ఆంధ్ర గ్రంథాలయం/సంపుటము 1/సంచిక 3-4/Open Access in the Libraries

by Punyamurti

Open Access in the Libraries

by

P.KONDA REDDY, Dip.Lib.
Andhra University Library, Waltair

A systematic scheme of classification and cataloguing of books, a well arranged stack room with a separate periodical room, and a proper counter with the system of open access are most essential and important in the organization of modern libraries. In the earlier years the books in the libraries were* neither classified nor catalogued. They were merely numbered in an alphabetical or numerical order irrespective of the subjects they dealt with and were arranged according to their size and kept in almirahs and boxes under lock and key. Now almost all the libraries have the system of open access in the Western countries. A library with closed access is a strange thing in these countries. But in India it is a common thing to find many libraries following the antiquated system of closed access.

The aim of the modern library is to enable the readers to get the required information without any loss of time and also to stimulate and direct their knowledge and love of books. To fulfil these aims the introduction of the open access system is quite essential. In a library having open access the readers are given free and unrestricted access to all the books on the shelves and are invited to enjoy the rich and accumulated treasures of a library. In the libraries of the West the Edinburgh library, was the first to introduce this in 1725. Later in 1894 Clerkenwell public library in England, adopted this system. Gradually it made quite a triumphal progress throughout England and America and is now thoroughly established in every library of importance. Although this practice is thus universal in the Western countries, it is a new and rare phenomenon in our country as it has been recently introduced.

In this connection, mention must be made of closed shelf before open access is discussed. In a closed shelf system all the books are safely locked up in almirahs with glass doors or kept on the shelves covered with wire netting, so that the readers are deprived of the privilege of free access to examine and select books they desire. In this case, the readers can only have an external view which can hardly give them any satisfaction. Books must not be kept in locked cases; but must be allowed to come out to meet human eye and human touch. The aim of the library must not be the mere collection of books but their proper distribution among the readers. In a library with closed access many good books will be lying on shelves for ages, as no reader will be able to look at them except perhaps the peon who occasionally dusts them. To keep the readers away from the books is not the best way of increasing the usefulness of a library, The disadvantages felt by the reader in a closed library are many. First of all, he has to waste a good deal of his precious time before the catalogue in hunting for the required title in such a labyrinth of entries. Then he has to write on a slip for the required book and wait till the book is searched for and brought to the counter for issue by the library clerk. Moreover, the number of attendants to serve the readers in this system will have to be large.

After experiencing the benefits of the open access no librarian will entertain the idea of returning to old methods of the closed shelf. But some librarians, we understand, revert to the old system when there is a considerable loss of books. The loss of books is inevitable either in the closed shelf or the open access library. But this should not be the ground for depriving the readers of their privilege of free access to the shelves; just as in parks where abuse of free access to flowers has not been deemed a sufficient reason for exclusion of the public.

The librarians have to adopt the following measures carefully in the application and organization of the open access system. The library building must be a safe and compact one with all doors and windows covered with strong wire netting, providing a single exit and entrance, making it impossible for unscrupulous persons to practice their hobby of book thieving. As free access to the shelves demands more space, the arrangement of the shelves in the stack room must not cause any sort of inconvenience to the readers, To protect the library property from the book thieves, who may carry small books surreptitiously tucking them up under their coats, there must be vigilant supervision at the counter. There must be always a careful watchman at the entrance exclusively to watch the readers going in and coming out. He must not be entrusted with any other work which might distract his attention. The library should provide an efficient system of guides in the stack room, so that the readers may not waste their precious time in searching for the required books on the shelves. The books left on the reading tables by the readers must be shelved as early as possible by the attendant in charge, and the reading tables must be kept clean to make the library pleasant and attractive and to convey the impression of welcome and comfort.

The advantages of this system are varied. As compared with the closed shelf, the open shelf plan is undoubtedly more economical. This system does not require too many clerks, attendants and peons to help the readers and borrowers. The readers themselves go straight to the shelves and pick up the required books and bring them to the counter for issue. Thus in an open library the time spent for getting books is saved. Moreover, many readers can be more promptly and more satisfactorily served at a time.

This system has a better educational value as it offers the readers the privilege of visiting the shelves and selecting the books of their own accord. Instead of searching for the required book in the catalogue, the readers can directly face the books on the shelves and can browse among them pleasantly for a few minutes and pick out the particular books they require for their study. "How shall the book and the reader come together most easily and effectively? The reader is deemed as important as the book. Would anything serve the reader better than the handling of books himself? He is allowed to search and find out for himself what is to him the pearl among the heap of pebbles. The very reading of the titles on the backs of the books is enlightening. The library is no longer a mere storehouse for books; it may become an active educational force, it may be indeed, what it has been called by one of our greatest writers "The peoples university". This helps them to produce a more scholarly attitude towards their work. "The books are here; come and help your-self; make friends with them" is the attitude of a good library. As there is no restriction, the readers are at liberty to enjoy a comprehensive use of the stacks whenever they like. As the reader is well acquainted with the books on the shelves by frequent visits to his particular sections, he could easily pick out the required book without wasting his time or without being obliged to call upon the library staff. Lastly this system brings a change in routine work of the librarian and makes it necessary for him to be a helpful assistant and friendly guide to all those who need direction, instead of being a mere custodian of books.

In spite of these advantages, some objections are raised against this system by some librarians. The main objection is the confusion resulting from misplacement on the shelves. Of course, the readers misplace books not only occasionally but frequently and in the case of certain mischievous readers. "whenever they get chance";3B but this can be easily rectified provided the library staff are alert and regular in arranging them properly in their places as many times as possible during working hours. Some complain that there is extra wear and tear of books in this arrangement. No doubt the readers may spoil the books by idle and careless handling. The gravest objection against this system is the loss, mutilation of books and other forms of vandalism. "Suspicion," says an eminent librarian, "is the way to lose that which we do fear to lose. The only way to teach people how to use the library is to give them the library to use.' Anyhow, experience shows that the percentage of lost books from the open shelves is very insignificant. But generally if a theft occurs it is almost invariably the act of a deliberate and a persistent thief. For one man's misconduct the ninety-nine other readers cannot be penalized. We must have confidence in the readers, who are expected to use the library as their personal one and frequently invite their attention to the sacredness of libraries, which are the abodes of knowledge and to instill in their minds the idea that a book thief is the most harmful of all thieves, because he steals not merely goods which can be replaced, but knowledge which is impossible to replace.

"As librarians, we are, of course, to guard the books. Have librarians no Knowledge of business methods? Should not the public property be entrusted to our keeping as carefully guarded as merchantman's guard the goods, letting nothing pass out of our doors that is not properly charged or paid for, and, if stolen, pursued?"

But whatever the difficulties, the privilege of free access should not be refused. The great and useful service that this system renders can be realized by those who have watched a "close" library thrown "open". The excellent results obtained under the changed conditions convince one that the sooner our libraries adopt the new system of open access the greater would be their utility and more fruitful their service to their readers.

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