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The purpose of this study is to examine the status of the South Asian collections in certain academic and research libraries in the United States. In particular it highlights changes effected since 1975 in the PL 480 program, the Library of Congress Cooperative Acquisitions program for India and in the participating libraries.
This is a three-part study. The first part provides the historical background of the PL480 program and examines its role in the enhancement of the Indian language collections in the participating libraries. It presents a brief history of the Public Law 480 and its subsequent amendment which enabled the Library of Congress to participate in the program and treats in detail the steps taken by the Library of Congress to implement the acquisitions program.
Secondly it identifies the South Asian resources in four libraries through in-depth case studies.
Thirdly, it presents a brief overview of the resources and services of ten additional libraries which participate in the program. Additionally it attempts to identify the facilities existing currently in the United States for the concentrated study of the subcontinent.
Methodology. The data contained in this dissertation were gathered through personal interviews conducted at the Library of Congress, in selected participating libraries and by an examination of relevant published materials, correspondence and newspaper coverage and legislative documents and through the use of a questionnaire.
The techniques applied for data analysis were quantitative assessment and descriptive analysis.
Findings. Computer technology has effected changes in all aspects of library management in the participating libraries and in the Library of Congress Cooperative Acquisitions Program.
Budget constraints, enrollment patterns, space problems and lack of interest have led participating libraries to reduce their collections in certain Indian languages and to become selective, focusing on specific languages and subject areas. The most recent mnovation of the LC program the subject profile has made an impact on the current selection pattern of the participants.
Limitations. This study is confined to the assessment of the PL480 program/LC program for India only and in selected languages and in selected libraries.