Students claim shortage of books in JU library

Tribune News Service

Jammu, January 8

The Dhanvantri (Central) Library of the University of Jammu (JU), which has been an obvious choice for students to prepare for examinations, both academic and competitive, due to the easy availability of books is now facing the ire of students for its alleged paucity of books on different subjects.

“The students who are studying in different departments of the university are not finding any difficulty in getting books. If they do not get the books from the library, they can manage those from the department. What about those who are not studying in the university and have membership of the library?” said Aman, a student.

“We are being charged a monthly fee of around Rs 450. If we cannot get the books we want for preparation for exams, it is really unfortunate. A few days back, I needed a book to study a particular topic for my interview, but unfortunately, did not get it,” said Palak, another student.

“Though I managed it from a friend, what is the logic behind getting membership of the library if there is no availability of books? We have apprised the authorities concerned of the issue a number of times, but to no avail as nothing has changed,” he added.

Prof Vivek Gupta, in charge librarian, said there was no shortage of books in the library. “Sometimes there is a demand of more books of a particular subject, which is conceived as shortage of books. While availability of books of other subjects remains the same,” he said.

Asked about the fee issue being raised by the students, he said, “The students pursuing studies in different departments are not being charged because they pay library fee during admission. As far as students who are not studying in the university, we have fixed a certain fee for them. They have the liberty to read whichever book they want as there is no paucity of books in the library.”