Development, Challenges and Opportunities of Nepal's Public/community Libraries

Abstract The development of public community libraries in Nepal is found alongside the development of human civilization and culture. The history of the library, which started at Temple, Chaitya, Gumba, Vihar in ancient times, is now changing into electronic form. During Rana’s rule in Nepal, development of library wasn’t possible and now in the democratic era library has become the main source for knowledge and information. Federal arrangements have been implemented from the unitary state system in the country. This article discusses the development, existing problems and possibilities of public community libraries in Nepal.

Keyword: Library, Public library, Community library, Library development- Nepal

1. Background A public library is considered as a public university. Materials suitable for every class and communities of society provided without discrimination, for free of charge for the purpose of providing knowledge to the people is known as a public library. The main objective of a public library is to assist in the development of the nation, to preserve the cultural and historical heritage of the society, to help develop reading habit, to serve as an informal education centers, to serve as an information centre. The services provided by public library isn’t biased by age, gender, character, religion, ethnicity, nationality, language or economic, social, educational level but it is based on equality without any discrimination.

2. Public/Community Library Development in Nepal : The history of library developmentin Nepal is found alongside the development of human civilization and culture. In ancient times, the traditions, practices, teachings etc. were written in tadapatra, shilapatra, tamrapatra, bhojpatra etc. In the past it was found that those scripts were collected in the religious monuments, chaitya, vihar etc. which were precious manuscripts that gives the identity of Nepali civilization and culture. During the end of mid-century, the ancient historical records of the Nepal unification campaign of the late King Prithivi Narayan Shah were found scattered, all those manuscripts were collected and stored in the worship room (puja kotha) of the Basantapur Durbar in Hanuman Dhoka. For the purpose of preserving and managing the manuscripts and the stored archived Nepali manuscripts and handwritten texts, GirvanyuddhaBikrama Shah, issued a decree (Lalmohar)on Bhadra 15, 1869 B.S, legalizing the library for the first time the history of Nepal. The day is celebrated as the modern era for the development of library in Nepal. As mentioned in the World Encyclopedia of the American Library Association 1980, there are 400 community libraries in Nepal, but this figure is very old. Even though there is no exact number of public/community libraries in Nepal, by estimation, approximately 1000 public library are in operation.

2.1. Development of Public/Community Libraries During Rana’s Rule The books that were said to have been kept in Hanuman-dhoka Durbar by King Girvanyuddhagot moved from place to place for lack of proper place for preservation. The books were moved toThapaathali Durbar (1904), Darbar School (1953), Ghantaghar library (1958), BirPustakalaya (1962). In 2024 B.S, after the establishment of national archives, all the books of the above library were brought and kept in the national archives.

Our history has evidence that During Rana’s rule, to open apublic library was considered illegal and punishable. Until 2007, only 25 public libraries were established. (Karki, 2002, pp. 174).In 1987 B.S, the great poet Lakshmi Prasad Devkotaalong with other 46 youths tried to establish a Library. Before the library was established all of them were caught and were sentenced to prison, This event is known as the Library parva (library scandle) in the history of Nepal. Despite all these hindrances after some years, some public libraries were established by the public, viz. Tri-Chandra Library Kathmandu, Siraha in 1972, PustakPadhneDalan, Palpa in 1983Dhawal Library after 2004 B.S), PashupatiPratap library, Taulihawa (1993), BandipurPadhma Library, Tanahun (2001), Shardha Libraries, Lalitpur (2003),Pradipta Library, Kathmandu (2003), Vidyamandir Library, Baglung (2003), Prem Library, Nepalgunj (2003), Mahavir Library, Butwal (2004) Tribhuvan Mohan Library, Ghorahi (2005) etc.

2.2. Development of Public/Community Library After Establishment of Democracy After the end of Rana regime in 2007 B.S and democracy was established, opening a library was much easier than ever before. After the establishment of democracy in the country, there was not only need for community/public libraries was felt, but the need for the national library was also began to be felt.

In 2013B.S., Nepal National Library was established Singha Durbar by purchasing BharatiBhavan Library's collection which was founded by Pundit HemrajPandey. Similarly, in 2016 B.S., when Tribhuvan University was established, a library was also established even though the number of books was less than 1000. Likewise, a public library bearing the nameLal Durbar Central Library, was established at the same time in 2016 B.S,that was later merged with T.U. Library in 2019 B.S. and began to be called T.U. Central Library.

