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Why are libraries important? Here are 8 good reasons

As part of National Library Week, the American Library Association released its annual State of America's Libraries Report on April 8.

The report doesn't gloss over the fact that 2023 was a difficult year for many libraries, especially in light of a record number of book challenges. In her introduction, however, ALA president Emily Drabinski reminds us that librarians serve a higher purpose, and that for community members of all walks of life, libraries matter:

As we continue to work together toward the better world we all know is possible, let’s remember that we are all in this together. Across party lines and across the political spectrum, the vast majority of people love their libraries for the ordinary and extraordinary work we do each day: connecting people to reading and resources, building businesses and communities, expanding literacy across the lifespan, and making great Saturday afternoons.

With that in mind, let's take a look at eight reasons why libraries — not just the local public library, but school and academic libraries too — still matter to the communities they serve.

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1. Access to information

One thing that makes libraries essential is that they provide free access to a wide range of information resources, including books, databases and digital platforms such as PressReader , which features thousands of newspapers and magazines from around the world. This is particularly important for community members who may not have internet access or cannot afford to purchase books or other resources.

As the ALA reports, two U.S. lawmakers consider the countless resources offered by school libraries in particular to be of such great importance as to warrant legal protection. In 2023, Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI) and Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ-03) reintroduced the Right to Read Act in the Senate and House of Representatives respectively.

If passed into law, this bill would ensure every student has access to an effective school library staffed by a certified school librarian and provide a vital infusion of funding for school libraries.

2. Promotion of literacy

Libraries play a vital role in promoting literacy and a love for reading. They offer programs and resources for children, adults, and families to improve literacy skills and encourage lifelong learning.

Literacy rates are important for anyone interested in getting an education or generally participating in society — not to mention enjoying a good novel — the ability to read is also intrinsically tied to  economic development .  

Literacy rate (in particular, early literacy) and mean education level are both  indicators of economic development . Elevated levels of early literacy improve the quality of child care and academic success. Literacy makes a significant difference later in life too by contributing to a greater workforce participation level. 

3. Community hub

The local library serves as a community hub where people can gather, interact and engage in various activities. They host events, workshops, book clubs, lectures, and other programs that bring people together and foster a sense of belonging and community.

In recent years, few people have been as vocal in their support for public libraries as Eric Klinenberg.

The Helen Gould Shepard Professor in the Social Sciences and director of the Institute for Public Knowledge at New York University, Klinenberg is also the author of Palaces for the People , in which he advocates passionately for social infrastructure as a means to fight inequality, polarization and the decline of civic life.

In his book , Klinenberg reports on the important role that schools, parks, playgrounds, athletic fields, churches, community centers and barbershops play in keeping citizens engaged. He says it's the public library, however, that has the greatest potential for connecting people.

In an article he wrote for his publisher's website , Klinenberg noted the following:

During my research, I learned that libraries are not only important for providing books, films, internet access, and other vital information, but also for ensuring a neighborhood’s vitality and promoting stronger social ties. Palaces for the People— a term I borrow from Andrew Carnegie, the great sponsor and champion of libraries around the world—reports on all kinds of surprising programs one finds in modern libraries: virtual bowling leagues for older people who might otherwise stay home alone; early literacy programs for bilingual children and families that can’t afford books; karaoke sessions where children with disabilities sing along with elders who are looking for meaningful daily activities; morning tea-times for unemployed men who are striving to find dignity and respect.

4. Digital inclusion

One of the vital roles that public libraries play is in bridging the digital divide , which refers to the gap between those who have access to technology (including broadband internet connectivity) and those who do not.

In 2021, United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed warned the UN General Assembly, “As the world becomes more digitally dependent, it threatens to exclude those that remain disconnected. Almost half the world’s population, 3.7 billion people, the majority of them women, and most in developing countries, are still offline.”

Even in more developed countries such as the U.S. and Canada, this digital divide persists, particularly for low-income individuals, seniors and residents of rural communities. Fortunately, by offering a range of digital devices and services, local libraries can help visitors access tech tools, improve their digital literacy and computer skills, get on the web and learn to navigate the internet safely.

5. Preservation of culture and history

One way academic and public libraries serve their communities is by preserving cultural heritage and historical materials for future generations. They collect, catalog and maintain rare books, manuscripts, archives and other valuable resources that contribute to our understanding of the past and enrich our cultural heritage.

For libraries in many communities, as we noted in a recent blog post, a commitment to preserving and promoting Indigenous languages is part of an overall mission to reflect and represent the diverse nature of the patrons they serve.

6. Support for education

According to the American Library Association website , "As champions of lifelong learning, libraries are a place to quench curiosity, access technology and explore new ideas, hobbies and careers."

Libraries support formal education by providing resources, research assistance and study spaces for students of all ages. Some branches may also offer tutoring, homework help and educational programs to supplement classroom learning.

