes the modernization of public libraries in Kerala, India using the Koha library management system. It discusses how the Kerala State Library Council initiated the project to modernize training, connect all public libraries into a single network using Koha, and facilitate access to the entire system. Over 8,000 public libraries across Kerala are being upgraded and cataloged into the new system. The project aims to provide IT infrastructure, training, and a library management system to improve services and attract more young users.

1. Modernisation of public
libraries in Kerala using Koha:
A progress report.
Vimal Kumar V.
Librarian
School of Indian Legal Thought
Mahatma Gandhi University
www.vimalkumar.info
IndKoha 2017, Bengal Library Association, 26-27 August 2017, Heritage Institute of Technology

2. Introduction
Kerala State Library Council initiated the modernisation
project,
Modernisation training to all library volunteers,
Connect all public libraries into a single network,
Koha facilitates the platform to connect with the entire
system.

3. Profile of Kerala public libraries
8182 public libraries throughout the Kerala state,
Three tier governing system (State, District, Taluk),
The majority of the public libraries have their own buildings,
Income sources (State Govt. grant and library cess)

4. Library and reading room are common in public libraries in Kerala.

5. Social space for youth.

6. Annual celebration of a public library.

7. Group for kids in public libraries and various fests for them to display their talent.

8. Seminar for job seekers in Govt. sector.

9. Kerala Public Library Movement
Trivandrum Public Library established in 1827,
Public Libraries had well established before the Indian
Independence,
Formation of ‘Travancore Granthasala Sangham’,
Kerala Public Libraries Act in 1989,
Kerala State Library Council in 1994.

10. State Central Library, Kerala.

11. Kerala State Library Council
KSLC is an autonomous body with three tier governing
system,
Libraries have classified into six grades (A, B, C, D, E, F),
KSLC has introduced various novel programs for the
popularity of library services,

12. Chanllenges
Economic liberalisation, Satellite television, Internet, mobile phone,

13. Challenges...
New generation youngsters are away from public libraries,
Nominal librarian allowance,
Lack of professionalism in library services,
Lack of modern library training,
Very few public libraries computerised yet,

14. Modernisation project
Make available IT infrastructure, Training, Library
Management System, Bibliographic details.
Selected Koha ILMS for the networking of public libraries,
600 library branches with bibliographic details made available
for trial run,

15. Suitability of Koha in public libraries
Koha is suitable for libraries with multi branches,
Many features are suitable for public libraries; multi branches,
branch transfer, offline circulation, muti-format notices,
unicode etc.
Koha implementation at Delhi Public Library system (35+
branches, 1.6 million records)

16. Training
Training for resource persons and library volunteers
completed in 2016-2017 period.
Sessions on the History of public library movement, Library
Management, Cataloguing, Classification, IT, Library
Automation, Koha hands on training.
21 days training for Library Volunteers in district level.

18. Kerala State Library Council Online Catalogue

19. Second phase of the project
The training at the first phase could enhance the confidence
level of library volunteers,
Make available computer and Internet in public libraries,
Ongoing training is necessary.

20. Latest news
Govt. of Kerala offered 30 cent land in Thiruvananthapuram
for Kerala State Library Council to build Information
Technology Institute.

21. Conclusion
Networking of huge number of libraries would be the first of
its kind,
District level training centers are necessary for ongoing
training,
Need initiative to attract young generation to public library
activities and modernisation project,
IT infrastructure is necessary in public libraries,

22. Conclusion....
Working committees in district and taluk level to monitor the
progress of modernisation project,
Professional librarians service is beneficial in the monitoring
committee,
Kerala State Library Council can make use the service of LIS
students.