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@article{185621,
        author = {Anandagouda P Fakiragoudra and Maranna O},
        title = {Gram Panchayat Libraries in Dharwad District, Karnataka: Infrastructure, Extension Activities, and Government Information Services},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2025},
        volume = {12},
        number = {5},
        pages = {2193-2196},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=185621},
        abstract = {Gram Panchayat Libraries (GPLs) are central to rural knowledge dissemination in India, bridging literacy promotion, community engagement, and access to government programs. This study examines the infrastructure, extension activities, and government information services of GPLs in Dharwad District, Karnataka, using primary data from structured questionnaires administered to GPL supervisors and district-level profiling, complemented with secondary sources from contemporary policy initiatives such as the Karnataka Digital Public Library (KDPL), Pustaka Jolige, and Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation (RRRLF) support programs. The study finds that while Dharwad demonstrates strong GPL coverage and digitization efforts, constraints in physical space, staffing, collection relevance, and active digital mediation limit service delivery. The paper recommends targeted investments in infrastructure, formalized ICT training, integration with state and national digital platforms, embedding GPLs into Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs), structured monitoring, and partnerships with NGOs and civil society. Evidence suggests that implementing these measures can transform GPLs into vibrant community information hubs, enhancing literacy, promoting welfare scheme uptake, supporting women and youth, and fostering lifelong learning.},
        keywords = {Gram Panchayat Libraries, rural development, community information centres, Karnataka, government schemes, digital libraries},
        month = {October},
        }