Team Herald
MARGAO: The Margao Municipal Library, a century-old institution, has been operating without a full-time librarian for nearly a decade. In recent months, its daily affairs have been managed by staff from the technical section due to the absence of both a librarian and an assistant librarian. The latter is currently on maternity leave and is expected to resume duties in June.
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It has come to light that the Margao Municipal Council (MMC) has not filled the vacant position of a full-time librarian since 2016, raising concerns over the civic body’s neglect of the library.
In 2024, an audit team emphasised the importance of libraries in providing access to information, promoting education, and supporting research. The report noted that library maintenance is an ongoing process that requires attention to physical infrastructure, collections, technology, and user services. Despite this, authorities have failed to take action to strengthen the library’s administration.
MMC Chairperson Damodar Shirodkar acknowledged that the librarian’s post remains vacant but defended the current system of management. “Yes, the post of full-time librarian is still unfilled. However, the library is being managed by the assistant librarian. In her absence, we have deputed staff from the technical section to oversee operations. Whenever necessary, we also seek assistance from the assistant librarian,” he explained. He further assured that the library would be upgraded with an expenditure of nearly Rs 50 lakh in the near future.
However, many citizens are dissatisfied with the state of affairs. Savio Coutinho, a resident of Margao, criticized the civic body for its indifference. “It is shameful that since 2016, the MMC has not filled the vacant post of full-time librarian. Now, with the assistant librarian on leave, we can only imagine how the library is being run. The delay in hiring raises suspicions—perhaps there are hidden motives behind it,” he alleged.
Frequent library visitor Krishna Naik also expressed frustration over the lack of qualified personnel. “We don’t understand how the library’s functions can be handled by staff from the technical section. Libraries need trained professionals to ensure smooth operations, but here, it seems everything is being taken for granted,” he said.
