Retrospect

The University of Travancore was established on November 1st, 1937, through the Travancore University Act I of 1113 ME (1937). Before the establishment of the University Library, the academic community relied on the resources of the Trivandrum Public Library and the Libraries of the Arts and Science Colleges. In 1938, the administration of the Trivandrum Public Library, boasting approximately 33,356 books and 93 periodicals, was transferred to the University. Following the amalgamation of the Arts College with the Science College in 1942-43, approximately 10,000 books from the Arts College Library were relocated to the University College forming the initial core collection of the University Library. The Arts College retained the remaining 20,000 books following the amalgamation, which were primarily of an advanced nature. Furthermore, the personal collections from the libraries of Divan Bahadur Dr. S. Krishna Swami Aiyangar, and Professor P.P. Sastri were procured and integrated into the University Library's holdings.

The Library of the University of Travancore, later renamed the Kerala University Library, commenced its operations in 1942. Initially housed in the Arts College building, by the end of 1942, it boasted a collection of 29,780 volumes. Four years later, the library was relocated to a new building situated on the eastern side of the University College. Following the formation of Kerala State in 1956, efforts were made to transform the University of Travancore into a comprehensive teaching and federal university serving the entire state. To this end, the Kerala University Act was enacted by the Kerala Government in 1957. The preamble of this act emphasized the conservation, promotion, and development of Kerala's art, culture, and the Malayalam language. In addition to the aforementioned aims, the Kerala University Act also has provisions to provide enhanced educational opportunities and facilities for post-graduate study and original research in all fields of knowledge. This was to be achieved by establishing study and research centres across different parts of the state. The University library commenced operations in its current building on September 8th, 1962. Presently, the library occupies a three- storied structure covering a total plinth area of 53,000 square feet. The position of a Professional Librarian, responsible for the full administrative charge of the library, was established in 1959, with Prof. K. A. Isaac appointed to the role in August 1959. Prof. Isaac served as the University Librarian until 1980. He was succeeded by Mr. K. C. John.