Knowledge Stores: The Spatial Dynamics of Public Library Accessibility and Consumption in Calcutta

This study is an empirical investigation of the evolution, spatial distribution and changes in spatial patterns of public libraries in Calcutta for the period 1850 to 1991. It seeks to demonstrate the provision of information services, accessibility and consumption of public libraries at the intra urban scale thereby extending research of urban service delivery to a non-western city, which has previously remained confined to the availability of basic services. Within the context of urban service delivery—who benefits and why, the location of libraries of different types are compared to the location of actual and potential patrons and spatial equity patterns are analyzed. The study finds that the urban morphology of the colonial city continues to exert a strong influence on the growth and spatial distribution of public libraries. Empirical evidence suggests the lack of locational bias based on physical accessibility in the distribution of public libraries. No progressive or regressive spatial arrangement based on socio economic variables is indicated.