PAPER ID:IJIM/V.6(III)/ 17-24/4

AUTHOR:Ramya A.V. and Arjun K Dinesh

TITLE :RURAL PUBLIC LIBRARY AS A COMMUNITY KNOWLEDGE CENTRE: A CASE STUDY

ABSTRACT: This paper discusses the different extension services offered by the library forums and community service programs conducted by the library.Valapattanam Grama Panchayath Library, situated in Kannur district, Kerala is providing tremendous innovative and praiseworthy services.  All these services in effect reflected in the overall upliftment of the community it serves.  These services are oriented towards children, students, parents, and senior citizens in establishing a thriving community. The rural community of Valapattanam considers this library as a community hub where they can socially engage through entertainment, educational and recreational activities and sets an example on how the participation of community itself can help the library provide the necessary services. This study briefly investigates the use of social networking platforms among the library and the community for updating their activities and services. The study reveals that the library offers various social outreach programs for children, teens, women, and senior residents. The findings indicates, the Valapattanam Grama Panchayath Library is an overall model for all the public rural libraries which is government funded community integrated knowledge centre for the rural people by catering the extraordinary services and programs.

KEYWORDS: Rural Public Library, Community Knowledge Centre, Valapattanam Grama Panchayath Library, Extension services, Community support programs, Social networking platforms.

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