7. Equity and inclusion

Libraries promote equity and inclusivity by offering resources and services that are accessible to everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status, age, ethnicity or ability. They strive to create welcoming and inclusive environments where all members of the community feel valued and respected.

According to the ALA's State of American Libraries Report, Penn State University Libraries launched three sensory rooms at its Berks, Brandywine, and University Park campuses in 2023 to support student wellness and belonging through the libraries’ LibWell initiative:

The rooms are designed to provide a safe, inviting space for neurodivergent students who may struggle in traditional study spaces. They are equipped with noise-reducing chairs, specialized lighting, yoga mats, weighted lap blankets, and other features to help reduce stress and anxiety. These sensory-sensitive elements are particularly helpful for students with autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, dyslexia, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

8. Information and media literacy

Libraries play a crucial role in promoting information literacy by teaching people how to find, evaluate, and use information effectively and ethically. They offer instruction and support in research skills, critical thinking, media literacy and digital literacy, empowering individuals to navigate an increasingly complex information landscape.

We tend to think of media literacy as a set of skills that are crucial for children and young adults as they grow up in a media-saturated world. It turns out, however, that older generations are also at risk.

If they lack the techniques necessary to spot misinformation online, as McAfee points out , “Older adults can easily fall prey to scams,   conspiracies, hoaxes, and false news stories online.” McAfee cites a 2019 study out of Princeton and NYU, which found that, prior to the 2016 election, Americans over 65 were  seven times more likely  than those under 29 to post articles from fake news domains.

As the New York Times notes, “in a digital age, media literacy also includes understanding how websites profit from fictional news, how algorithms and bots work, and how to scrutinize suspicious websites that mimic real news outlets.”  

The bottom line is that people of all ages could use some help learning techniques to identify so-called “fake news”. Librarians can help stem the tide of online disinformation by including instruction in information and media literacy in their digital-skills programming.

It's just one more way that, more than ever, libraries still matter.

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Essay on Library and Its Uses for Students and Children

500 words essay on library and its uses.

A library is a place where books and sources of information are stored. They make it easier for people to get access to them for various purposes. Libraries are very helpful and economical too. They include books, magazines, newspapers, DVDs, manuscripts and more. In other words, they are an all-encompassing source of information.

A public library is open to everyone for fulfilling the need for information. They are run by the government, schools , colleges, and universities. The members of the society or community can visit these libraries to enhance their knowledge and complete their research.

Importance of Libraries

Libraries play a vital role in providing people with reliable content. They encourage and promote the process of learning and grasping knowledge. The book worms can get loads of books to read from and enhance their knowledge. Moreover, the variety is so wide-ranging that one mostly gets what they are looking for.

Furthermore, they help the people to get their hands on great educational material which they might not find otherwise in the market. When we read more, our social skills and academic performance improves.

Most importantly, libraries are a great platform for making progress. When we get homework in class, the libraries help us with the reference material. This, in turn, progresses our learning capabilities and knowledge. It is also helpful in our overall development.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Uses of Library

A library is a very useful platform that brings together people willing to learn. It helps us in learning and expanding our knowledge. We develop our reading habits from a library and satisfy our thirst and curiosity for knowledge. This helps in the personal growth of a person and development.

Similarly, libraries provide authentic and reliable sources of information for researchers. They are able to complete their papers and carry out their studies using the material present in a library. Furthermore, libraries are a great place for studying alone or even in groups, without any disturbance.

Moreover, libraries also help in increasing our concentration levels. As it is a place that requires pin drop silence, a person can study or read in silence. It makes us focus on our studies more efficiently. Libraries also broaden our thinking and make us more open to modern thinking.

Most importantly, libraries are very economical. The people who cannot afford to buy new books and can simply borrow books from a library. This helps them in saving a lot of money and getting information for free.

In short, libraries are a great place to gain knowledge. They serve each person differently. They are a great source of learning and promoting the progress of knowledge. One can enjoy their free time in libraries by reading and researching. As the world has become digitized, it is now easier to browse through a library and get what you are looking for. Libraries also provide employment opportunities to people with fair pay and incredible working conditions.

Thus, libraries help all, the ones visiting it and the ones employed there. We must not give up on libraries due to the digital age. Nothing can ever replace the authenticity and reliability one gets from a library.

FAQs on Library and Its Uses

Q.1 Why are libraries important?

A.1 Libraries help in the overall development of a person. They provide us with educational material and help enhance our knowledge.

Q.2 State some uses of the library.

A.2 A library is a great platform which helps us in various things. We get the reference material for our homework. Research scholars get reliable content for their papers. They increase our concentration levels as we read there in peace.

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Short Essay on Importance of Library [100, 200, 400 Words] With PDF

Libraries play an important role in the lives of readers and learners alike. In this lesson, you will learn to write essays in three different sets on the importance of libraries. It will help you in articulating your thoughts in the upcoming exams.

