Right to Information, Information Literacy and Libraries

[ramannair_r]

Hello Friends

Refering information from RTIINDIA site I have prepare and presented a paper on role of public libraries in ensuring RTI at a Symposium on Right to Information conducted by University of Calicut during 16the November, 2006. I would like to have your comments on the paper. The Abstract is provided below. The full text of the paper is available at the Open Archives site: E-LIS - Right to Information, Information Literacy and Libraries
Right to Information, Information Literacy and Libraries

Dr. R. Raman Nair

ABSTRACT

Highlights the interdependence of Right to Information (RTI) and information literacy, and the role of public libraries which acts as catalyst between the two. RTI has an important economic dimension, as it embraces not only political freedom but also the freedom to lead a life with dignity, unfettered by domination and discrimination. Discusses in detail meaning of information in the context of RTI, the importance of information, the relevant categories of information, the need for information literacy programmes and the mechanisms that can ensure information access to the people. In the context of RTI categorizes information produced by and held by Government into two. First is information or knowledge of permanent value produced, collected or conserved by government for the public good. This information empower the citizen to have an average understanding of everything around him including the political and social system of which he is a part of and also enable him to critically evaluate on the basis of set laws and norms the action of the government that affects his life and activities. It gives him the power to understand his rights and protect him from unjust invasions. The second category is administrative information. It is the documents that come into existence from the day today functioning of government machinery which affects the people. Of this availability of first category of information to the people is essential if they are to get the capacity to use second category of information. So without a Public library and Information System Act that ensures free access to first category of information to the whole population RTI Act can not achieve its objectives.


The full text of the paper is available at the Open Archives site: E-LIS - Right to Information, Information Literacy and Libraries

[kushal]

Thank you for sharing. However, we would appreciate that you post all most everything at appropriate forum, for the consumption of us.
Regards,

[Neena Joseph]

Libraries can become a very important source of information which is vital for citizen empowerment. As usually said democracy is not a spectator sport. It is an active experience in living in the community , procuring all what is rightfully our due. Without information, the right to eaxpression has no meaning. Libraries need not confine themselves to the role of storing knowledge. Libraries can organise talks, chats, speeches,Question Answer sections related to new knowledge stored in new books. The inert knowlege need to be activated. Libraries can do this.

Neena joseph

[ganpat1956]

Thank you Neena for your views on the role libraries can play. By the way can you share some additional info about you by way of introduction. You can do the same by creating a new thread in this section itself.