The State Library Council’s efforts to digitise and bring the activities of libraries online are becoming a reality with the launch of the PUBLIC platform on Monday.

The platform, aimed at computerising and streamlining the activities of libraries under the State Library Council, will initially be opened to 3,886 libraries. Libraries that have completed data entry of their book collections and member details will be provided with accounts, along with user IDs and passwords.

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Once the data entered by libraries is uploaded to PUBLIC, they will be able to manage book distribution online.

The digital platform, which integrates various library activities, was initiated by the Library Council in 2024. Training was subsequently provided to library secretaries and librarians to help them use the system.

Data entry of book collections and member details has been completed by a number of libraries. Through PUBLIC, libraries will be able to manage various activities, including data entry, on a single platform.

The entire collection of books available across libraries under the State Library Council can eventually be brought together into a single catalogue. This will allow readers to check whether a book that is unavailable at their local library is available at another library and find out where it can be accessed.

The system is expected to make library management more systematic and efficient while reducing the time and effort involved in carrying out routine activities.

At present, access to PUBLIC is being provided to libraries that have completed data entry for at least 50 per cent of their book collection. Other libraries will be brought onto the platform in phases.

There are more than 8,000 libraries under the State Library Council, while around 3,900 libraries currently have computers. PUBLIC has been designed to operate on both computers and mobile phones.

In its first phase, the platform will enable libraries to manage book cataloguing, book distribution, returns and membership registration. Library accounts and programmes will be incorporated into the system in the future.

The digital platform is also expected to help librarians ensure the proper functioning of libraries. The Library Council will be able to closely monitor and evaluate library activities through the system.