Women Empowerment: Role of Public Libraries

The present study emphases on the role of public library on women empowerment. The population of the present study is women users of Bhandara District Library. To collect the data a questionnaire method was used. Out of 300 questionnaires were distributed, 188 questionnaires were returned. The study carried out to explore the awareness and use of information and communication technology tools and services in public libraries by women, the role of public libraries in the educational, cultural and socio-political development of women and to signifying appropriate method for women empowerment with the help of public library. The present Study shows that the empowerment programs organized by public libraries play an important role in women empowerment. A social program organized by the library also supports women empowerment. Information technology has a positive effect on women empowerment. Information sources in the library are not sufficient to meet the needs of women users and facilities of the library with regards to women need to be improved. Application of Information Technology area was very weak in case of women.