Jaipur, December 31,2024.
Rajasthan University (RU) is all set to purchase e-books worth Rs 3 crore for its digital library for the first time in the two years since it was inaugurated. E-books are being given preference because students can access information on any device, said the varsity officials.
The university administration will soon issue a tender inviting bids for e-books to be purchased, which can be used by students both at the library and on their personal devices after downloading. A committee is being set up to finalise the tender process, said officials.
“Once the digital library starts, thousands of researchers pursuing PhDs from the university will benefit. About 15,000 students pursuing postgraduate studies at the university will also be able to use the books, and research papers will be available to them online. Students preparing for competitive exams can also use the books free of cost,” said a senior RU official.
The digital library, officially known as Dr BR Ambedkar Central Library, was inaugurated by former CM Ashok Gehlot in Nov 2022, six years after its foundation stone was laid in July 2016. The construction of the library building, executed at a cost of about Rs 12 crore, was over by the end of 2019. Delay in its opening had angered students, prompting sections of them to attempt to break its locks on two occasions to gain access.
“Dr BR Ambedkar Central Library will be made completely digital in the new year. Computer systems will also be installed there. Students will be given passwords to access e-books even when they are not in the library,” said RU Vice-Chancellor Alpana Kateja.
When the library was inaugurated in Nov 2022, Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) had alleged that the newly built library was in a dilapidated state and that its furniture and walls were infested with termites. Now, two years later, many students said they are yet to get complete access to the library.