The Kaiser Library, which was developed as a personal collection of Kaiser Shamsher, the son of the then Rana Prime minister, was handed over to the Nepal government in 2026 B.S. The personal collection of Kamalani Dikshit was developed as Madan Puraskar Library in the year 2013 B.S. Likewise, Dilliraman Regmi's personal collections, Dilliraman Kalyani Regmi Library, Museum and Research Center was established on 2037B.S. and was transferred to Nepal Government a year later. Kathmandu Valley Public Library, established on 2061 B.S. in Bhrikuti Mandap, Kathmandu, is also an important public library.

From the year 2000 to 2015, there were more than 150 public libraries in Nepal, but without any policy. Out of which now a days there are more than 100 numbers in the valley. (Bhusal, 2072) After 2007 B.S., some public/community libraries which were established within the valley are, Sankata Library, Tebahal (2009), Prabhat Library, Patan (2009) Bishwa Bandhu Library, Maharajganj (2010), Nabin Development Board Library, Shiphal (2012), Nabin Development Board Library, Thamel (2012), Adhyan Ghriya Library, Jaulakhel (2012), Om Library, Lazimpat (2017) etc. Likewise, libraries opened outside the valley are Adharsa Library, Kaski (2008), GyanBigyan Community Library, Panauti (2012), Jagriti Library, kabrepalanchowk (2013), Biplabi Library, Kathmandu (2015), Bishalnagar Library, Kathmandu(2019), Matribhumi Community Library, Syangja (2025), Kiran Library, Gulmi (2025), Amrit Library, Lalitpur (2026), Devkota Library, Jumla (2029), Lekhnathwachanalaya and Library, Jhapa (2037), City Library, Kaski (2038) (Pokhara Public Library after 2049), LaxmiSmriti Library, Syangja (2040), SahidSmriti Library, Kaski (2046), Trifala Rastriya Pustakalay, Jhapa (2053), PuspalalSmriti Library, Makwanpur (2049), Laxminarayan Community Library, Lamjung (2054), Tikapur Community Library, Kailali (2061), Jhuwani Community Library and Research Centre, Chitwan (2057), Sagarmatha Public Library, Kathmandu (2061), Kimdhada Public Library, Argakhachi (2017), Kathmandu Valley Public Library, Bhrikutimandhap, Kathmandu (2060), LumbiniTinau Community Library and Research Centre, Rupandehi (2069), Janajagaran Community Library, Nuwakot (2064), Kaligandaki Public Library, Syangja (2069) etc.

1. Efforts in the Development of Public/Community Libraries in Nepal: There have always been personal and institutional efforts in the development and expansion of libraries in Nepal. After the end of the Ranaregime and the restoration of democracy, the establishment of libraries spread in various places. Government grants and assistance are needed for the development and expansion of community/public libraries. In 2017 B.S., it is found that for the first time in Nepal, the public elected government provided Rs. 80 thousand to community library as financial assistance. This is the first opportunity given to the community libraries by the government of Nepal. For the duration of thirty years, in the budget statement of the financial year 2045/046 B.S. the Government of Nepal had allocated 2500 thousand rupees for each of 75 districts. Similarly, in 2051 B.S., the Prime Minister Manmohan Adhikari's government had allocated200 million NRs. for the development of libraries. In the local Autonomous Governance Act, 2055 B.S, every village development committee, municipal and district development committee had to maintain a library and information center in its own area. Library Co-ordination Branch was established in 2062 B.S. under the Ministry of Education to help develop and regulate the library systems in the country.After this, financial grant has been given to some community and public libraries regularly since the financial year 2062/063 B.S. (Dangol, 2016 p. 23).

