Importance of Library for Students in the Age of Clicks!

In an age where the internet keeps flooding our brains, reading habits are taking a back seat.

With almost 71% of Indians consuming news online, and 49% using social media (54% from YouTube, 48% from WhatsApp, and 35% on Facebook), reading habits and the importance of library seem to be lost cause.

Our youngsters indeed live in a fast-paced digitally inclined world. But despite all transformations, the importance of books in our life remains unchanged.

In this article, we will explore more about cultivating, reading habits, and the role of library in a student’s academic life.

Let’s delve in.

What is a Library

A library is a place used to read, study, and explore a wide collection of books. Generally, this term refers to a collection of reading material that is arranged properly by a professional librarian. There is great importance of librarian and their skills in maintaining book stocks in a library.

A well-maintained library makes quality reading material highly accessible for readers at a nominal membership fee or completely free of cost.

Some Facts About the History of the Library

Before we come to the role of library and the importance of librarian, let’s trace its beginning back in history.

In the middle of the 20^th century, legal, religious, and historical records were kept in libraries. These were used to keep information safe (to retrieve information later).

Later with the advancements, the forms of storing information underwent major changes. The most recent of these changes is the concept of virtual libraries maintained by institutions/online schools and other government bodies.

What is the actual importance of library for students, and what are the different types of libraries in India?

Let’s find out.

What are the Different Types of Libraries?

Types of libraries are as follows:

Public library-
A public library is generally free for the residents and offers a vast collection of reading material/resources that can be borrowed to read. These are often funded by public funds (and taxes). For ardent readers, public library importance surpasses the craze of digital devices.

By far, India has 54,856 public libraries. But not all of these meet the required standards.

Some facts-

8% of these libraries have internet access.
12% have computers.
10% have professionally qualified librarians.

Academic Libraries-
These are created and maintained by academic institutions (schools, colleges, universities, etc.) to enrich the teaching and learning process.

Government Libraries-
Ministries, state governments, and other government departments support the welfare of people by maintaining government libraries.

Special Libraries-
These are maintained for special reasons, such as medical research, law, practice, securing specialized literature, etc.

National Libraries-
These are used to store information about India’s cultural, and scientific activities.

Miscellaneous Libraries-
The advantages of library also extend to other forms such as knowledge centers, information analysis centers, etc.

Is library importance an obsolete concept in today’s digitalized world?

Let’s figure out the reality, and see for ourselves!

The Importance of Library in the Digital Age

Distraction-Free Environment

In any era, nothing can substitute the knowledge imparted by books. Similarly, good reading habits are also essential in a student’s life. Even in this digital age, the importance of library for students is paramount for focused learning. The quiet environment of a library promotes deep learning. It helps students concentrate despite the never-ending distractions of the outside world.

Today, as we battle with issues like information overload, it is ideal to acknowledge the importance of library for students. And cultivate a culture of silent reading in a library.

Authenticity

Fake news, clickbait, propaganda, etc. are some real problems with information that floats over the internet. These need to be validated and revalidated again to ensure authenticity. And this is where the role of library comes into play. Students can access the most authentic resources across well-maintained libraries (both physical and virtual). Hence, the importance of librarian and a library is unmatched for authentic information.

Advantages of Library = Advantages of Reading

To build skills and a never-ending love for learning, libraries are the best. Students can unleash all the advantages of reading by using a library. By exploring different perspectives, students can develop skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, etc.

Supplementary Material

From academic books to supplementary material, there is a great importance of books in our life. A library allows all students access to zero/low-cost supplementary material. This is a blessing for many students who might not be able to afford to purchase expensive books on their own.

Building Vocabulary

The growing demand for enhanced language skills also highlights the importance of library for students. Magazines, research papers, project work, fiction, and non-fiction novels are excellent for learning new words.

Some Stats about Libraries and Reading Trends

33% of Indians have never read a book, and globally only 2% of people fall in this category.
4% of public library users are students. While only 16.6% of adults and married people use these.
30% of schools in India have a library. But only 69% of these have books.
In rural areas, only 44% of the schools have libraries.

Strategies to Encourage Students to Visit/Use A Library (For Stakeholders)

Explain library importance to students.
Assign reading tasks that involve research to promote the use of supplementary material.
Make reading challenges and library visits a part of weekly activities.
Assign projects about the importance of librarian or importance of books in our life to build awareness.
Create library reading groups.
Reinforce the use of online libraries.
Promote independent reading habits in students.
Teach students how to skim and scan information to practice in a library.

How Can Online Students Leverage the Advantages of Library?

Online students can access a plethora of information through physical and digital libraries. Some libraries also offer facilities wherein members can access their material online. Many well-maintained libraries have digitalized versions of important content that students can access from home.

In general, the importance of library for students does not change with the learning environment (digital and traditional). So both options of visiting a physical library and accessing digital resources must be promoted to reap the benefits.

In conclusion, the charm of concentrating in a quiet library is irreplaceable even in this age of hashtags and browsers!

So instill a love for reading by encouraging more and more library visits!

Thanks for Reading!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main purpose of a library?
The role of library is to enrich our learning and knowledge through a vast collection of resources/books/material. It helps students in enhancing their knowledge. And supports continuous learning across all the other stages of life.
How is a library helpful to students?
There is great importance of books in our life. A library offers a good collection of reading material that students can access without paying extra for it.
What is the importance of librarian?
A librarian makes the process of accessing library resources seamless by organizing all material/content properly.

Importance of Library for Students in the Knowledge Age

What is a Library

Some Facts About the History of the Library

What are the Different Types of Libraries?