Journey of the Book Bank
The CBJEF’s Book Bank in Bangalore was started in the year 1958, mainly to lend expensive and valuable reference books to Engineering and Medical students in Bangalore, at a time when it was difficult to access such books. In the beginning, the CBJEF and its Book Bank functioned from a very small portion of Canara Bank’s Administrative Office. The books, kept in a small cupboard, were issued during weekly holidays (when the Bank was not working), with the help of volunteers.
In November 1989, the services of Shri K. Ramachandra Shenoy (Retd. Senior Manager, Canara Bank) were availed and the Book Bank was further strengthened. Sometime during the early nineties, the Book Bank was shifted to a portion of the building at Dwarakanath Bhavan (which housed Canara Bank’s Staff Training College) on K.R. Road, Basavanagudi, in South Bangalore. Books were issued on Fridays & Saturdays with the help of qualified librarian and student volunteers.
During August-September 2012, CBJEF and its Book Bank were shifted to bigger premises which were provided by the Bank on the third floor of the same building, with all the infrastructure and ambience in place. By now, the Book Bank had grown, to build up about 14000 books, covering different branches of Engineering and Medicine, including Dental and Ayurveda courses, as well as P.G. entrance examinations with its comprehensive collection, including latest edition, and prompt service. This helped students to pursue academics of their choice and come out with flying colours. All of them have moved on to pursue successful careers and it has been a mutually rewarding experience.
Those who have crossed the portals of this unique organization and moved on, include well-known names and luminaries, such as Dr. H. Sudarshan (“Padmashree” and Right Livelihood Awardee), Dr. Prashanth Acharya (well-known practitioner who has promoted a Ayurvedic College and hospital), Mr. L.V. Prasad, Engineer & Scientist – ISRO (Retd.), Veena H. Bhat (Engineering Professor & Academician) and Dr. H.N. Srigouri (Sr. Ophthalmologist).
During 2013, a major project was initialized to computerize the Book Bank by creating a database of books and student-members. This Library Automation System was formally inaugurated by Shri R.K. Dubey, C & MD, Canara Bank, during Sept 2014 in Bangalore. The system has been working very well with regular maintenance and updates as required.
In the last 2 to 3 years or so, some new approaches and changes in the prevailing scenario have resulted in a reduction in physical units by students to the Book Bank-
- Availability of examination-oriented material from different sources, including the internet as well as college libraries.
- Time spent travelling and writing the Book Bank during working/traffic hours.
- Covid-19 and the attendant restrictions and difficulties.
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The Book Bank membership is open to all students pursuing Engineering and Medical education in Bangalore. -
Engineering and Medical books [including Dental and Ayurvedic courses] will be lent to members of the Book Bank.
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The Book Bank services are automated and books will be issued on all working days between 11 AM & 5 PM. The Book Bank will be closed on all Bank holidays.
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Matters relating to admission of new members, including membership enquiries and issue of membership forms will be handled on all working days. Students seeking membership and fulfilling the requirements will be issued a membership form [Rs.20/-]. A recent passport size photograph should be affixed and the filled up application form should be got countersigned by the principal of the respective college.
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Ever since inception, the basic objective of the Book Bank has been to reach out to a large number of deserving, needy students. Thus, though costly books are issued to students, no security deposit is collected from them. However, a nominal Book Bank membership fees of Rs.200/- per annum is collected from students pursuing engineering and medical courses [upto graduation]. The fees for the duration of the entire course has to be paid collectively at the time of admission. This amount is not transferable or refundable. The charges are as under
- Engineering & Medical students – upto graduation — Rs. 200/- per year (Payable for the entire course at the time of admission)
- House Surgeons / Medical students preparing for post-Graduate entrance examinations — Rs. 500/- per year
- Engineering graduates preparing for other tests /higher examinations — Rs. 300/- per year.
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The membership has to be renewed every year by paying a renewal fees of Rs.20/- each time on the due date [date of enrolment as member] till the course completion
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The regulations are applicable to all students, including the children of the staff of Canara Bank.
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After admission, each member will be issued a membership card. This card must be necessarily used by the member and is not transferable. For borrowing books, the member has to come in person and produce the membership card each time.
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The books can be kept for a maximum period of three months and has to be positively returned on the due date. Depending upon the demand and availability, the book can be renewed for a maximum of two times.
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For books returned after the due date, a late fees of Rs.10/- per book per week will be levied. If for any reason, the book cannot be returned on the due date, the member has to inform the Book Bank in writing / over telephone. However, while returning the book, the prescribed late fees will have to be necessarily paid. Members should also respond to our enquiries / reminders promptly.
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Borrowed books must be handled carefully. Repeated failure to return the Book in time or mishandling the book in any manner, including underlining / scribbling inside the Book or tearing / defacing the Book will be viewed seriously. Exchange of books is not permissible between members / other friends. Taking Xerox copies of the pages of the books is strictly prohibited.
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If a Book is lost, the member shall immediately notify the Book Bank and also replace the book or pay its cost as notified by the Book Bank.
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If the membership card is misused, defaced or lost, the Book Bank reserves its right to cancel the membership. Issue of duplicate membership card, at the Book Bank’s discretion, will be charged Rs. 50/- or more.
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Change of address/phone number, if any, should be immediately informed to the Book Bank.
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In all administrative matters, including the admission of members, the decision of the Gov. body / Manager of CBJEF will be final and binding
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Students are requested to inform the CBJEF on completion of their course/s and also keep in touch later (mail / phone / personal visits).