Short Essay on Importance of Library in 100 Words

A collection of books is called a library. It is a place that plays many primary and functional roles in the lives of both readers and learners. Many people like to visit libraries weekly, and book aficionados pay their visit religiously every day. A bookworm’s favourite location is the library.

Extroverts explore the unexplored territory in the numerous novels the library offers, while introverts take sanctuary in its quiet nooks. A person with resources goes to the library to improve their talents, while a person with limited resources goes to the library because books are the most cost-effective way to learn new skills. It is the only place that provides something to all who seek comfort under its roof.

Short Essay on Importance of Library in 200 Words

A library is a place that maintains a collection of all forms of literature and important journals. The importance of a library in the lives of both readers and learners cannot be overstated. Many people go there once a week, while book enthusiasts go there every day. For a bookworm, the library is the best place to be.

Extroverts explore the unexplored territory in the numerous novels it has to offer, while introverts take solace in its snug corners. A person of means goes to the library to improve their talents, but a person of limited means goes to the library because books are the most cost-effective way to learn new skills. A student visits the library searching for reference books to boost his confidence for impending tests. A teacher, on the other hand, goes to the library to find latent information that isn’t readily apparent in the set curriculum. 

Libraries are gaining more importance in the lives of one and all with digitalisation. As more and more things become digitised, several libraries have created their digital versions. It is user-friendly and simply accessible. It is even less expensive than a traditional library’s annual subscription. The value of libraries cannot be adequately expressed in words. It also has something to do with aesthetic enjoyment. Readers enjoy reading, learners enjoy learning, and educators enjoy exploring, yet neither can get enough of the library as a whole.

Short Essay on Importance of Library in 400 Words

A library is a place that maintains a collection of all forms of literature, reference books, periodicals and important journals. It plays a vital role in the lives of readers and learners alike. It is the most favourite place for a bookworm. While introverts seek refuge in its cosy corners, extroverts explore the uncharted territories in the many books it has to offer.

A student looks for reference books in the library to earn more confidence for the upcoming exams. In contrast, a teacher picks up reference books from the library to discover the latent knowledge that is not easily found in the prescribed curriculum. A keen learner wants to leave no book untouched, whereas a writer wants to read and write all the books at once. A person with obsessive-compulsive disorder visits the library to adore its different sections and, in the process, picks up new ways to or organised reorganise their bookshelves

Library memberships make reading economical and help one in taking up reading as a hobby. It makes one more informative, wise and knowledgeable. It also makes us more disciplined and gives our minds a place to think. The silence maintained in the library helps one focus and concentrate on the right things.

It channelises and re-channelises our thoughts by bringing us new ideas. It is an escape from reality. Under its roof, the old and the young come together to read the celebrated classics. It maintains a record and helps us understand the importance of keeping a journal. A library, most importantly, makes one fall in love with the pages of books time and again.

Libraries charge membership fees and take late charges if the book is not returned on time. This makes the borrower time-bound, and they try to complete the entire book within the given time interval. It makes one time-efficient and improves time management skills. It also nurtures self-discipline and teaches us to value all the resources such as time, money and knowledge alike.

Many libraries, such as the British Council, conduct important seminars and sessions that expose keen academicians. It acts as a venue for exchanging creative ideas and helps one with their respective career goals. Some libraries also conduct English speaking sessions to improve speaking skills and vocabulary. These days, as everything is getting digital, many libraries have come up with their digital version too.

It is user friendly and accessible easily. It is even cheaper than the annual membership of the physical library. One cannot estimate all the importance of libraries in words. It has got to do with aesthetic pleasure as well. Readers like to read, learners like to learn, educationists like to explore, and neither can have enough of the library as a whole.

Hopefully, after going through this lesson, you have a holistic idea about the importance of libraries in our lives. I have tried to cover every aspect of a library’s need and significance within and outside the lives of learners within limited words. If you still have any doubts regarding this session, kindly let me know through the comment section below. To read more such essays on many important topics, keep browsing our website. 

Join us on Telegram to get the latest updates on our upcoming sessions. Thank you, see you again soon.

Why Are Libraries Important? We’ll Give You 5 Reasons

What is “The Breakfast Club’s” timeless story without a school library? Who is Hermoine Granger without the magical stacks of books in the Hogwarts library? Where would “Breakfast At Tiffany’s” Paul Varjak tell Holly Golighty that he loves her — if not in the New York Public Library? 

Where does a community gather safely, find free and necessary resources, preserve the heart of a culture — without a library? 

You guessed it: I’m on my Dewey Decimal System soapbox. 

Libraries are at the crux of both social and physical American infrastructure; a crossroads where intellect and information meet space and access, a place where social services are actualized, and people are put above profit. 

However, our libraries are in dire need of funding, support, and maintenance.

How do libraries make money?

