Comparative Evaluation of Status of Infrastructural Facilities in Secondary School Libraries of Varanasi, India

Abstract

Library is an integral part of school education system. Its role is not only limited to issue-return processes but also in inculcating the reading culture among students. The main aim of this paper is to examine the existing status of infrastructural facilities in selected school libraries in Varanasi, India. A comparative analysis of schools affiliated to Central Board of Secondary Education (central board) and Uttar Pradesh Madhyamik Shiksha Parishad (state board) is also done in the paper on the basis of quantitative and qualitative data obtained during the study. Survey method is used to for the study, hence questionnaire method is applied to collect the data. Proportionate stratified sampling is applied on the population under study. Questionnaires are distributed to school librarians selected for the study. The data obtained is analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences and Microsoft Excel. Schools affiliated to CBSE are providing more library facilities and services than schools affiliated to UPMSP. The number of schools providing basic infrastructural facilities is more in CBSE affiliated schools than in UPMSP affiliated schools. Financial condition and lack of awareness towards library development is the main hurdle in uplifting the standard of library facilities in secondary schools of Varanasi. Findings of this study will help in diminishing the gap of service expectation and status of library infrastructural facilities in school libraries.