A college is considered as an academic institution of higher learning offering three-year UG course and PG two years degree courses. In colleges, the library occupies a prominent position and it is an important and integral part of the teaching programme. It is not merely a depository of books, but an active workshop instrument in the production of or original thinking. The aim of College Education and college libraries in inter-related. College library extends opportunities for self-education to the deserving and enthusiastic students without any distinction. These libraries develop in each student a sense of responsibility in the pursuit of knowledge. College library stimulates the students to obtain, evaluate and recognize knowledge and to familiarize themselves with the trends of knowledge for further education and learning new disciplines.
Objectives and Functions of College Libraries
The objectives of college libraries are based mainly on the objectives of the institution itself. The college library must, therefore, reflect the purpose of the institution of which it is part.
1. To provide resources necessary for research in the field of interest to the college;
2. To help the teacher in keeping abreast of developments in his field;
3. To provide library facilities and services necessary for the success of all formal programmes of the institution;
4. To open the door to the worldwide of books that lie beyond the borders of one’s own field of specialization; and
5. To bring books, students and scholars together under conditions, which encourage reading for pleasure, self-discovery, personal growth and sharpening of intellectual curiosity.