Most of us are aware that the literary world has changed dramatically in recent years, as the Amazon monopoly rears its many heads: bookselling, publishing, reading device development, and audiobook sales among them. Both independent booksellers and libraries have been impacted, even so far that books published under Amazon are not sold to libraries for folks to read for free. 

So, how do libraries even make money to operate? 

Public libraries are supported with state tax revenues, just like your local public school or road projects. Treated as a public good, libraries get a portion of this revenue to maintain their operations. However, this portion is often a very small percentage of the total tax revenue a state sees every year. 

For example, the Ohio Public Library reported that they received less than 1 percent of Ohio’s state tax revenue in 2020 (.53 percent, to be exact). In fact, the amount they received from the state was less than half of their total funding revenue.

This funding is crucial for more than just buying new books, but the upkeep of buildings, paying staff livable wages, providing ongoing community support and programming, and funding archival research and projects. The San Diego Library Master Plan framework outlines a $50 million library maintenance backlog . 

This deficit leaves many public library boards to do what they do best: get creative.

Many libraries will keep all operations free to patrons, but will charge late fees or book fines. This practice, however, is becoming less common, as libraries work to best serve low-income communities . 

Libraries also offer other “paid-for” services, as well as read-a-thon events, summer camps, book signings, book sales, or rentable spaces like conference rooms. 

Strategic partnerships and corporate sponsorships also allow libraries to raise funds, but as staff and board members struggle to maintain the integrity of their library systems,  the clear solution altogether is to prioritize government funding for libraries. 

How many libraries are in the United States?

There are over 16,000 public libraries in the United States , according to the American Library Association. 

While this may seem like a lot (there are more public libraries in America than McDonald’s or Starbucks restaurants!) the U.S. is 62nd on the list of countries with the most libraries per capita. 

These statistics indicate that, while libraries are plentiful (although perhaps not always spread out equitably), they are not prioritized or funded in the same way as other countries. 

This begs the question: do Americans truly not value their libraries, or do we just not know why they are so important? 

5 Reasons Libraries Are Important 

1. libraries support educational opportunities.

Libraries are commonly considered educational institutions, providing students and researchers the tools and resources they need to learn and study. 

In fact, libraries have long been dubbed “the people’s university,” for their equitable nature, bringing information and education to all people, regardless of socioeconomic status. 

Many of us envision our libraries full of books , encyclopedias, computers, and workspaces, but what we often neglect to include in that description is offerings like film and music, access to other learning avenues like local zoos or botanical gardens, 3D printers, WiFi hotspot lending programs, art lending programs , recording studios, or even blood pressure monitors . 

Libraries are not just spaces to borrow creative tools, but to make one’s own. Many institutions will hold writing workshops or other community events to teach patrons new skills or develop work in collaboration with other community members. Libraries have become spaces for people to set up a new podcast, write a zine , practice music, and more. 

Like the beloved cartoon aardvark Arthur Read says: “having fun isn’t hard when you’ve got a library card.”

Educational opportunities also manifest through the encouragement of civil discourse and dialogue. The Human Library project, developed in Denmark, is an initiative that “publishes people as open books” and allows members of the public to meet and communicate with people outside of their communities. 

This initiative has gone global , and many American libraries participate in this social program to keep people from judging each other “by their covers.”

Libraries are also increasingly expanding access to digital resources . As of 2018, over 90 percent of libraries offered digital loans , and resources like Libby , OverDrive , and Hoopla make these loans even more accessible.

Although many of us cherish the “old book smell” of a historical library setting, it’s valuable to keep in mind that libraries are continuously evolving to meet the needs of learners of all backgrounds. 

2. Libraries preserve cultural heritage and history

Speaking of people from all walks of life, libraries play a key role in preserving the cultural heritage and history of their communities. 

While not all libraries have archival services, those with professional archivists give patrons access to valuable historical stories and records that add tremendous value and context to their people. 

Organized archives allow people to research genealogy and immigration history, do environmental research, find maps, digitize records, and more. 

The National Archives funds a number of archival research projects across the country. 

3. Libraries provide access to necessary resources for marginalized communities

Access to archival resources is only a small portion of what libraries do for marginalized communities. Libraries have long been institutions for social good, gathering members of a community together to fill a need or find solutions. 

One basic service of a library is providing helpful materials to diverse populations, assisting non-English speakers, immigrants, LGBTQ+ youth , and disabled community members.

From American Sign Language and English As A Second Language courses, to citizenship information, or an anti-prom that welcomes LBGTQ+ high schoolers, libraries serve as gateways to new and welcoming communities and give marginalized folks the tools they need to become empowered.

Resources often extend beyond educational materials and into direct action, as libraries across the country host free library lunches for kids in need, farmer’s markets , seed lending programs , and even tool lending libraries , to give patrons access to items they otherwise may not be able to afford. 

Youth are also able to utilize libraries in creative ways, benefiting from tutoring services, afterschool programming, homework help, outdoor learning initiatives , and summer reading programs. 

