USE OF INTERNET FACILITY BY THE USERS OF DISTRICT PUBLIC LIBRARY IN GUNTUR, ANDHRA PRADESH: A STUDY

            Public library system in India, in general and Andhra Pradesh in particular should focus in sustaining lifelong learning skills among the users. Present public library system should become active and committed to the users with dedication. Focused or innovative. Use of Information Communication Technology in public libraries is very poor and the stage governments should take steps to implement automation and networking to enable them to share the resources to the end user benefits. Public libraries are the expression of human culture and civilization. Every man in the community needs the public library. Public Libraries are in the active process of building a successful nation by connecting the public to knowledge and inspiration. Abraham Lincoln’s proverbial remark concerning the definition and meaning of democracy, is equally applicable in the context of public library-it is an institution ‘for the people, by the people and of the people. The primary purposes of the public library are to provide resources and services in a variety of media to meet the needs of individuals and groups for education, information and personal development including recreation and leisure.             They have an important role in the development and maintenance of a democratic society by giving the individual access to a wide and varied range of knowledge, ideas and opinions. People without Internet access at work, for example, make sense as an users for the same reasons that people without home access do. The internet plays a vital role in public libraries by enhancing access to information, supporting education, and promoting lifelong learning. It enables users to prepare for competitive examinations, improve general knowledge, develop digital and communication skills, and access a wide range of educational resources. Public libraries serve as important information hubs, especially for students, researchers, and the general public who may not have reliable internet access at home. Therefore, strengthening internet facilities in public libraries is essential for reducing the digital divide and ensuring equal access to knowledge and information for all users.

1.                The library should improve access to e-resources such as e-books, e-journals, and online databases to support academic and research needs. 2.                Facilities like scanners, printing, and photography/photocopy services should be introduced or strengthened for user convenience. 3.                The power backup system should be upgraded to ensure uninterrupted internet and computer services. 4.                Regular training programs or orientation sessions should be conducted to help users effectively use internet services and digital tools. 5.                Internet speed and connectivity should be improved to support smooth browsing and online learning activities. 6.                The library should promote digital literacy programs to enhance users’ skills in accessing and evaluating online information. 7.                Adequate number of computers with internet access should be maintained to meet growing user demand.