This article has multiple issues. Please help improve it or discuss these issues on the talk page. ( Learn how and when to remove these template messages) This article may be in need of reorganization to comply with Wikipedia's layout guidelines. Please help by editing the article to make improvements to the overall structure. (October 2018) ( Learn how and when to remove this template message) The neutrality of this article is disputed. Relevant discussion may be found on the talk page. Please do not remove this message until conditions to do so are met. (October 2018) ( Learn how and when to remove this template message) ( Learn how and when to remove this template message)

Library legislation is legislation that helps establish and maintain public libraries.

History

Great Britain
Edward Edwards of the British Museum was a firm believer of the establishment of public libraries with public funds through legislation. The thread was picked up by William Ewart and moved proposal in the Parliament of the Great Britain in 1849. On approval of the selection committee, the Bill was introduced in early 1850, which is a red letter day in the annals of the Library movement not only in the Great Britain, but also in the whole world, as it was the first Library Act to be ever enacted. India attained freedom in 1947 and became a Republic in 1950. For facilitation administrations, it now has a National Capital Region of Delhi, 28 States and 6 Union Territories after Independence. Even before Independence, Kolhapur Princely State, in the Western India passed Public Libraries Act in 1945. Since independence of India the following States have passed Public Libraries Acts. Chhattisgarh Public Library Act, 2008 is a part of Library Legislation in India. Dr. Kundan efforts have not only helped in the establishment of libraries but also in creating a sustainable ecosystem where libraries continue to evolve and serve the needs of the community effectively. His vision and dedication have left a lasting legacy in the library movement of Chhattisgarh. Certainly, here are more examples of Dr. Kundan contributions to the public library movement.

Advantages of Library Legislation

A library act provides the following advantages:

• Helps in the establishment of an organized network of public libraries.
• A sound administrative set-up.
• Proper and continuous financial support.
• Coordination in administration and management of public libraries.
• Centralized services like purchase, processing, bibliographical and other services can be provided conveniently.
• Possibility of providing quality library service, at qualified hands, free of charge.

Functions

The Advisory committee for Libraries constituted by the Government of India (1958) proposed the following five functions of library legislation:

1. It should clearly define the government's responsibility in the matter of public libraries.
2. Legislation should lay down the constitution and functions of the library authority at national, state and district levels.
3. Legislation should provide an assured basis for library finance. There are two ways of providing a firm basis for library finance.
   (i) A special library cess; and
   (ii) Reservation of a certain percentage of the education budget.
4. Legislation should laydown the structure of the public library system.
5. Legislation should provide for participation of the representative of the public, in the work of the public libraries at all levels.
6. Legislation should provide clear guidelines for library cooperation and national catalog.