A bibliophile's tour of Bombay

Znt. Libr. Rm (1975) 7, 487-496

A Bibliophile’s Tour of Bombay*

BARBARA FOSTER

Bombay-the gateway to India-offered an auspicious welcome to this bibliophile-librarian, eager to investigate the library resources of the land of sages and saints. This cosmopolitan city was my initial stop on a tour of Indian libraries from 1 February to 31 July 1974, while on sabbatical from Hunter College, City University of New York. A pro- jected one-week stop-over mushroomed into a three-week visit, which proved insufficient to fully evaluate the bibliographic riches of Bombay. The inheritors of a continuous literary tradition harking back to Vedic times (1500-500 B.C.), it is not surprising that the Indians manifest a reverence for the printed word and its repository. A respectable assortment of public, private and university collections places Bombay on a par with Western capitals. The brief listings in the current World af Learning fail to reflect the wide options open to motivated readers and researchers. Furthermore, most of the professional and semi-professional (“qualified and semi-qualified”) individuals involved in disseminating materials are thoroughly trained in the latest scientific methods of the library profession. Since TV has yet to enter the living rooms of middle- class inhabitants here, and popular films tend to be uninformative escapism, the book continues to be the standby of those seeking quality entertainment and knowledge. Unlike their American colleagues who bemoan the decrease of circulation figures, the Indian librarian must stretch his budget to its limits in order to accommodate the demands of a rapidly growing readership.

A short stroll from the commercial district one encounters the David Sassoon Library and Reading Room, opened in 1874. This private facility has an attached porch and garden of palm, chikoo and bougain- villaea trees, in which members sit comfortably perusing books and magazines. The catholicity of this collection is a notable feature, since no undue emphasis in placed on any one subject area. From the shelves one can choose the latest fiction, biographies, philosophy and travel, etc.

+ Assistant Professor, Apt. 2422 King Street, New York, New York 10014.

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The titles are selected with an awareness of the diversified tastes of Sassoon’s public, who are drawn mainly from the middle to upper echelons. To become a member one deposits 30 rupees (1 U.S. dollar = 8 rupees, 1 English pound = 19.83 rupees) and pays a nominal quarterly subscription fee, which entitles a borrower to three books each visit; the books can be kept for two weeks, except for the newest which go out for eight days. The library is open daily, from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., which allows the working person substantial access. About 70 recent magazines are on the open shelves, with .Newsweek, Time and the New Statesman in prominent locations. No attempt is made to accumulate back issues since the direction of Sassoon’s policy is toward the newer items, rather than a definitive research accummulation. A large portion of the magazines are in English, though a certain number are in Hindi and other Indian tongues. Sassoon’s lingua franca is English since 29000 of their titles are in it, while 5000 volumes are in assorted Indian languages. Conversation in the reading room, the days I was there, was mainly in English and the atmosphere seemed friendly and relaxed-as if the patrons considered Sassoon a social gathering place where they could exchange ideas and meet old friends. Many of the patrons have an avowed literary bent, therefore the purchasing policy slants toward fiction-especially concentrating in the area of the English and American novel. The yearly budget is 12000 rupees which is supplemented by gifts from members and the United States Information Service. Origi- nally the collection was designed for civil servants of the Government of India, but over the years the boundaries have been extended so that a broader public can be served. The staff consists of a librarian, library assistant, clerk and typist, who under the supervision of a library board, operate Sassoon.

Circulation at this facility goes on at a healthy rate, and a book card system has been set up to keep a record of outstanding items. If a volume is not returned the librarian sends a note to the patron’s home, and as a last resort, his subscription is cancelled. Book losses are no problem at Sassoon since the clientele tend to adhere to the stated rules. Cataloguing is done by the Baroda system, especially adapted to Sassoon’s needs. The library frequently serves as a social centre, where film programs, lec- tures and discussions are offered to the larger public. Year by year the book circulation increases as new members become addicted to the satisfactions of Sassoon.