Libraries are community-centered in a way few other institutions are; helping folks rebuild after disaster, feed their families, start a business, or simply feel seen and included for who they are.

4. Libraries are integral to the political and social life of a community

Public life and political discourse has long been a value of America’s libraries, as these institutions proudly advocate against banned books , and develop special collections to support niche groups. Libraries are hubs for democratic debate, social justice, and community action.

For example, an initiative in Baltimore aims to raise collective consciousness to decrease crime in the area. Librarians are training to learn de-escalation practices as a non-police avenue to reduce violence, aiming to train all Baltimore city employees with the same tools. This, along with avenues like the Baltimore Community Mediation Center for community members to work through disputes, serve as a case study for the social and political landscape libraries offer. 

Libraries are also used as polling places or ballot drop-off locations during elections, and often offer voting guides or public debates and forums, encouraging civic engagement . 

Students may participate in workshops or mock elections, and many public libraries hold voter registration events for community members. The American Library Association says: “informed citizens are engaged voters.”

5. Libraries are a safe and reliable space for all

While we’ve examined how libraries offer specific resources and offerings, one of the most valuable things libraries contribute to their communities is space. 

While libraries are not substitutes for shelters, counseling centers, or long-term systemic solutions to homelessness, they are vital to public health and safety, offering people experiencing homelessness a safe and dignified space throughout the day. 

Libraries are also integral for unhoused folks to find empowerment, using computers to apply for jobs and seek further assistance. While some folks may be unable to get a library card due to a lack of a permanent address, more resources are becoming widely available as public libraries work on the frontlines of the housing crisis. 

In addition to serving patrons experiencing poverty and homelessness, libraries are simply safe and meaningful spaces for all members of the community. 

Whether a library boasts grand architecture or modest design, the physical space of a library has a way of communicating our underlying values, The Public Library Association suggests: that libraries, information, and shared community space matter.

Libraries are at the heart of American infrastructure. They deserve better.

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Essay on Library: 100, 200 and 250 Words

• Updated on  
• Apr 24, 2024

A Library is a place where students and people interested in reading books visit very often. It constitutes several collections of books of variable genres to please the reader. The library is the in-person source of information. It is an easily accessible place for students and raiders. Every school and college has a library with multiple books. Besides that, it is economical for the students. This article will provide an essay on library for students and children studying in schools. Enjoy Reading.

Table of Contents

• 1 Sample Essay on Library
• 2 100 Words Essay on Library
• 3 200-250 Words Essay on Library
• 4 Short Essay on Library

Also Read: English Essay Topics

Sample Essay on Library

The library is an important place for the community. It includes books, newspapers, magazines, manuscripts, DVDs, and more such informational sources. It plays a significant role in the kid’s learning phase. Despite the advancement in technology , the library still plays a critical role in everyone’s life. One can borrow books from the library. There are two types of libraries one is a private library that is controlled by the school and college authorities, whereas the other is a public library that is open to all. 

100 Words Essay on Library

A library is a place where books belonging to different subjects and genres are stored. My school also has a very big library next to the computer lab. Our timetable is designed in such as format that we could visit the library twice a week and explore books apart from our syllabus. This practice of visiting and exploring books in the library induces a habit of reading in all the students.

My school library has autobiographies, picture books, comics, novels, fictional books, books on culture, art, and craft, and many other materials. Students can borrow the desirable book to read for one week and then, on a specific date we need to return that book to the school library.  Thus, the library teaches us the value and importance of books and inculcates the habit of reading and imparting knowledge.

Also Read: Bachelor of Library Science

200-250 Words Essay on Library

The library is the place where people come together to learn and gain knowledge. Books are arranged on large bookshelves. Books belonging to similar genres are arranged on the same shelf by the librarian. The librarian is in charge of the library.

Some libraries have digital software to keep track of books issued and received to and from the library. Owing to technological advances, books are nowadays available on online platforms. Readers can read the book on apps like Kindle. But still, the library has its role, it is easily accessible plus it will provide a trustworthy source of information. 

Good raiders prefer books to read in their physical form as they cherish the quality of pages, type of writing , and the authenticity of book covers. Thus, the library plays an important role in the student’s as well as adults’ life.

Every school allots specific hours for students to visit and read books from the library so that they can induce reading habits from childhood itself. Students also refer to books from the library to complete their assignments or summer vacation homework. 

There are set rules and regulations of the library. Generally, we are not allowed to talk so that readers won’t get distracted and lose their pace of reading. Besides that, if any book issued from the library gets misplaced, damaged, or lost from the borrower then, he/she has to pay a fine to the librarian. 

Thus, the library is an excellent resource for books that spread knowledge and information along with entertainment . 

Also Read: One Nation One Election Essay in 500 Words

Short Essay on Library

Also Read: Speech on President of India for School Students in English

A. The library plays a critical part in every individual starting from the school itself. It helps in developing the overall personality because reading books and gaining knowledge help people to make a good career.

