Despite being hailed as one of Kerala's premier public libraries, the State Central Library in Thiruvananthapuram is grappling with a significant digital divide and crumbling infrastructure. The state government's delay in approving a simple digital payment system and releasing funds for essential upgrades is causing widespread inconvenience, especially among students who form a large part of its patronage.
Students Bear the Brunt of Outdated Systems
The library, a crucial resource for competitive exam preparation, still forces its members to use cash for all transactions. This includes paying membership fees and settling overdue charges. In an era where the government is actively promoting digital governance, the absence of a Unified Payments Interface (UPI) option is a glaring omission. P Raman, a regular user of the library's reference section, highlighted the problem, noting that young visitors, who predominantly prefer cashless transactions, face unnecessary hassles at the counter.
Technical Glitch and Bureaucratic Hurdles Stall Progress
Sources reveal that the primary roadblock to introducing UPI is surprisingly fundamental: the library needs its own bank account. Establishing an independent account for this specific institution requires navigating a maze of permissions, a process that has stalled the entire initiative. This technical and bureaucratic snag deprives the facility of a basic modern convenience. The issue is more acute here than in other state libraries because the Thiruvananthapuram library boasts a larger membership and issues approximately 2,000 books every month.
Infrastructure Neglect Mars Visitor Experience
Beyond digital payments, the library suffers from severe infrastructural neglect. Although allocations are made in the state budget, the necessary upgrades for displaying books and enhancing the reader experience have not materialized. Visitors are irked by sections that appear run-down. A staff member pointed out that in the Malayalam section, books are often piled on the floor due to a critical shortage of shelves and storage units. This poor state stands in stark contrast to the library's importance and footfall.
The library's appeal extends beyond the capital city. Many members from districts like Alappuzha and Kollam visit on weekends, particularly Sundays. Furthermore, individuals who initially joined while working in Thiruvananthapuram often maintain their memberships even after being transferred elsewhere, making special trips to borrow books. This dedicated user base makes the lack of investment in digital facilities and proper infrastructure even more disappointing for its loyal patrons.
