Not that the rats love Caesar more, but that the authorities love books less.

Nothing can better explain why the printed edition of William Shakespeare's masterpiece, Julius Caesar, was found lying on the floor of Patna University's Central Library.

And that is just the tip of the iceberg of neglect surrounding over 2.5 lakh books at this treasure trove established in 1917. It houses the manuscript of the famous Laila Majnu, a passionate love story from the late medieval age. As also, the family tree of Darbhanga Maharaaj, one of the biggest landlords of British-era India.

But the library's condition might upset bibliophiles. A layer of grime on the floor and on bookshelves greets all at the library's entrance. Mice can be seen running about. Then there are termites in plenty on the shelves.

'The university people keep talking about academic excellence and yet they have chosen to deprive students of good books by allowing mice and termites to feed on them,' said Sujit Kumar, a PU student who is a regular at the library.

When the library's poor condition was pointed out, librarian S.R. Padamdeo, a botany teacher at the university, said: 'What can I do? One needs funds to keep this facility in good shape, but those running the varsity have not sanctioned funds for the past two years.'

Revenue generated through admissions to the library science department helps pay library staff.

Eight temporary employees tasked with maintaining the library have lost interest. 'We continued with this job in the hope the university would absorb us but it has been 20 years now. We have lost interest,' said one on condition of anonymity.

A senior university official accepted the library was not getting enough attention while funds were being spent on meaningless things.

Refusing to be quoted, he suggested we talk to vice-chancellor Y.C. Simhadri, but the latter was not available for comment.

Of around 2.5 lakh books at the library, around 1.5 lakh are indexed and stacked properly. The library is spread across four storeys. The ground floor has syllabus reference books, newspapers and magazines and is open to all students. The first and second floors have books meant for research students. The third floor is where the manuscripts are and entry requires a written permission from the university vice-chancellor and library in-charge.

Only a Patna University student can become a member on paying the Rs 50 annual membership fee. Membership has to be renewed every year. University students can also borrow books on paying Rs 150, which would be refunded once the book is returned. The book has to be returned within 15 days. The library receives eight newspapers, four English and four Hindi. Students are also provided four weekly magazines. But because of a funds crunch there are no journals in science or other subjects. Neither is there an e-library facility.

In contrast, at IIT-Patna, the library is equipped with modern technology like library automation system and online public access catalogue (OPAC). It has 15 computer terminals with Internet to access different e-resources the library subscribes to.

At the Central University of Bihar (CUB) library, books have a bar code. An OPAC of the books is available to students, faculty and officials on every computer on the university premises. The library has 11 employees working hard to meet the needs of library members on both campuses.