Library Systems: Differences Between the U.S. and India, and Their Impact on Student’s Education
The library systems of the United States and India have evolved over the years, reflecting the unique histories, cultures, and educational needs of their respective people. While both recognize the critical significance of libraries as centers of knowledge and community engagement, there are notable similarities and differences in their approaches that impact students’ education.
Similarities Between U.S. and Indian Library Systems
Purpose and Role
In both the United States and India, libraries are revered as sanctuaries of knowledge. They serve as:
Centers of Learning: Libraries are not just about borrowing books. They offer a conducive environment for individual study, group discussions, and academic research. Students, scholars, and the general public frequent libraries to access resources that might not be readily available elsewhere.
Research Hubs: With collections that span centuries, libraries provide invaluable resources for researchers. Ancient manuscripts, first-edition books, academic journals, and more can be found within their walls.
Community Activities: Libraries often act as community centers, hosting book clubs, author interactions, children's reading hours, and other events that bring people together over the shared love of literature and learning.
Digital Evolution
The digital revolution has transformed the way we access information:
E-books: Both U.S. libraries and public libraries in India offer a collection of ebooks, allowing patrons to borrow books digitally. This has especially been beneficial during times when physical access to libraries was restricted.
Online Databases: Libraries provide access to a plethora of online databases, which are essential for academic and market research. These databases often require subscriptions, but library memberships offer free access to these resources.
Virtual Learning Platforms: With the rise of online courses and webinars, libraries have adapted by offering virtual learning platforms, workshops, and courses to their members.
Community Engagement
Engaging with the community is at the heart of a library's mission:
Events: From book launches to literary festivals, libraries are buzzing with events that celebrate literature, art, and culture.
Workshops: Libraries often host workshops on a range of topics — from creative writing and pottery to digital literacy and coding.
Reading Programs: To foster a culture of reading, especially among the youth, libraries organize reading challenges, book clubs, and storytelling sessions.
Differences Between U.S. and Indian Library Systems
Scale and Reach
The scale of library systems in the U.S. and India is markedly different:
The number of libraries in the United States and India varies significantly, both in terms of quantity and the level of investment. In the United States, there are over 9,000 public libraries for a population of 333 million, while in India, there are over 27,000 public libraries serving a population of 1.4 billion people spread throughout the country.
The U.S. has a well-funded library system, with over 80% of funding coming from local governments. On the other hand, India has a large number of libraries — even in rural areas — but the level of funding and facilities varies greatly. The per capita expenditure on the development of public libraries in India is about one cent, whereas in the U.S., the public library system provides services to 95.6% of the total population, and per capita operating expenditures are around $36, with over $11 billion in total operating expenditures annually. This low investment in libraries in India reduces access to the number of books as well as the diversity of topics.
Additionally, in sharp contrast to American universities' wide library collections, Indian universities lack adequate funding, limiting students’ access to a range of books.
Historical Evolution
The historical trajectories of the two nations have influenced their library systems:
U.S. Libraries: The American library system has been influenced by European models, especially the British. The emphasis has often been on public access, with the establishment of numerous public libraries across the country.
Libraries in India: India's library system has been shaped by its colonial past, with many libraries established during British rule. However, India also has a rich tradition of indigenous libraries, especially in temples and educational institutions.
Digital Access
The digital landscape of libraries varies between the two countries:
Digital Library of India: India is making significant strides in the digital realm. The National Digital Library of India is an initiative to digitize and provide online access to the country's rich cultural heritage. However, challenges like internet accessibility in rural areas remain.
U.S. Digital Infrastructure: The U.S. — with its advanced digital infrastructure — has been at the forefront of the digital library movement. Many U.S. libraries offer vast online collections, digital archives, and access to global databases, making the country a leader in the digital library space.
The Role of Libraries in India
In India, libraries play a crucial role in promoting literacy and education. The National Library of India — in Kolkata — is a testament to the country's rich literary and cultural heritage. Furthermore, the public library system in India supports not just academic pursuits but also acts as a communal place to gather, especially in rural areas.
India is home to 17% of the world’s population, with the vast majority being under the age of 25. There is a strong correlation between literacy, education, and access to knowledge, underscoring the importance of the availability of books and hence, libraries.
Libraries — whether in the U.S. or India — are more than just repositories of books. They are vibrant community spaces that foster learning, innovation, and cultural exchange. While there are differences in their operations and reach, the underlying goal remains the same: to enlighten, educate, and empower.
At Tiyara, we seek to provide higher education scholarships that will make life-changing differences for under-resourced young women and men. Scholarships are also extended to young women and men who belong to indigenous populations living in remote areas or who have had their lives changed by discrimination because of crimes committed by a family member, and others who face discrimination because of their caste.
You can help promote growth and opportunity by providing education and technology for Tiyara’s scholars by putting a deserving young person through college!