Government of Nepal from the Council of Ministers on 2064 B.S Ashar 28 has approved Library and Information Service National Policy, 2064. The Library and Information Management Directory, 2064 has been implemented by the Ministery of Education on Fagun 4, 2069 B.S. In the new constitution of 2072 B.S, the rules and regulations of the Constitution, in Article 51 Ja (h) 4 states that, to establish community information centers and libraries for the development of the person's personality.Also, there are issues related to the establishment, operation and management of the library in the schedule of constitution, duties and rights of organizations, states, and local bodies. (Niraula, 2074 p. 66)

National Book Policy, Library Master Plan and Library Self-Planning Schedule 2073 B.S. has been drafted and Ministry of Education has been referred but has not been approved yet. In Nepal, public community libraries statistics are unavailable. As a result, to identify the future structure of the Library with the support of the Government of Nepal Ministry of Education held National Conventions on 2074 B.S Kartik 12 and 13 which issued 19-point Kathmandu Declaration was issued and has been held. In addition, a conference of 5 Number State Public/Community Library was completed which made seven-point manifesto of Kiran Library, issued on Bhadra 24, 2075.The government is also planning to organize public/community libraries seminar in other states too.

In the development of public and community libraries in Nepal, non-governmental sector is not less than the government sector. READ Nepal, Room to Read, The Asia Foundation, Library Foundation etc are some of the non-governmental sector libraries. Likewise, British Library, American Library, Indian Embassy, Nepal India Cultural Library, Nepal Soviet Friendship Library, Francis Cultural Center etc. organization and libraries has reached country's rural and urban areas and has raised the standard for community and public libraries, they have also provided modern tools in these sectors.

1. Current Problems Seen in Public/Community Library in Nepal Public/community libraries are considered to be the heritage of society. Public libraries play a crucial role in bringing positive change through education in society. In the developing country like Nepal, the establishment and development of public/community libraries should be taken seriously, problems such as government policy, scarcely reading culture, and increasing use of technology, weak economic conditions and geographical disadvantages. Issues of public / community libraries have been presented accordingly.

4.1. The Library does not get Priority in the Government Comparison of social services is less priority than compared to government programs. It has also been affected by the public library. Prior to giving priority to the work of opening the new library and enhancing the quality of the libraries, the only national library of the country, which is the jewel of the nation, but only after four years of the massive Earthquake, that shook the nation and demolished numerous buildings, including the Nepal National Library, the government has found a small piece of land to construct building for national library. By this example, we can guess in which priority get the development of libraries in Nepal.

4.2. Limited Budget Most of the public/community libraries of Nepal are dependent on donation or funding from others. The public libraries directly or indirectly receiving funding from the government have also been facing problems due to limited grant management and management of the necessary textbooks and paper documents. It is natural to accept the change in society; the society is transformative. Due to lack of resources or limited sources it is challenging to fulfill the demand of readers. The governmental funding for the public/community library is currently limited and irregular to the limited library.

4.3. Fall Down in the Development of Study Culture: Study is a regular process of life time. Studies give rise to the development of knowledge, ability and efficiency in the person as well as new energy, excitement, refreshment, satisfaction, happiness, and entertainment in mind. The children of urban area are introduced to the technology of modern entertainment such as television, computer, internet, movie, and facilities which are used at their leisure time, whereas in rural area children when they become adolescent they spend their time gambling, playing carrom-board and drinking liquor. If we can't develop reading habit from the childhood, then it is very difficult in the future. Even though a fully equipped and systematic library, it has become challenge to public and community library to convince readers and motivate them to read books and study in the library.

4.4. Lack of Skillful Human Resources Only the person who has passed at least graduate level in library and information science is considered as skilled human resource. Tribhuvan University started teaching library and information for the first time in Nepal in 2053 B.S. as one-year graduate and from 2059 B.S. as postgraduate level. The university enrolls only 20 to 25 students in one year. That human resource is currently been consumed in various universities and other colleges and affiliated campuses, research centers, Central Library, Nepal National Library, Kaiser Library, Dilliraman and Kalyani Library and various government ministries in the Government of Nepal. Due to the lack of trained human resources, economically capable people for public/community libraries are having a problem everyday to provide readers with systematic library services.

4.5. Policy Arrangement In Nepal, there is no law related to the library area except the National Policy 2064 B.S and the Library and Information Management Directory 2069 B.S. The District Coordination Committee and Education Development and Coordination Unit have been disconnected to organize separate law related to the library authorized by the library policy, developing central libraries, libraries and information service development wards. The country has been able to go to the federal structure, but the federal Governments have not formulated the library related rules and regulations. The public/community libraries have been found to be confused in the registration process. It would be very hard to conduct and manage the public community library of the society by administering it under the local government.

