ROLE OF LIBRARIES IN HIGHER EDUCATION IN INDIA WITH REFERENCE TO CENTRAL UNIVERSITY OF ODISHA

Libraries play a very crucial role in the higher education institutions by providing essential resources, academic support, and intellectual spaces for students, faculty, and researchers. Without a modern library, no academic institution can sustain and its existence is very much inevitable for any educational institution. This research article explores the specific role of libraries in higher education in India, with a special focus on the Central Library of the Central University of Odisha situated at Koraput. It examines the functions, services, and contributions of libraries in supporting academic endeavours, facilitating research and study, promoting information literacy, and fostering a vibrant scholarly community. The article also discusses the challenges and opportunities faced by the libraries in adapting to the digital age and catering to the diverse needs of higher education stakeholders