A few blocks away the J. N. Petit Library-begun in 1898-serves a larger though somewhat similar clientele. This public subscription library was set up by the students of Eliphstone College with the assistance of 2500 rupees from the Petit family for the erection of the struc-

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ture. A three-storey palatial setting enhanced by fluted columns, grillwork doors and decorated Arabic arches welcomes the reader to browse, borrow or reflect in this noble edifice. Any resident of Bombay can borrow books without charge except for a nominal subscription fee; these subscriptions provide the wherewithal1 for day-to-day operations, since Petit accepts no assistance from the Government. This large structure has a separate floor devoted to newspapers gathered from all India and selected European countries, where this cosmopolitan readership peruse their choices, keeping up with daily events on a regular basis. Bombay, a major industrial centre, attracts individuals from all India who wish to better themselves economically, and may come to Petit for reference assistance and materials.

Generality of approach is the bent at Petit, while specialized categories and too technical subjects do not fit in with their overall purpose. All policies are set by a managing committee, which sets down rules for the administration of the library and its 100000 books and 400 magazines. About 50% of the books are in English, while the other half are split between other Indian languages. The wide assortment of international magazines is a strong point here, and a complete back file is maintained on the Times of India; in fact, certain of these magazines are available for circulation. One professional librarian assisted by 52 non-professionals (sic) operates the facility in two shifts-from 10 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. Monday to Friday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. Reference service is a specialty at Petit, and other institutions enrol as members to become eligible for research assistance-each day a myriad of requests are received by letter and telephone. As well, four local educational institutions consider this service so essential they have recently signed up for membership.

Book selection is under the auspices of an honorary committee who recommend books within the means of the 25000 rupee per annum budget, which is usually strengthened by considerable gift books from abroad. The concerned patron can request specific titles for purchase in the suggestion box, located in the centre of the main reading room. Canadian benefactors have recently donated a quantity of books which has rounded out certain hitherto neglected regions. Aside from the 6000 volume reference section, all other items are open to home use by the 7000 members-about 1000 of whom are female. In recent years the percentage of usage by women has risen dramatically; during my visits numerous female patrons were actively engaged in borrowing and or consulting Petit’s offerings. If borrowers fail to return their choices on time, about five days after due date a reminder is sent to the home address, which quickly brings results.

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A functional card catalogue-as well as a classified shelf list-is prominent in the main reading room; the researcher is given access to his information by author, title and subject cards which clearly indicate location. Numerous attendants are on hand to get the reader his materials from large cases or a closed stack area somewhat removed from the main reading room. The classification system used is Dewey, which seems to adapt well to this generalist subject sampling. Inter- nationalist to the core, Petit’s purchasing committee combs Publishers Weekly, British Book News and other European trade journals to keep current vi.+a-vis the latest publications. A large number of books are sent “on approval” from local and foreign booksellers, who are cog- nizant of Petit’s far-flung subject concerns. With an adult readership that might range in taste from the Ramayana to Henry Miller’s Trofiic of Cancer, Petit must strive continually to satisfjr the heterogeneous needs ofits quite sophisticated public.

The Shreemati Nathibai Thackersey Women’s University Library is committed to the newest techniques of the library profession, determined to provide an education equal to the technological challenge faced by a modernizing India. In the non-militant vanguard of women’s libera- tion-advocating revolution in book form-the SNDT is headed by a woman and used exclusively by them. This liberal arts college and library, located in urban Bombay, has a bustling atmosphere charac- teristic of a milieu where experimental ideas are vigorously circulating- not to mention books. The building, which opened in 1961 (the university began in 1955), p rovides an ultrafunctional receptacle for the 100000 volume holdings. Freed from the drawbacks of an antiquated building, the SNDT is equipped to house audio materials, film strips, tapes and computer equipment. Walking through this impressive com- plex, one is reminded of a cheerful college library found these days in the United States or England.

SNDT’s modernity in the area of procedures is probably due to the fertilization it receives from the library school on campus, which offers undergraduate and graduate degrees. In many instances, the newly graduated professionals become part of SNDT’s staff, contributing their share and innovative expertise to this flexible, unbureaucratized set up. The first two years at the university, the student adheres to a basic pres- cription and in her final two years generous electives are encouraged. Naturally, the library purchases all the basic books to support the re- quired courses, but it does not overlook germane supplementary ones either. This facility must serve the arts and science colleges, plus continuing education programs which are quite popular with mature females in greater Bombay. The librarians here realize the need to break


down their holdings into usable subject categories; therefore, considerable professional time is devoted to the preparation of relevant subject bibliographies for the students and faculty A few of the subject bibliographies compiled in 1973 were: “women in the forties”, “we and the work of our grown-up children” and “information work”.

