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Library

The Central Library – Tata College, Chaibasa

Number of Books: 49,641

Number of Journals Subscribed: 07

The Central Library of Tata College is the academic lifeline of the institution. As the college serves as a premier center for higher education in the West Singhbhum district, the library plays a critical role in supporting the curriculum of Undergraduate (UG) and Postgraduate (PG) students, as well as faculty researchers.

It functions not just as a repository of books, but as a quiet sanctuary for students, many of whom come from remote tribal areas where conducive study environments may be scarce.

1. Infrastructure and Location

  • Location: The library is typically housed in a separate, dedicated building or a substantial wing within the main campus to ensure a noise-free environment.
  • Reading Room: It features a spacious reading hall that can accommodate a significant number of students at once. This area is vital for students preparing for their semester exams as well as competitive examinations (JPSC, UPSC, SSC).
  • Faculty Corner: A separate section or enclosure is often reserved for faculty members and research scholars to study without disturbance.

2. Collections and Resources

The library boasts a rich collection of learning materials tailored to the syllabi prescribed by Kolhan University.

  • Textbooks: The core collection consists of standard textbooks for Arts, Science, and Commerce streams. Multiple copies of high-demand books are kept to ensure availability for students.
  • Reference Section: This includes encyclopedias, dictionaries, yearbooks, and rare advanced texts that are strictly for consultation within the library premises and cannot be issued home.
  • Regional & Tribal Literature: Given the college’s location in the Kolhan region, the library often maintains a unique collection of books related to Tribal Culture, History of Ho and Santhal tribes, and Regional Languages, serving as a resource for anthropological and linguistic research.
  • Journals and Periodicals: The library subscribes to various academic journals, daily newspapers (Hindi/English), and magazines (like Pratiyogita Darpan) to keep students updated on current affairs.

3. The “Book Bank” Scheme

One of the most impactful features of the Tata College Central Library is the Book Bank Facility.

  • Purpose: This scheme is specifically designed to support students from economically weaker sections, particularly SC/ST (Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe) students.
  • Benefit: Eligible students can borrow textbooks for an entire academic session (semester/year) rather than the standard 14-day loan period. This reduces the financial burden on students who cannot afford to buy course books.

4. Digital Initiatives (E-Library)

In alignment with UGC norms and modernization efforts:

  • N-LIST / INFLIBNET: The college has been moving towards registering with N-LIST (National Library and Information Services Infrastructure for Scholarly Content). Through this, faculty and students can access thousands of e-journals and e-books remotely, bridging the digital divide.
  • Automation: Efforts are underway to automate the library cataloging system (often using software like SOUL or KOHA), moving from manual card catalogs to a computerized OPAC (Online Public Access Catalog) system for easier book searching.

5. Rules and Services

  • Membership: Admission to the college grants automatic library membership. Students are issued a Library Card which they must produce to borrow books.
  • Circulation (Lending):
    • UG Students: Typically allowed to borrow 1–2 books for a period of 15 days.
    • PG Students: Allowed to borrow 2–3 books.
    • Renewal: Books can be renewed if there is no pending reservation for them.
  • No Dues Certificate: Before receiving their final degree or admit card for the final semester, students must obtain a “No Dues” certificate from the Librarian, ensuring all borrowed books are returned.

6. Administration

  • The Librarian: The library is headed by a Librarian (or Professor-in-Charge of Library) who manages the acquisition of new books and maintenance of discipline.
  • Library Advisory Committee: A committee of senior professors guides the library on which new books to purchase based on changes in the curriculum and student demand.

Summary

The Central Library of Tata College is more than a building with shelves; it is a center of equity and opportunity. By providing free access to expensive learning resources and a dedicated space for study, it levels the playing field for students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds in the Kolhan region.