Delhi University libraries are a picture of neglect

The members of Delhi University (DU)'s Executive Council (EC) -- the top decision-making body -- wrote to the Vice-Chancellor raising concerns over the "deteriorating" condition of DU Library System (DULS) and demanded an immediate action in the matter.

The EC members highlighted the fact that not even one seat has been added to the Central Reference Library (CRL) situated in the varsity's North Campus ever since its establishment in 1957. "The strength of student's and researchers has increased over the period of time by 54 per cent under the OBC expansion plan. But not a single additional seat has been added to it. Similarly, the Law Faculty has three libraries with a total capacity of 450 students, whereas the total number of students enrolled is 7,000. 

Thus, sometimes the acute scarcity of seats leads to law and order problems, too," said Rajesh Jha, one of the EC member.

They further highlighted the severe shortage of staff at all levels in the DULS. "There should have been none deputy librarians, but only two are left on roll. With 10 professional assistants and around 80 positions are lying vacant, making a 24/7 CRL operational with such a meagre staff is next to impossible and the system may breakdown any moment," Jha said, adding all 36 departmental libraries across the university are battling with acute paucity of staff. Despite repeated attempts the Vice-Chancellor and the Registrar offices did not respond for a comment.

Besides, the EC demanded for availability of journals for teachers and students. "There is an immediate need to subscribe to journals such as SCOPUS, Science Direct, Web of Science, Science Find, as INFLIBNET has withdrawn access to large number of journals," Jha said.

NO SEATS ADDED

The Executive Council members highlighted the fact that not even one seat has been added to the Central Reference Library (CRL) situated in the varsity’s North Campus ever since 1957