When the annual budget is approved by the university, a specified portion is directed to the library for general operation and purchases. The periodical division receives a significant share, since SNDT is eager to build a distinguished collection to facilitate the research of the students and faculty. The current magazines are on open shelves for the curious browser, while the back issues are catalogued and interfiled with the books on the shelf. About 300 others arrive gratis; a streamlined car- dex assures that students will expeditiously locate these journals.

Book selection is traditionally a faculty perogative and the librarians here limit their suggestions to reference tools. In the reference section, one finds an excellent selection of representative tools that will enable the librarian to answer the battery of questions that contemporary students do not hesitate to ask. At least one full-time reference person is on duty at the reference desk during library hours so that students’ queries will not be neglected. As well, these trained professionals dis- pense appropriate subject bibliographies, and act as reader’s advisors. A comprehensive vertical file is kept current by staff members, who gather pamphlet items and clip newspapers and magazines on relevant subjects, to further enhance the range of SNDT’s holdings. The collection is enriched by purchases from local booksellers, publishers catalogues or alumnae gifts.

The Dewey system provides a viable classification for this open stack facility. The student consults a card catalogue arranged by author and title, plus an accompanying classified subject supplement. Furthermore, a current identity card allows the student to borrow books from the main SNDT facility, an adjunct in the suburbs and another in Poona.

In accordance with the librarian’s emphasis on public service, a series of orientation tours have been introduced to scientifically acquaint the 4000 women enrolees with the intricacies of the library. Initially, this outreach has been confined to freshmen, however, shortly the upper classmen will be introduced to the facilities in a similar way. The groups have been limited to six students so that maximum time and attention can be devoted to personalized library instruction. The hours have been regulated so that students will have adequate exposure to their assigned books; the library is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday to Friday, and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays. Books are lent for two weeks, except for reserves which go out over night. As well, borrowing privileges are

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adjusted to the class standing (freshmen, sophomore, etc.) of the in- dividual making the request. The audio materials do not circulate, which is no great inconvenience since an acoustically perfect room has been built for listening purposes. No uniformed guards are visible here: students come and go freely in this open stack set-up without opening handbags or briefcases at any point. Pilferage has been negligible at SNDT; in fact, since the opening in 1961 only 400 titles have been missing. At SNDT they have deftly blended tradition and modernity to provide a first-class library for women, who-unlike their grand- mothers-will shun the inequalities of purdah and be instrumental in shaping today’s India.

Along more traditional lines as far as approach and layout, the Bom- bay University Library-established in 1880-gives service to 95 609 students. For the most part, this gothic structure of stained glass windows and massive Corinthian columns functions as a reference collection rather than a lending one. Borrowing privileges are extended to faculty and recognized scholars, while students use their assigned materials on the premises. This building was designed by an English architect in 1873, who never visited India to see the completed work. The richly textured wooden ceilings and enormous clock at the entrance to the building add to the atmosphere of grandeur and tranquillity that makes one feel remote from central Bombay-the site of this distinguished library. This active, co-ed facility is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, and closes only four days per year. A strong point here are the rare and specialized items that are part of the patrimony of this respected institution. However, the contemporary subject areas are not neglected, since the curriculum includes a broad range of disciplines.

The library places special emphasis on politics, Indian anthropology, history and culture, mathematics and the social sciences. Their quite rare manuscript collection contains 1190 Arabic, Persian and Urdu manuscripts, and about 7418 in Sanskrit and allied tongues. As well, their collection of early Indian imprints in Marathi and Gujarati is extremely valuable. The resources here are made available to scholars and other institutions via an inter-library loan network that operates by mail; rare pieces are photo or micro-copied and supplied to interested parties or institutions upon request.

