The Information Needs of Homeless People: A Study on the Role of Public Libraries in Kolkata (original) (raw)

ABSTRACT: The problem of homelessness is an acute problem among developing countries like India, and it even becomes worse in some of the big cities such as Kolkata, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Chennai. The large-scale migration from rural to urban areas searching for jobs to meet their basic needs is the primary reason behind homelessness in these big cities. Homelessness impacts socioeconomic, living, and daily activities and is thought of as a significant roadblock for society and its overall development. The challenges encountered by the needy can be addressed effectively if they are provided with requisite information on jobs, public utilities like- portable water, sanitation, health, and shelter homes. In this respect, a detailed study was conducted to identify the homeless people\u27s information needs and develop a policy framework in regards to the public library services on homeless people. Hence, in this study, various literature was reviewed to identify and underst...