Library development has moved from early stage of print collections to the 21st century digital resources and virtual libraries which are playing increasing role in providing access to information in all ramifications. In all these stages of development, users are of central importance and at the core of librarian's attention. Traditionally, before the advent of the computer and the Internet, the library user relied on the library to collect, organize and create access to information to satisfy his information needs. The library was the main reference and access point to find information on current affairs, history, academics, leisure, research, health news, world affairs, government policies, and many topics of interest to the individual. However, the introduction of information technology has brought new divergent and alternate ways to seek and obtain information. This is influencing the information behaviour of the users. The Internet has become the first point of call for people seeking information today with obvious advantages. As is well known, public libraries have historically developed in tandem with industrial society, and their formation is mostly based on Enlightenment ideals of freedom of expression and universal access to information and works of imagination. An eloquent and unique expression of these ideals is Article 19 of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states that “everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.” This volume is expected to be of immense value to professional librarians, students of various library and information science programs and members faculties.

Girish Kumar is a scholar and visiting professor of library science. He has pursued PhD in Library Science from the University of Ulster. In addition to his academic work, Kumar is also involved in several professional organizations. Kumar's research interests include knowledge management, digital libraries, and the future of libraries. His work has been published in leading academic journals, and he has also written for newspapers and magazines. Kumar is a frequent speaker at conferences and seminars on knowledge society and library technology. He is a member of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) and the Indian Library Association (ILA). His work has helped to shed light on the ways that libraries can adapt to the changing needs of the knowledge society, and it has also provided valuable insights into the future of libraries.