Hunger for the poor? Some observations on information provision in India

Abstract

A description is given of personal impressions gained dur ing a seven week research tour of India, studying User Educa tion in Indian academic and research institute libraries. The major purpose of the research was to discover the current practice of Indian libraries in this field, and the concomitant attitudes of senior librarians and information professionals. The scope for a greater use of library graphics is suggested; the gap between potential and achievement is delineated, and some factors which appear to affect this gap are explored. Ap propriate technology in this context is also discussed. Consider ation is given to the comparative roles of the Indian Central and State Governments, the obstacles facing national unity, and the resultant challenge to the information profession in India.