GURGAON: The directorate of higher education has released a budget of Rs 3.6 crore to improve libraries in 166 government colleges in the state, including seven in Gurgaon. The department has also instructed the colleges to make automated libraries their top priority. The grant amount will be drawn by the college principals through the Haryana treasury.The colleges need to purchase the latest version of the Software for University Libraries (SOUL)---an integrated library management system.N-List subscription may also be taken from the information and library network for the next two academic sessions. A list of suggestions for the upgradation of these libraries has been provided by the department. This includes an Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS), an e-journal, a magazine, e-books, a book vacuum cleaner, a water cooler and an air conditioner.The amount remaining from the grant is to be utilized in purchasing the updated software, scanner and photocopy machine, computers, bar code scanner, printers and furniture, while books worth up to Rs 2,000 can be purchased.According to the deputy director for libraries, Anjali Siwach, the entire expenditure must be incurred by February 28, 2024. And its utilization certificate will have to be sent to the headquarters by March 1, 2024, she said. A committee consisting of senior faculty members will be formulated to see that automation is done at minimum cost by inviting quotations and no advance payments are made, added Siwach.The colleges must prepare a detailed proposal for items to be procured with rates through the Government e-marketplace (GeM)—the online platform for public procurement in India—and Hartron which is the nodal agency for procurement of computer systems.The scheme will be included in the annual plan and it will be ensured that the plan ceiling is not increased under any circumstance. A revised sanction will issued in case the provision of the scheme is modified at any stage, said an official from the libraries department.We also published the following articles recentlyDharwads GP libraries go digitalGram panchayats in Hubballi are renovating and setting up digital libraries in rural areas to provide e-reading access. Out of the 139 libraries in the district, 130 have been digitized with the help of the 15th financial plan. These libraries aim to promote reading habits and help rural children prepare for competitive exams. The libraries are equipped with computers, UPS systems, WiFi routers, and modems, allowing access to e-books and educational videos. Over 112,000 children have already registered for the e-library. The goal is to digitize all libraries and encourage rural residents to utilize them.Exploring the eerie and enchanting: The Graveyard Book"The Graveyard Book" by Neil Gaiman opens with a gripping line that sets the tone for the story. The hand in the darkness holding a knife creates suspense and suggests danger. The title hints at the central theme of a young boy growing up in a graveyard and the journey of discovery that awaits. The book is praised for its unique premise, engaging storytelling, and richly developed characters.The Sun Also Rises: Unveiling symbolism, and why its a must-read"The Sun Also Rises" by Ernest Hemingway ends with an ambiguous and uncertain line, questioning the validity of attractive ideas. The novel explores the theme of lost illusions, as characters struggle to find meaning in a post-war world. The phrase "Isnt it pretty to think so?" reflects the human tendency to embrace comforting delusions. The title of the book is derived from a biblical reference, emphasizing the cyclical nature of life. The sun is a powerful symbol representing hope, renewal, and the passage of time. The novel is a must-read for its influential writing style, exploration of the Lost Generation, and rich symbolism.

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