Public libraries in India will soon go digital. The government, is planning to digitize reading material in different languages and launch the National Virtual Library of India.

President Pranab Mukherjee on Monday launched a massive scheme to upgrade public libraries in India, as recommended by the National Knowledge Commission.

The National Mission on Libraries, expected to cost Rs 400 cr, will develop 35 central libraries and 35 district libraries as model libraries. Over 600 libraries will also get network connectivity.

Mukherjee said

I understand that it will acquire the digitized information available with various Government Departments and other Non – Government Organizations, build a comprehensive data base for this information and present it as a user-friendly service including multilingual services.

These model libraries will have subscription based e-journals and e-books as services through a VPN service provided by the National Informatics Center.

Libraries will conduct a holistic professional and personal development programme for Library professionals through capacity building, said Mukherjee.

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