28, February 2025

Effective Utilization of Libraries by Adolescents in Urban Slums in Tamil Nadu Government: Welfare Schemes and Employability

Author(s): Damodaran K

Authors Affiliations:

1Assistant Professor, School of Education, Research Supervisor, Department of non-Formal and Adult Education, Tamil Nadu Open University, Chennai – 600 015

2Research Scholar, Department of non-Formal and Adult Education, Tamil Nadu Open University, Chennai – 600 015

DOIs:10.2015/IJIRMF/202502026     |     Paper ID: IJIRMF202502026


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Adolescents growing up in urban slums face immense challenges—limited educational resources, restricted career opportunities, and socio-economic hardships. Public libraries, if effectively utilized, can become powerful tools to bridge these gaps. This study examines how libraries are being used by adolescents in Tamil Nadu’s urban slums, the impact of government welfare schemes on their employability, and strategies to enhance library access. Our research, based on data from 700 adolescents across Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Tiruchirappalli, and Salem, reveals that while 65% have library access, only 30% use them regularly. The reasons? Lack of awareness, outdated resources, and minimal digital facilities. This paper proposes practical solutions to make libraries more relevant and impactful in preparing adolescents for better career prospects.
Library Utilization, Urban Slums, Tamil Nadu Welfare Schemes, Employability, Education, Skill Development, Digital Literacy, Access, Awareness.

Dr. T. Sampath Kumar, K. Damodaran(2025); Library Utilization, Urban Slums, Tamil Nadu Welfare Schemes, Employability, Education, Skill Development, Digital Literacy, Access, Awareness.  International Journal for Innovative Research in Multidisciplinary Field, ISSN(O): 2455-0620, Vol-11, Issue-2, Pp.174-176.          Available on –   https://www.ijirmf.com/

  • Agarwal, R. (2022). Libraries as Agents of Change in Underprivileged Communities. Journal of Urban Studies, 34(5), 142-160.
  • National Institute of Urban Affairs (2023). Library Utilization and Employability Among Urban Youth.
  • OECD (2023). Global Digital Literacy and Employment Strategies.
  • Singh, P., & Rao, S. (2023). Impact of Digital Libraries on Youth Employment in India.
  • Tamil Nadu Planning Commission (2023). State Report on Urban Slum Education and Employment.
  • Tamil Nadu Skill Development Corporation (2023). Annual Review of Welfare Schemes.
  • UNESCO (2023). Education and Socio-Economic Mobility in Developing Nations.

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