Varsity teacher gives 13 suggestions to MMC on preserving Portuguese books

MARGAO:  Goa University Teacher in-charge of Department of Library Carlos M. Fernandes, Margao Municipal Council suggested Margao Municipal Council (MMC) to dust off the rare, and valuable Portuguese books of Margao Municipal Library, preferably dry cleaned at the earliest and asked to install Portable De-Humidifier immediately, in a report submitted on August 24.  Carlos furnished his report with nearly 13 suggestions that needs to be implemented by the MMC in order to preserve the rare books of heritage value.
It must be noted that Herald had published news related to this 1,500 plus Old Portuguese books craving for attention.
Carlos has submitted a report of his visit that was held on July 20 with regard to the conditions of old and rare Portuguese books of the MMC library.
He stated that the stack room where the books are placed is full of moisture. Hence all the rare books shall be shifted to another room where there is natural light and proper ventilation. “Further to maintain the humidity level of the room the ‘Portable De-humidifier needs to be installed immediately,” he said.
According to him to stack, the old books the glass door cupboard shall be used instead of open racks.
“At the first instance all the rare Portuguese books shall be scanned and the prints of the same shall be made available for the public to use. Further, all the scanned books shall be used to create a digital library by using free available digital library software,” said Carlos.
He further recommended some long-run steps to preserve the books, which includes the book conservation process called ‘hand lamination method using archival tissue paper need to be implemented with the help of national agencies involved in book conservation projects.
He also suggested that the new version of Library management software ‘E-granthalaya’ along with the facility of online public access catalogue (OPAC) need to be installed to browse the library collection, besides, a provision of at least five desktops with high-speed internet facility be made available for the benefit of library users having access to National Digital Library of India and other national portals dealing in academic studies, and personality development.
Carlos has suggested making efforts to avail the financial assistance through Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation, Kolkata meant for public library development.
He is of the opinion that the staff members having library science qualification shall be deputed for seminars/conferences to enhance their skills with new technological advancement and to acquaint with latest trends, besides, as the footfall increases, one additional library professional shall be employed to cater to the effective library services to the readers.
Speaking to Herald Agnelo Fernandes, Chief Officer MMC said that all the suggestions made by Carlos are acceptable, and will be implemented immediately.
“These rare Portuguese books are of heritage values and we are very much serious in preserving them. We had an offer from private agencies in order to buy the Portuguese books but MMC refused their offer,” he said.
CO further said that MMC had enough funds to utilize for the purpose of maintaining the books. “these recommendations of Dr. Carlos will be put forth before the Library Committee of MMC for approval, and thereafter they will be implemented,” he said.