4.6. Unable to Adapt to Modern Technology The development of technology has affected every area of human life. Like in other areas use of technology is increasing in library also. So today the libraries are also e-libraries. As per the need and demand of the time, we need to take the technology. The library should use technology to properly manage and disseminate information. It changes the library's nature and service. Due to the lack of qualified technological manpower, weak economic condition, minimum physical infrastructure, and lack of convenience in our developing countries, librarians have not been able to self-relieve technology due to lack of difficult, long-term plans, and lack of proper sources of resources. It has been extremely hard to modernize with modern technology, so the problems seem to remain.

4.7. Lack of Physical Development In Nepal, most community libraries are founded by politicians, educators, and youth which are active in community school classrooms and public buildings with one/two rooms. Because of the lack of regular financial resources, community libraries such as buildings, books and furniture, have rarely been taken care of.

4.8. Geographical Distortion There is no easy transportation for vehicles in the Himalayas and hilly areas of Nepal which has been a problem for libraries to manage essential physical equipment and reading materials.

1. Public/Community Library Possibilities in Nepal Despite the existing problems faced by the public/community libraries in Nepal, the development of the federal structure, increasing literacy percent, citizen consciousness and the active participation of various organizations are expected to develop, expand and modernize the public and community libraries in the coming days.

5.1. Provision of Library in the Constitution For the first time in Nepal, the provision of public and community libraries is recognized by the Constitution of Nepal(2072).Directive Principles, Policies and obligations of the State, has been mentioned about the establishment, operation and management of the library. In the society, public library can be helpful in establishing and developing.

5.2. The Implementation of the Federal Structure The country has implemented federal system of Government. It is said that the rights of the Shinghadurbar has been decentralized from village to village. If the public library was established and developed, it was understood that the local body has its responsibility and has to manage regular sources, as a result there is no problem in library operations. For instance, some local bodies have been able to establish public libraries, for example, the Kirtipur Public Library was built by Kirtipur Municipality.

5.3. Literacy Rate Increase Nepal's literacy status has alsoshown a lot of progress. According to the 2068 B.S census, literacy rate (population of 5 years and above) is 65.9 percent. Literacy rate was only 54 percent 10 years ago.(Information and Broadcasting Department, 2075) Increasing literacy percentage in the country means educating and conscious citizen in the society. Such a educated and conscious population can be used to establish and develop a community library. Also, it may be helpful to increase the number of readers in the library.

5.4. Government Interest Although the Government of Nepal has been increasing the development of the library little by little. National Book Policy, Library Master Plan and Library automation plan 2073 should be implemented. The Provincial Government and the local Government has initiated to allocate the budget on public and community libraries.

5.5. Functionality of NGO/Organization Nepal Community Library Association (NCLA) was established in 2062 B.S, with the aim to increase the establishment, development, extension, service efficiency and quality of community books. Altogether 52 libraries have been able to join this association (Neupane, Ganesh Prasad, 2074). Similarly, READ Nepal has established 67 community libraries in 42 districts (Shrestha, 2074). Educational, Community, e-library and similar training programs have been conducted from Nepal Library Foundation. By now, 120 different projects of this organization have been completed in more than 35 districts of Nepal. (Shrestha, 2074) The Asia Foundation has provided more than 15,200 books worth $ 2,52,435 USD in 2017 in more than 190 academic and community libraries of 44 districts. (Shrestha, 2074)

From the statistics mentioned above, it can be estimated that the development of non-government organizations is increasing in the development and expansion of the community library in Nepal. It can be estimated from the beginning that non-governmental systems can play an important role in the development of public/community libraries in the coming days.

5.6. Long Term Project Operations Most community libraries in Nepal are running entirely from the donation. Library's situation seems to have worsened even after the donation. Recently, some libraries have been getting regular resources by the government, local bodies, and various NGOs. Some libraries have conducted sustainable projects for regular income. There are plans for sustainable development of the library by conducting tasks like souvenir shop, hall rental, guest house, FM, literacy campaign, cooperative, health, agricultural matters etc.

5.7. Impact of Information and Communication Technology The use of science and technology brings new ideas to the library like e-library, digital library, virtual library etc. Libraries are not just limited to a single building. Readers have been able to find the information you want from anywhere in a place of interest. Most readers in Nepal have access to mobile and internet access. Due to which, public libraries are easy to facilitate their readers using the technology.

