I have been following the discussion initiated by Kamala Anupindi (BTW, you and
your Web page are beautiful, Kamala - I am imitating your format for my Page),
followed by PALANA and Bapa Rao.
This is an instance where an organization (like TANA) can do something. How
about a Distributed Virtual Library?
The idea is this. Each Local Telugu Association initiates, develops and
maintains their own library. Each Temple can have their own Library. Eachj
Library will have an electronic catalog. These cataloga can be linked and
maintained on a WWW page somewhere. Then we establish a protocol for
Interlibrary Loans!
Advantages:
(1) Each Local Library can devote a small fraction of their budget to buy
"good" books of long lasting value. The rest to meet their local popular demand
with "pulp" fiction or whatever.
(2) With some planning and coordination, if each library complements the
efforts from other librarires, then we can have a rich virtual library.
Drawbacks:
I remember the saying: "Pustakam, Vanita, Vittam, Parahastam, Gatam Gatah" If
we discipline ourselves, it can be done. For instance I have developed an
enviable reputation as a person who always returns the books I borrow. If all
of you follow this golden rule, we can have a nice collection of books,
classics, etc.
V. Rao Vemuri