Government information sources for economic development: a case study of the Institute of Economic Growth Library, India

Government information sources are disseminated through print statistical and electronic serials in India. During the last two decades demand for government information has been increasing rapidly with the use of government information becoming widespread in the social sciences, especially economic development and development planning. The federal government and its states have established a number of statistical agencies to meet the requirements for these sources. E-serials and online databases are also gaining prominence in conducting research. A number of governmental agencies such as the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MOSPI), and the Central Statistical Organisation and Registrar General of India are involved in collection, processing and dissemination of data through government information sources. This paper presents a case study of the Institute of Economic Growth (IEG), an autonomous, multidisciplinary centre for advanced research and training in economics and related fields. The IEG library contains a specialized collection for the social sciences and government publications, with an emphasis on development and planning. This unique collection comprises a complete set of Census of India reports from 1872, and 3200 statistical serials, mostly annuals from the federal government and its states. It has a large collection of government publications, annual reports and research papers on the various aspects of Indian economic development, including e-resources such as the National Sample Survey Reports, e-publications of Census of India, the Reserve Bank of India etc. The author has examined the acquisition and use of collection at the IEG Library with special reference to government publications. The survey was made by the IEG Library to uncover the importance and use of government information sources. The paper has also taken on issues related to implementation of freedom of information, delays in the printing of government documents, ways to find electronic versions, and the use of subject specialists in making government publications and e-publications accessible.