Best practices for effective use of library in higher educational institutions

This paper focuses on analysing the causes of under utilization and un utilization of library resources and providing suggestions for the best practices implemented to make them effective use for making quality education. The first and foremost aim of University Grants Commission (UGC) and higher education experts is to develop infrastructural facilities of higher education. The effective utilisation of library is one of the most important factors in determining the quality of education. In fact, library plays a vital role in providing essential services to support the learning, teaching and research in academic and professional levels. In short, library is the heart of higher education. So, a well-resourced and well-managed library is one of the most important assets of educational institutions. Library and information services are most effective when they are closely integrated with the academic process of the institutions. The higher education experts are much concerned with the quality of education provided in colleges and universities in India. The government of India, University Grants Commission and National Accreditation and Assessment Council (NAAC) are seriously concerned about how to improve the standard of education and establish the best practices in the universities and colleges and their libraries as well. It is undeniable fact that effective utilization of library resources is one of the ways for improving the quality of education at national and international levels. But, it is highly deplorable that available library resources including Information Communication Technology (ICT) are under utilised or unutilised in most of the higher educational institutions, especially in arts and science colleges. It is seen that, out of 3600 students, about 150–200 students use library resources every day and out of 175 staff, about 5–10 staff use library resources every day in a reputed college. It shows that library resources are not utilised properly. It calls for the best practices to be implemented for making effective utilisation of library resources.