International Journal of Information Library and Society

Sourabh Suman ¹, Ajit Kumar ²

Affiliations
1 ry and Information Science, Central University of Gujarat, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, IN
2 Govt. College Majhgawan, Madhya Pradesh, IN

Abstract

A public library is an organization, which benefits the common people to a great extent, it provides facilities to pursue education, it offers access to a knowledge centre, it helps the people to cultivate the reading habits, provides reading premises and it also plays an important role in preserving culture. Rare collections are unique collections having heritage value and need to be preserved by the posterity. Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Public Library (KBOPL), Patna (India) has extensive collections of manuscripts in the various language (Arabic, Persian, Urdu, Pashto, Sanskrit, Hindi, English), rare photographs, painting, eminent person’s letter, coins, and scientific instruments and many more. The present study aims to present the statistical value of rare collections maintained by KBOPL Patna. The data collection has been attained by visiting the KBOPL, Patna and through personal interviews. The finding of the study uncovered the treasure of rare collection maintained by one of the oldest public libraries in India. It will aid the users to know the various types of historical resources of information and the preservation methods adopted by the library.

Keywords

Oriental Public Library, Public Library, Collection Development, Rare Collections, Manuscripts.

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