The Central Library of Bhuwaneshwari Dayal (B.D.) College, Patna, serves as the academic heart of the institution,
providing a rich repository of knowledge and resources to support teaching, learning, and research. Housing an extensive
collection of textbooks, reference materials, journals, and periodicals across diverse disciplines, the library caters
to the intellectual needs of students, faculty, and researchers. With a serene and conducive environment for study, it
offers modern amenities including digital access to e-books and online databases, computer stations, and dedicated
reading spaces. Managed by experienced staff, the library operates with a user-centric approach, ensuring easy access to
information and fostering a culture of reading and inquiry. It stands as a vital resource in advancing the academic
mission of the college.
The Central Library at B.D. College, Patna, stands as a dynamic and evolving knowledge hub, blending traditional
resources with cutting-edge technology. Its strengths include a well-curated collection of print and digital resources,
with special emphasis on subject-specific references, competitive exam materials, and rare publications. The library
offers seamless access to e-journals and online databases, enabling users to stay updated with global academic trends.
Initiatives like automated cataloging, OPAC (Online Public Access Catalog), and digital literacy workshops enhance user
experience and accessibility. Regular additions to the collection, interlibrary loan facilities, and a peaceful,
well-lit study environment make it a favorite destination for scholars. The library’s active role in supporting academic
excellence and research underscores its importance as a cornerstone of the institution.
The Central Library of Bhuwaneshwari Dayal College, Patna, is a cornerstone of the institution’s academic
infrastructure, offering comprehensive resources to support education and research. It features a vast collection of
books, journals, and digital materials, alongside facilities such as reading rooms, computer access, and reference
services. Committed to facilitating knowledge dissemination, the library employs efficient management systems and
responsive staff to meet the needs of its users. By providing an organized and accessible wealth of information, it
plays a critical role in enhancing the learning experience and intellectual growth of the college community.
The library is the central academic heart of Bhuwaneshwari Dayal College, supporting the teaching, learning, and
research needs of students and faculty across all disciplines. Its infrastructure is designed to provide a
conducive
environment for study, access to a vast repository of knowledge, and modern information services.
Here is a comprehensive breakdown of the key infrastructural components:
1. Physical Infrastructure and Space Management
-
Spacious Reading Halls: The library boasts a large, well-ventilated, and well-lit main reading hall
with
ample seating
capacity. The seating arrangements include individual carrels and group study tables to cater to different
study
preferences.
-
Stack Area: A systematically organized stack area with sturdy steel shelving is used to store books.
The
shelves are
clearly labeled according to the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) or a similar system, making it easy for
users to
locate books.
-
Reference Section: A dedicated reference section is equipped with encyclopedias, dictionaries,
handbooks,
yearbooks, and
atlases that cannot be borrowed but are available for consultation within the library.
-
Periodicals Section: This section displays current issues of Indian and international journals,
magazines,
and
newspapers. Back issues are bound into volumes and preserved for archival and research purposes.
-
Digital Library Section: A designated area within the library is equipped with computers exclusively
for
accessing
digital resources.
-
Librarian's Office and Technical Section: Separate cabins or areas are allocated for the Chief
Librarian and
staff for
administrative work, processing new books (like stamping, labeling), and managing the library's operations.
2. Collection and Resources
-
Vast Print Collection: The library maintains a substantial and diverse collection of textbooks,
reference
books, and
titles recommended by the Patliputra University syllabus for undergraduate (B.A., B.Sc., B.Com, BBA, BCA)
and
postgraduate (MBA, MCA) courses.
-
Departmental Collections: While the central library holds the main collection, larger academic
departments
may have
their own smaller, specialized departmental libraries for quick reference.
-
Non-Book Materials: The collection may also include CDs/DVDs related to educational software,
competitive
exam
preparation, and literary works.
-
E-Resources: Through the university's subscription, the library provides access to online journals
and
databases (such
as N-List by INFLIBNET, which offers access to thousands of e-journals and e-books from
publishers like
Elsevier, Taylor
& Francis, and Springer).
-
Competitive Exam Corner: A special section is often dedicated to books for competitive exams like
UPSC,
BPSC, SSC, NET,
SET, and CAT.
3. Technology and Digital Infrastructure
-
Library Management Software (LMS): The library is automated using software like SOUL 2.0
(developed by
INFLIBNET) or a
similar commercial LMS. This automates key functions:
-
Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC): Allows users to search the entire library collection from
any
computer within the
library or on the college network.
-
Circulation Management: Manages the issuing, returning, and renewing of books using barcode or
RFID
technology.
-
Member Management: Maintains digital records of all students and faculty.
-
Computer Lab within Library: The digital library section has multiple computers with high-speed
internet
connectivity
for students to access e-journals, e-books, and other online academic resources.
-
Computer Lab within Library: The digital library section has multiple computers with high-speed
internet
connectivity
for students to access e-journals, e-books, and other online academic resources.
-
Internet and Wi-Fi: The entire library building is Wi-Fi enabled, allowing students to use their own
laptops
and devices
for research.
-
Reprographic Facility: Photocopiers are available within or near the library for students to
photocopy
relevant portions
of books or journals, adhering to copyright laws.
4. Services and Facilities
-
Reading and Lending Services: The primary service is the lending of books for a specific period. The
number
of books
allowed varies for undergraduate, postgraduate, and faculty members.
-
Reference and Referral Service: Librarians are available to assist students in locating information
and
using reference
tools and databases effectively.
-
Current Awareness Service (CAS): Newly arrived books and journals are displayed in a "New Arrivals"
section
to keep
users informed.
-
Reading Room Facility: The library provides a quiet, disciplined, and comfortable environment
dedicated
solely to
reading and self-study.
-
Scanning and Printing: Some libraries offer scanning and printing services for a nominal fee.
5. Ambiance and Support Amenities
-
Adequate Lighting and Ventilation: The reading halls are designed with large windows and sufficient
artificial lighting
to reduce eye strain and create a pleasant atmosphere.
-
Fire Safety: The library is equipped with fire extinguishers and follows strict no-smoking policies
to
protect the
invaluable collection.
-
Security and Surveillance: CCTV cameras are installed to ensure the security of the resources and the
safety
of the
users.
-
Display Boards: Notice boards are used to communicate important information, rules, and upcoming
events to
the users.
Areas for Potential Enhancement
To further modernize the library, the college could focus on:
-
RFID Implementation: Replacing barcodes with Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) for faster
self-check-in/check-out,
better inventory management, and enhanced security.
-
24/7 Online Access: Strengthening the proxy server setup to allow students remote 24/7 access to
subscribed
e-resources
from outside the college campus.
-
Institutional Repository: Developing a digital repository to preserve and provide access to the
college's
own
intellectual output, such as question papers, syllabi, and faculty publications.
Conclusion
The library at Bhuwaneshwari Dayal College is a well-supported and vital resource center. Its infrastructure,
which
combines a vast physical collection with growing digital resources and automated services, effectively supports
the
academic curriculum and fosters a culture of reading and research. It stands as a pillar of the institution,
empowering
students with the knowledge necessary for academic success and lifelong learning.
