Overview

The Gandhi Smriti Library (GSL) at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), Mussoorie, is one of India’s premier institutional libraries. It supports the academic, research, and training needs of officer trainees, faculty members, research scholars, and participants of the Academy’s various training programmes, workshops, and seminars.

Nestled amid the Himalayas, the library offers an inspiring environment that harmoniously combines intellectual pursuit with natural tranquillity. Trained and courteous staff members are always available to assist users in effectively accessing and utilizing the library’s vast resources.

Historical Background

The library, once home to over 1.6 lakh books, suffered a devastating fire on 23 May 1984, which destroyed most of its collection, leaving only about 8,000 volumes. To rebuild, the Academy acquired the private collection of Mr. P. K. Jain’s Gyanlok Research Centre, Dehradun, comprising around 29,000 rare and scholarly books on economics, social sciences, religion, philosophy, and political and cultural history.

This collection became the foundation of the Gyanlok Section, housing rare materials such as old gazetteers, manuals, guidebooks, census reports (as early as 1889), parliamentary papers, Reserve Bank surveys, and administrative reports — making it a vital resource for researchers.

Automation & Facilities

The Gandhi Smriti Library is a fully automated and RFID-enabled library powered by the KOHA Library Management System. Key features include:

• Self-Issue/Return Kiosks for independent issue, renewal, and return of books.
• RFID Book Drop Stations at Karmshila and Gyanshila buildings for 24×7 book returns.
• Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC)— search by author, title, subject, or keyword.
• Information Kiosk placed at the library counter for quick search.
• User Terminals near the library counter for quick and easy access to resources.

Library Timings

Library Services

• Lending Services: Borrow, renew, or reserve books and multimedia resources.
• Reference Services: Get professional assistance to find reliable information.
• Literature Search & Bibliographic Services: Receive subject-wise and thematic reading lists.
• Reprography Services: Photocopying facilities at nominal charges
• Inter-Library Loan: Access resources from other libraries when unavailable locally.
• Audio-Visual Services: Access to lecture and academy events recordings, films, and photographs.
• Display Services: Showcasing new arrivals, course-related themes, and Academy publications.
• Kindle Services: Read a wide range of e-books on Kindle devices.

Memberships

Gandhi Smriti Library (GSL) is a member of leading library and professional networks that promote resource sharing, professional development, and collaboration.

• Developing Library Network (DELNET): Network of libraries for resource sharing, union catalogues, and inter-library loan services.
• Indian Library Association (ILA): The national professional body that promotes library development, professional standards, and librarianship in India.
• Indian Association of Special Libraries and Information Centres (IASLIC): Supports the growth of special libraries and information centres through research, training, and knowledge exchange.
• Central Government Library Association (CGLA): A professional forum that promotes cooperation, knowledge sharing, and capacity building among Central Government libraries.