Price Caps Lifted: Bestsellers Now in Libraries

Public libraries in Karnataka are set to significantly enhance their collections following a major reform of the book procurement system. Price caps that previously limited the acquisition of popular and essential titles have been removed. This change allows libraries to purchase bestsellers and competitive exam guides, regardless of their cost, ensuring that reader demand is met.

The capacity for reader-demand procurement has been substantially increased, expanding from a mere 10% to a more impactful 40%. This adjustment aims to address outdated collections that have hindered access to necessary study materials. Officials anticipate these changes will significantly boost readership in government libraries.

This overhaul represents a historic shift in book acquisition practices for Karnataka's libraries, the first in nearly twenty years. The reform ensures that only the latest editions of sought-after books will be considered, a stark contrast to the previous system that often excluded valuable titles due to strict price and specification limits. The procurement committees are also being reconstituted to include academics and book-reading club representatives, further aligning library offerings with community needs.