Unfortunately, several library programmes have been hampered by lack of space, not lack of funds as is usual. The present structure has long since been outgrown and is crammed to the doors with overflow books and magazines. Shortly, this facility will be supplemented by a new building in the suburbs, about 20 miles from the present site. The new structure will have open stacks (they are now closed), bright reading


rooms and space for expansion. A troublesome quirk of the present construction is the necessity for numerous small table lamps since the wooden ceiling will not accommodate overhead lighting-therefore the illumination is painfully inadequate. The suburban library will have space for the extensive magazine holdings, which due to the antiquity of Bombay’s library, are rich in back issues. All back ones are bound so that a researcher will surely encounter a complete run of all periodicals. The holdings in American and English magazines cover a broad spec- trum, especially in the field of library science. Journal of Library Science, Wilson Library Bulletin and Library Trends are just a few of the library periodicals that are purchased to supplement the courses taught on campus. However, the newspapers represented are mainly those pub- lished in India, with little attention devoted to acquiring foreign examples.

A researcher using this facility has ready access to the 300000 volumes by means of a classified subject catalogue, supplemented by author and title approaches. The volumes are classified by Dewey, which has gained wide acceptance in Indian libraries. Most of the holdings are indicated in these files, though separate printed catalogues have been put out as further guides to the prized manuscripts. Their printed catalogue of the Sanskrit and Prakrit collections is a useful bibliographical guide. The assortment of 181 palm leaf manuscripts in the Grantha script, hitherto undeciphered, draws many curious visitors each year. The trade-book selection is done by the heads of the various faculty departments, while the librarians purchase in the reference field. The library publishes textbooks and research works prepared by the head of departments, faculty members and advanced students-well-known for their impeccable scholarship. Local firms, educational institutions and government agencies frequently use the library’s research facilities facilities and inter-library loan services, testifying to the excellence of this venerable treasure trove.

Library service to the man on the street is provided by the People’s Free Reading Room Library, established in 1898 so that poor Bom- bayans would not be deprived on library service. The donor, a classic illustration of rags to riches, managed by shrewd business acumen to amass a sizeable fortune. In his travels he visited America where he became enthralled by the concept of free libraries as founded by Andrew Carnegie, the industrialist-philanthropist. Upon his return, Mr Suk- hadvala tried out this system in Bombay on a reduced scale. His intent was to promote literacy and knowledge among the underprivileged by exposing them to the written word. To this end, he provided an endow- ment for two buildings, along with a trust fund for their maintenance.

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The main branch in central Bombay has a collection of 50000 books on subjects of popular interest; another branch extends service to residents in the northern sector of the city and consists of similarly oriented book stock. However, due to current inflationary tendencies, a third branch has been rented to a business firm since funds were lacking for its up- keep. Despite the Librarian’s continual pleas to the Indian Government for supplementary funds the monetary situation has gone from bad to disastrous, which forces the library to cut corners on everything. The 10 rupee deposit that a user tenders hardly covers the cost of supplies, let alone the day-to-day expenses.

The People’s is a heartwarming example of a free university in action; though these seekers cannot afford today’s college costs, they can afford to read in this library structured especially for them. The large reading room accommodates a heterogeneous clinetele, the majority of whom are employed in nearby offices. The times of my visits, the reading room was filled with patrons consulting newspapers placed on wall stands or seated at desks avidly perusing books and magazines. A patron can borrow one book per visit for a period of 15 days, which can be renewed for two weeks longer providing no one else reserves it. The books are classified by a modified Dewey system, altered to accommodate the subject set-up here. The card catalogue-divided into author, title and subject sections-is maintained exclusively by the librarian; due to budgetary stringencies, no other professional help is employed. The part-time clerk and three pages devote themselves to the non- professional duties, which allows the librarian to offer reference service and reader’s guidance. The books are stored in a closed stack arrange- ment; therefore a patron must fill out a call slip each time he wishes to consult an item. Between acquisition details, cataloguing, reference and general administration, the librarian is continually occupied carrying through his weighty responsibilities.

