Rural library and information services, their success, failure and sustainability: a literature review

Rural library and information centres could play a significant role in the socio-economic development of rural areas by providing information and communication services to the rural people. In most parts of the world, especially in the developing countries, these centres are plagued with various problems like insufficient funds, lack of government and community support, uncertainty about sustainability, etc. The centres are trying to solve these problems in various ways, although it has proved to be a very difficult task. This article highlights the problems and prospects of rural library and information services in different parts of the world by reviewing relevant literature contributed by development practitioners, library and information professionals, academics and others. It contains valuable insights and observations for making the rural library and information initiatives successful in the long run. The field of rural library and information services is changing continuously with the advent of new techniques and technologies. This paper will help achieve a better understanding of this changing landscape and provide specific directions for making this endeavour worthwhile and sustainable in the long run.