Central Library

Hooghly Mohsin College is one of the oldest academic institutions not only in Bengal but in India too. This old institution has adjusted with all the changes that have taken place with the passage of time. The same may be said of the college library, because with its parent institution it has experienced and simultaneously coped with multifaceted changes during the last 185 years. Hooghly Mohsin College Library, previously Hooghly College library was established in the year 1836 with some donated books. That time there was no record of library in this district. Principal James Alexander Wise took initiative to start a library not only for its own students but for its neighbours also. College library started its journey with the grant from the Govt. and with donated books. Mr. Han was the first Librarian.  Library grant started with Rs- 400, now it increases to near about 2 lakhs per year.  In the initial year the number of books as on record was 9275 which now increases to 1,13,000 books from Govt. Grant, 3,500 books from UGC grant, 10,000 books of rare types. There are also donated books. There are some valuable and rare books in this library which may not be found anywhere in India. These books might be there only in British Library, London.

This library has two sections. One in the main building and one in the Dwijendralal Bhavan. Books are categorised with 18 subjects which are taught in the college. Since the year 2000 major initiatives have been taken for reorganization, renovation and modernization of this library. At present, the library has an inviting and well-equipped Reading Room. Mohsin College library can also boast of a rich collection of journals on various disciplines with many back volumes. Computerization of library is yet another important step to modernize our library that has heralded incremental changes in library services. The library now utilizes the gift of information technology to provide better study facilities and information services to the end users. This library is connected with other libraries of the world with internet activities. Our students and teachers are getting facilities with INFLIBNET services through which world class Journals are available. With the kind permission of the Directorate of Public Instructions, Government of West Bengal, Hooghly Mohsin College Library has participated in the noble initiative of digitization of old and rare books under D.L.I. Project. Most of the copyright free rare books are digitized and archived in DVD form. Another constructive effort is the set-up of the new library building.

Thus, this heritage library of 185 years has been keeping pace with every changing situation and thereby taking part in the process of modernization and will continue this adaptability in the years to come with a view to satisfying the five fundamental laws of Library Science, viz.:

1. Books are for use.
2. Every reader his/her book.
3. Every book its reader.
4. Save the time of the reader.
5. A library is a growing organism.

 

 

Seminar Library

In addition to the Central Library, each department maintains a seminar library, which caters to the needs of Honours students. Post Graduate students are also entitled to avail this facility from the respective departments.

Books: All books are recorded in the Accession register.

Journals:

E-Books and E-Resources: There are 16 CDs in which rare books have been digitized by C-DAC.NO subject list available.

Rare Books: Near about 10,000 rare books available.