People’s Free Reading Room serves the poorer elements, but by necessity ignores the poorest. I found its patrons decently garbed, and they appeared only slightly less affluent than the readers of Petit or Sassoon. However, the Librarian categorized his clientele as coming exclusively from the lower and lower-middle classes, usually employed as office workers, telephone operators, clerks and maintenance men. A too-sizeable percentage of these patrons are unemployed and use the library as an excuse to avoid the clatter of workaday Bombay. The librarian estimated the average salary of his employed borrowers as about 100-300 rupees monthly, an income well below adequate. More- over, many of the subscribers use this facility as a vehicle for self- betterment, hoping to rise in the economic scale by acquiring practical


skills and information via book resources. To this end, People’s has tended to purchase various technical manuals and “how to” booklets which will stimulate this aspiring public.

Book losses are negligible since most return their selections on time; of the 600 books which circulate monthly, only a bare minimum fail to find their way home. When a postcard is sent to the home of the patron, this reminder is normally promptly acknowledged. The newspaper section is heavily used here, since the librarian purchases daily newspapers from all over India. This public is especially concerned with politics and current events, rather than the esoteric of rarified subjects. Magazines such as Time, .Newsweek and Popular Science expose them to the trends and movements in the west.

Because of space limitations older books must be sold to make room for newer stock. Every inch of shelving is precious, since there is no hope of expansion at the present time. Politics, popular novels, mysteries and history are in heavy demand, therefore the librarian concentrates on these areas. Usually the readers make suggestions to the librarian who for- wards them to an honorary book committee, responsible for the final decisions on purchasing. This committee visits local bookstores, consults publishers’ catalogues and considers all suggestions in an attempt to stretch the modest budget to its utmost. Needless to say, the paltry 5000 rupees for books and 2500 for magazines falls pathetically below the resources available to other Bombay libraries. As well, gifts are not usually forthcoming from outside sources, which is unfortunate con- sidering that this facility is in particularly desperate straits. Working against substantial handicaps, the People’s Free Reading Room and its dedicated librarian persevere in a commitment to create a usable learning environment for those who otherwise would go without.

A bibliophile in Bombay could extend a tour well beyond the institutions mentioned. Space forbids the treating of the Royal Asiatic Society of Bombay, the British Council and the Sadar Muslim Libraries, to name but a few. But Bombay’s book circulation does not go on only within four walls; outdoors the traffic is even brisker. On many street corners in commercial Bombay one encounters mini-bookstall- libraries. The shoppers can scan the racks for the latest best-sellers, or the time-honoured classics-the gamut runs from Harold Robbins to Charles Dickens. Cataloguing and classification are extraneous on the sidewalk, since merchandise moves so rapidly that even the speediest professional could not keep up. The 3vew York Times best-seller list is displayed on busy street corners for prospective purchasers to examine. Those who decide to rent a title can do so for a few rupees-paying a weekly fee-those who want to own, naturally pay full price. Customers

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can also request special titles from the store keeper, who will attempt to order them from an appropriate source; a generous portion of this book business centres around used copies that are put up for sale at greatly reduced prices. Paperbacks, both used and new, are the purview of special dealers who carry a diverse selection of English and European language samples. Students, housewives, businessmen and precocious children keep these booksellers busy with their barrage of requests for fiction and non-fiction-perennial sources of comfort and uplift to citi- zens leading a harried, industrialized existence in this bustling sea port. Books everywhere : on the street, in the libraries, homes and offices, made this bibliophile’s tour of Bombay unforgettable.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Kaula, P. N. (1969). National institutions of India and their libraries. Her. Libr. hi., 8, 278.

Khurshid, A. (1972). Growth of libraries in India. International Library Review, 4, 21. Trehan, G. L. (1966). Libraries and the library movement in the Punjab. Her. Libr.

Sci. 5, 209. Waknist, T. D. (1972). Baroda libraries: a sleeping beauty. Znd. Librarian, 27, 146. Venkatappiah, V. (1972). Library tour of South India. Her. Libr. Sk., 11, 125.

Reports

The Jamsetjee Nesserwanjee Petit Institute. Golden Jubilee 1898-1948; Centenary Souve- nir (18561956).

A Brief History of the People’s Free Reading Room and Library, Bombay. Annual Report 1972-73, Shreemati Nathibai Damodar Thackersey Women’s Univer-

sity Library.

Documents

A bibliophile's tour of Bombay