Libraries are regarded as the cornerstones of society’s memory and democracy. Libraries protect the nation’s knowledge and culture. They act as “knowledge institutions,” providing cultural and educational services to communities. To increase access to information, India must network and upgrade its libraries nationwide.

A digital platform called E-GRANTHALAYA, or A Digital Agenda for Automation and Networking of Government Libraries, was created by NIC to computerise libraries and offer members online library services. With integrated library administration software, a digital library module, a cloud hosting environment and a library portal (OPAC) with NICSI-empowered roll-out services and support, NIC offers a comprehensive ICT solution under the platform.

The project began in 2002 with the publication of Ver. 1.0. The most recent version, 4.0, is a “Cloud Ready Application” that is housed on NIC/NICSI Cloud and offers libraries an online data entry solution. In accordance with NIC Policy, the software is implemented in government and semi-government institutional libraries in partnership with NICSI. Presently, the programme is being used by over 7,000 libraries, with the current version being used by over 3,000 libraries on the cloud.