5.8. Growth of Professional Human Resource Higher education in Library and Information Science is offering only from the Tribhuvan University. Recently, other universities have also started teaching up to diploma. In order to enhance the capacity of the human resources working on the public library and the community libraries Center for Education and Human Resource Development, Kaiser Library, Nepal National Library provides one week long training in different parts of the country. Professional courses on Library and Information Science recognized by the CTEVT is only conducted within the Kathmandu valley and some other cities. So community and public libraries may not face the problem of professional human resources in the future.

1. Conclusion Public Library is regarded as one of the best places for the conservation of every country's civilization, culture and history. The public/community library is responsible for various types of activities to develop reading culture of the local people. It also helps other day to day life activities of the stakeholders such as: operation of Ambulance service, conducting various types of income generating activities, preserve and conserve of culture and archaeological significance of the content of the study according to the needs of the local people, transferring to the future generations. In a place where a public library is set to be installed in a different way than a cultural circumstance of that place, it is likely to fail. For the development of education and consciousness in society, the expansion of library and information centers is the fundamental requirement of the 21st century. It is necessary for the society to move towards the development and conservation of the library for the fight against the darkness and to provide light of knowledge to everyone. To establish, operate and develop public/community libraries, all should contribute from their places to building a prosperous, civil society.

Reference Adhikari, I. P. (2065).Library and resource center management and operation. Kathmandu: Library Management and Information Service Center.

American Library Association.(1980). ALA world encyclopedia of library and information science.Chicago: Chicago

Aryal, B. (eds.) (2071). Pustakalaya darpan. Kathmandu Library Development Forum Bhandari, K.M. &Dulal, R.P. (Trans) (2010).IFLA/UNESCO Public Library Guidelines for Development.Netherland: IFLA

Bhusal, R.K. (2015). Pustakalayakobikasamasamudayikpustakalayasanghakobhumika. Souvenir 8th library day p.62

Bhusal, R. K. (2068, Mansir). Read Nepalka 20 barsa:Voice of Library, pp.5-17.

Dali, I. (2074). Pathansanskritikobikasmabalapustakalyakobhumika.Sarbajaniktatha samudayikpustakalayrastriyasammelanp.34

Dangol, J. (2074). Kathmandu Mahanagarpalikatathasarbajanikpustakalaya, Souvenir 11th library day p.20

Heitzman, J.,&Asundi, A. Y. (2000). Evaluation of Public Libraries in India: The Case of Karnataka. Information Development. Retrieved from idv.sagepub.com/content/16/3/142

International Federation of library Association and Institution [IFLA]. (1994). The Public library manifesto.Netherlands :IFLA. Retrieved from ifla.org

Karki, M. (2002). The study of emergence and development of libraries, information centers and information professionalism in Nepal.Unpublish thesis Dr. BhimRaoAmbedkarUniversity , India

Karki, M. (2002). Histry of Library Development in Nepal before 1951 A.D.TULSSAA, 2 (2), 1- 9.

Kafle, P.R. , Sharma, M. , Pangani, M.L. &Aryal, B. (2051). SyangjakoSahityiChinari. Syangja: SyangjaSahityiparisad

Neupane, G.P. (2074). Nepal samudayikpustakalaysangh: sankshiptachinaree. Sarbajanik tathasamudayikpustakalayrastriyasammelanp.124

Nepal. Department of Information & Broadcasting (2074).Nepal Parichay. Author

Niraula, Y.C. (2017). Pustakalayakobikaskasambandhamanepalsarkarkaean, niyam, neeti, nirdwshikatathabhawiyojana. Sarbajaniktathasamudayikpustakalayrastriya sammelanp.60

Ramaiah, L.S., Venkatappaiah, V., Naidu, N.Guruswamy, Sujatha, G., Babu& T. Ashok. (1997). Public library systems: services & networking. New Delhi: EssEss

Shrestha, B.K. (2010). Samudayikpustakalayabikasamagraminshikshatathabikas (READ). INFOLIB 3(3), 70

Shrestha, B.K. &Pokhrel, M.B. (2074) Public/Community libraries in Nepal: Challenges and Opportunities.Sarbajaniktathasamudayikpustakalayrastriyasammelanp.162

Shrestha, D.K. (2074). Nepal library foundation.Sarbajaniktathasamudayikpustakalayrastriya sammelanp.122

Shrestha, S. (2074).Pustakalaybikasma The Asia Foundation koyogadan. Souvenir 10th library day p.20