Understanding Library Development Commissions in India

The question asks us to arrange various commissions and committees that played a significant role in the development of libraries and library science in India in a logical order, which typically means chronological order.

Let's identify the committees mentioned and their approximate periods or focus areas related to library development:

• (A) Mehrotra Committee: This committee, constituted by the University Grants Commission (UGC) in 1986, was primarily concerned with the revision of pay scales for teachers and librarians in universities and colleges. Its recommendations had a direct impact on the status and emoluments of library professionals.
• (B) Review Committee on Library Science: This committee was appointed by the UGC in 1957 under the chairmanship of Dr. S. R. Ranganathan. Its mandate was to review the existing facilities for teaching and research in library science and make recommendations for their improvement and development. This was a foundational committee for formal library science education in India.
• (C) Committee on National Network System for Universities/Libraries: While a specific committee with this exact name might be hard to pinpoint, this likely refers to the initiatives in the late 1980s and early 1990s that led to the development of library networks and resource sharing among universities in India, such as the establishment of INFLIBNET (Information and Library Network) Centre by the UGC in 1991. This committee would be related to the advent of library automation and networking in the university sector.
• (D) Education Committee: This term is broad, but in the context of major commissions influencing library development, it often refers to significant education commissions. A prominent one is the Education Commission (1964-66) headed by Dr. D.S. Kothari, which made comprehensive recommendations covering all sectors of education, including the crucial role of libraries in universities and colleges.

Arranging Library Committees Chronologically

Based on the likely interpretations and historical context of these committees and commissions, let's determine their approximate timeframes:

• Review Committee on Library Science (B): 1957
• Education Committee (D, likely Kothari Commission): 1964-1966
• Mehrotra Committee (A): 1986
• Committee on National Network System (C, related to INFLIBNET): Late 1980s / Early 1990s

Arranging these timeframes in chronological order:

1. Review Committee on Library Science (B) - 1957
2. Education Committee (D) - 1964-1966
3. Mehrotra Committee (A) - 1986
4. Committee on National Network System (C) - Late 1980s / Early 1990s

Therefore, the logical (chronological) order is (B), (D), (A), (C).

Analyzing the Options

Let's check the provided options against our derived chronological order (B), (D), (A), (C):

Option 2 matches the chronological arrangement of the committees and commissions based on their establishment or reporting periods and their impact on library development in India.

Conclusion

The chronological order of the committees/commissions related to library development is the Review Committee on Library Science (1957), followed by the Education Committee (Kothari Commission, 1964-66), then the Mehrotra Committee (1986), and finally the Committee related to the National Network System (Late 1980s/Early 1990s). This corresponds to the sequence (B), (D), (A), (C).

Revision Table: Key Library Committees

Additional Information on Library Development in India

The post-independence era saw significant efforts to modernize and expand the library system in India. Several committees and commissions were set up to address different aspects, from education and training for librarians to infrastructure development, resource sharing, and improving the service conditions of library staff.

• The recommendations of committees like the Ranganathan Committee were crucial for standardizing library science education.
• Major education commissions, particularly the Kothari Commission, emphasized the central role of libraries in higher education and recommended increased funding and improved facilities.
• Committees like the Mehrotra Committee addressed the service conditions, which are vital for attracting and retaining qualified library professionals.
• In the late 20th century, with the advent of information technology, the focus shifted towards automation, networking, and digital resources, leading to initiatives like INFLIBNET, often based on the recommendations of specific committees.

Understanding the chronological sequence and contributions of these different bodies helps in tracing the evolution of library development policies in India.