A. Include points like what is a library, why books are important, and the importance of a library in the life of students and children. Divide your essay into three parts introduction, body, and conclusion. End the concluding paragraph on a positive note. 

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Kajal Thareja

Hi, I am Kajal, a pharmacy graduate, currently pursuing management and is an experienced content writer. I have 2-years of writing experience in Ed-tech (digital marketing) company. I am passionate towards writing blogs and am on the path of discovering true potential professionally in the field of content marketing. I am engaged in writing creative content for students which is simple yet creative and engaging and leaves an impact on the reader's mind.

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• Library and It's Uses Essay

Essay on Library and It's Uses

The essay on the Library and its uses has been prepared by our teachers at Vedantu to help you guide with your essay on uses of the library. These are drafted in a very easy and effective way to make you understand and reciprocate the same in the essay writing an exam or in any of the competitions based on essay writing. We also have provided you with a PDF for downloading this essay. 

The library is the heart and soul of the education system. The library spreads knowledge and has many uses. The place where there are different types of books and that can be studied independently in the Library. There are many categories of the library depending on its usage. Some libraries are private, some are public while some are government one. Poor people, especially poor students who can’t afford to buy a book, can make great use of the library. They can borrow books from the library for acquiring knowledge. School and libraries are the two temples for the worship of the Goddess Saraswati.

Libraries play an important role in providing mysterious knowledge. It leads us from the darkness of ignorance to the light of knowledge. As humans need moderate and balanced diets for their physical strength, learning became essential for mental strength similarly. Being in touch with the libraries will help the human from lust and temptation. Moreover, Libraries are the leading means of sharing knowledge than any other media.  Great thinkers like Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar had set up his own libraries.

Libraries are too awesome! Good reading and study habits can be established in the students through libraries as use of libraries helps to enhance the classroom experience. The library is frequently used for some research or in public issues. Libraries are essential in learning and acquiring progressive knowledge purposes. Libraries even help to learn a sense of responsibilities. The mistakes made in the past could be avoided in future, once learned from the history books.

The concentration power is tremendously raised with the assistance of the library. It has all forms of possible solutions to academic difficulties. The scoring in academics is improved when the student starts being in touch with the references books. The libraries also consist of the newspapers and articles to provide the events happening in the surrounding. Furthermore, We may find a person with the same kind of interest in the libraries which helps us in building the social network. In addition to the above, the new generation might be sad to hear but not everything is available on the internet. The Internet may sometimes have many mistakes that couldn't be realized. The Internet complies the libraries but fails to replace it. It's been also quoted that the greatest gift a child can receive from their parents is a book.      

In this 21st century, in the age of televisions, computers and the internet, people have started forgetting the essence of the library. The contribution of the government in the modernization of the libraries is being seen. They provide digital libraries and the necessary facilities at many places across. Modern libraries offer much more than the imagination for their visitors like CDs, DVDs and even the E-books are also made available. Most of the libraries are now setting their free WIFI services for allowing the candidates to enjoy the free internet surfing purpose. Many modern libraries are now offered online guest lectures and seminars on interesting topics by great philosophers.

FAQs on Library and It's Uses Essay

1. What are the uses of the library to students?

Students use libraries to enhance their classroom experiences. Libraries assist the students to improve good reading and learning habits. Public administrators use libraries for research and civic issues. The libraries provide information and assistance that are necessary for learning and progress. Libraries are very effective and economical too. They include books, journals, newspapers, DVDs, documents, scripts and more.

2. What is the importance of the library in our life?

Libraries play a very healthy role throughout our life. Libraries provide the students with a very healthy environment for learning as well as making notes or completing an assignment. Library provides a very peaceful, calm and disciplined atmosphere which aids learners to maintain a good concentration on their subjects. Libraries attract people to read and promote a practice of reading and learning. It improves their thirst for learning and expands knowledge. The library is also essential for any kind of research on different subjects.

3. What are the 4 types of the library?

According to the mode of services rendered to the readers; libraries are broadly divided into four types:

Academic Library - Academic libraries include the school library, college library and university library. 

Special Library - These are special types of libraries which serves only a particular group of people like employees of a form of the government department or research organization or the staff. 

Public Library - These are also called as circulating libraries. These libraries are public-funded such as tax money and it will be operated by the civil servants. 

National Library - These libraries are established by the specific government of the country. 

4. What are the advantages of the library?

The main advantage of the libraries is easy and (should be) free access to thousands of books. Access to educational sources that can be used for school purposes. A safe, warm and comforting environment that you can go to quietly read, do homework, etc.

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Libraries Are Even More Important to Contemporary Community Than We Thought

And they should be funded accordingly.

