Bengaluru: Public libraries in the state can finally stock works of Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq and other popular writers following an overhaul of Karnataka’s book procurement system that removes long-standing price caps and expands reader-driven purchases. The libraries department, in an order Wednesday, lifted price limits that restricted acquisition of high-demand titles, including bestsellers and competitive exam guides. The reform also expands reader-demand procurement from 10% to 40%, after TOI reported in Dec that students were procuring their own exam preparation books due to outdated collections in libraries.
Officials said the changes could revive readership in govt libraries over time. “It marks a historic shift in the way we procure books, after nearly 20 years,” an official said. Earlier, libraries could purchase up to 10% of books based on reader demand in city and district libraries, but strict price and specification limits applied. Book dimensions and remuneration per page were fixed, and titles that failed to meet the criteria were not placed before state and district-level committees. The new system allows “only the latest edition” of bestsellers, competitive exam books and other titles to be purchased, regardless of cost. In the 2022 procurement process currently underway, not a single book was selected in the competitive exam and textbook segments. Of the 3,965 books procured, 3,005 were literature titles, with funds earmarked for other segments remaining unused and eventually diverted to literature. “Now, this balance will shift,” officials said. “Several competitive exam books and bestsellers by authors such as SL Bhyrappa and Mushtaq, which earlier did not fall within the price limits, can now be purchased.” Lists generated from libraries will be vetted by district-level committees. “Readers can now place requests with the chief librarian,” said Basavarajendra H, commissioner, department of public libraries. “We will streamline these demands. District committees that give final approval will be re-constituted to include academics and representatives of book-reading clubs. Readers can expect books within a month.” “The new arrivals segment is bound to infuse more life into govt libraries and strengthen reading habits. These were once popular hubs for improving language and critical thinking,” Basavarajendra said, adding that the impact would be visible over the next five years. “This is a welcome change, considering most libraries are not updated and often only have inexpensive books,” said Jayanna, Bengaluru district secretary, All India Democratic Youth Organisation. “If expensive books in high demand are on these shelves, several students who otherwise would not be exposed to them, can access them.” He said expanding libraries to hobli levels will help incentivise reading.