Libraries are not the kinds of institutions that social scientists, policy makers, and community leaders usually bring up when they discuss social capital and how to build it. Since Tocqueville, most leading thinkers about social and civic life have extolled the value of voluntary associations like bowling leagues and gardening clubs without looking closely at the physical and material conditions that make people more or less likely to associate. But social infrastructure provides the setting and context for social participation, and the library is among the most critical forms of social infrastructure that we have.

It’s also one of the most undervalued. In recent years, modest declines in the circulation of bound books in some parts of the country have led some critics to argue that the library is no longer serving its historic function as a place for public education and social uplift. Elected officials with other spending priorities argue that 21st-century libraries no longer need the resources they once commanded, because on the Internet most content is free. Architects and designers eager to erect new temples of knowledge say that libraries should be repurposed for a world where books are digitized and so much public culture is online.

Many public libraries do need renovations, particularly the neighborhood branches. But the problem libraries face isn’t that people no longer visit them or take out books. On the contrary: so many people are using them, for such a wide variety of purposes, that library systems and their employees are overwhelmed. According to a 2016 survey conducted by the Pew Research Center, about half of all Americans aged sixteen and over used a public library in the past year, and two-thirds say that closing their local branch would have a “major impact on their community.” In many neighborhoods the risk of such closures is palpable, because both local library buildings and the systems that sustain them are underfunded and overrun.

In New York City, where I live, library circulation is up, program attendance is up, program sessions are up, and the average number of hours that people spend in libraries is up too. But New York City doesn’t have an exceptionally busy library culture, nor is it a national leader. The distinctions belong to other places: Seattle leads the nation in annual circulation per capita, followed by Columbus, Indianapolis, San Jose, San Francisco, Jacksonville, and Phoenix. Columbus has the highest level of program attendance: five of every 10,000 residents participate in library activities there each year. San Francisco and Philadelphia are close behind, as are Boston, Detroit, and Charlotte. New York City trails them all.

New York City also ranks low in per capita government spending for the system. The New York Public Library receives $32 for every resident, on par with Austin and Chicago but less than one-third of the San Francisco Public Library, which gets $101 per resident.

Urban library systems in the United States have long been public-private partnerships, and city governments have long relied on philanthropists to fund much of the library’s work. Still, it’s hard to understand why most cities give so little public support to their libraries. According to recent reports from the Pew Research Center, more than 90 percent of Americans see their library as “very” or “somewhat” important to their community, and in the past decade “every other major institution (government, churches, banks, corporations) has fallen in public esteem except libraries, the military, and first responders.” Despite this support, in recent years cities and suburbs across the United States have cut funding for libraries, and in some cases closed them altogether, because political officials often view them as luxuries, not necessities. When hard times come, their budgets get trimmed first.

Doing research in New York City, I learned that libraries and the social infrastructure are essential not only for a neighborhood’s vitality but also for buffering all variety of personal problems—including isolation and loneliness. And while these problems may be particularly acute in struggling neighborhoods like East New York, they’re hardly confined to them. Consider Denise, a fashion photographer in her late 30s whom I met in the Seward Park Library children’s floor on a chilly April morning. She’s wearing jeans, a long black coat, and large tortoiseshell glasses. As she sits, she scans the room and quickly decompresses. The children’s floor might not be a second home anymore, not since her daughter started preschool, but during her first few years of being a mother Denise was here almost every day.

“I live close,” she tells me. “We moved here six years ago. I didn’t think about what it would mean to live by a library, not at all. But this place has become very dear to me. So many good things have happened because we come here.” Denise stopped working when her daughter was born, but her husband, an attorney, didn’t. On the contrary, the demands on his time increased, and he worked well into the evening, leaving her in a small Manhattan apartment with a baby she loved intensely but also with a feeling of loneliness beyond anything she’d experienced before. “I had a pretty bad case of postpartum depression,” she tells me. “There were days when getting out of the apartment was just a huge struggle. I suddenly went from working in this job I loved to spending all my time at home trying to take care of things that really matter but that I didn’t know how to do. I felt like I was in the trenches, you know? You can go crazy like that. I had to get out, but it was hard. And I didn’t know where to go.”

At first Denise tried taking the baby to coffee shops, hoping she’d nap or rest quietly while she went online or read. That didn’t happen. “I’d go to Starbucks and there would be all these people there working or having meetings. It’s a place for grown-ups, right? When the baby starts crying everyone turns around and stares at you. It’s like: ‘What are you doing here? Can’t you take her away?’ It’s definitely not kid-friendly.”

Denise had spent time in libraries as a child in California but hadn’t used the system much since moving to Manhattan. On one especially stressful day, though, she put her daughter in the stroller and brought her into the Seward Park Library, just to see what  was there. “An entire world opened up that day,” she remembers. “There were the books, of course. You can’t have a lot of them when you live in a small apartment, but here there are more than we could ever read. And then I discovered that there’s a whole social scene going on between everyone who comes here. The parents, the nannies, the children, people in the neighborhood. The librarians! They are so kind here.”

Immediately, Denise found herself surrounded by other first-time mothers who shared her struggles but could enjoy the fun parts of parenting too. She saw that her baby wasn’t the only one crying when everything seemed fine, refusing to eat or nap. She realized that she wasn’t alone. Denise also found more experienced mothers and babysitters who could answer most of her questions. “You just kind of start chatting,” she explains, “and it’s amazing but you wind up having these really personal, really intense conversations.” I ask if something similar happens in parks and playgrounds, and Denise says that it does, to some extent, but that it’s easier here in the library, especially on the children’s floor. The room is warm and open, the children are protected, and there’s an ethos that makes it easy for parents to connect with one another. “It’s like you become part of the mommy tribe here,” Denise explains, “and that makes parenting a lot less lonely.” The tribe endures, even when the kids go to school and mothers spend less time in the local branch. Some of the people Denise and her daughter met during those early years in the library remain close friends.

The accessible physical space of the library is not the only factor that makes it work well as social infrastructure. The institution’s extensive programming, organized by a professional staff that upholds a principled commitment to openness and inclusivity, fosters social cohesion among clients who might otherwise keep to themselves. Friendships develop quickly in the library in part because the place sponsors so many shared activities for children and, by extension, for caretakers too. Denise and her daughter did lap-sit classes for early literacy, bilingual song and story hours, magic shows, and classes for music and art. “In those first years there’s a lot of unstructured time that you’re just looking to fill,” Denise tells me. “You can pay to take classes in some places, but it’s expensive, and sometimes you just can’t get there, the schedule that day doesn’t work out. The library is great because you can pop over and there’s always something happening. You just check out the calendar and make it part of your week, or just show up and jump in.”

Librarians, Denise discovered, play an important role helping parents and children feel comfortable in the library. Sometimes, she says, they provide even greater service. “At one point, you know, our cat was not doing very well. I was thinking, ‘Oh my God, my daughter is so attached to this cat. What happens if it dies?’ Our librarian had recommended a lot of children’s books to me, so I asked her for a book that would help my kid understand death. And you know what? She actually had a few books about pets who die. She knew what I needed! She knew!” In the end Denise’s cat recovered. “She really does have nine lives,” she says, laughing. “But I learned about the kind of resource I have in the library. And I felt lucky to have that help.”

The help at the library made a difference in the way Denise felt about herself as a mother, and eventually she gained enough confidence to return to work. That meant hiring a nanny, and entrusting her daughter to a stranger wasn’t easy. “That’s such a big emotional hurdle,” she says, “but there was this one nanny I saw at the library a lot, and I loved the way she was caring for this little girl. She was really involved and really sweet and really loving. I knew that’s what I needed for my daughter too. I told the nanny I was going back to work and she referred me to the woman who became, like, not only my nanny, but my favorite person in the world.” Denise now calls the library “a lifesaver,” and though that may be an exaggeration, there’s no question that the institution proved valuable in ways she’d never imagined.

Why have so many public officials and civic leaders failed to recognize the value of libraries and their role in our social infrastructure? Perhaps it’s because the founding principle behind the library—that all people deserve free, open access to our shared culture and heritage, which they can use to any end they see fit—is out of sync with the market logic that dominates our time. (If, today, the library didn’t already exist, it’s hard to imagine our society’s leaders inventing it.) But perhaps it’s because so few influential people understand the role that libraries already play in modern communities, or the many roles they could play if they had more support. In New York, as in cities across the United States and around the world, neighborhood libraries and librarians do all kinds of unexpected things for surprisingly large numbers of people. Their core mission is to help people elevate themselves and improve their situation. Libraries do this, principally, by providing free access to the widest possible variety of cultural materials to people of all ages, from all ethnicities and groups.

For older people, especially widows, widowers, and those who live alone, libraries are places for culture and companionship, through book clubs, movie nights, sewing circles, and classes in art, music, current events, and computing. When Library Lanes scales up to the city level, no old person in the five boroughs need bowl alone again. The elderly can also participate in some of these activities in senior centers, but there they can only do them with other old people, and often that makes them feel stigmatized, as if old is all they are. For many seniors, the library is the main place they interact with people from other generations. It’s a place where they can volunteer and feel useful. It’s where  they can be part of  a diverse and robust community, not a homogeneous one where everyone fears decline.

Libraries provide different benefits to young people. They expose infants and toddlers to books and stories that would otherwise be inaccessible. They help youths inch toward independence, giving them library cards and letting them choose how to use them. Libraries offer refuge and safe space to teenagers who’d rather study or socialize than hang out in the streets. Librarians help students with homework and offer after-school programs in art, science, music, language, and math. They recommend books, authors, even entire genres to young people who are searching for something different but can’t yet name it. Libraries help children and teenagers feel responsible, to themselves and to their neighbors, by teaching them what it means to borrow and take care of something public, and to return it so others can have it too.

By doing all this, libraries also help families and caretakers.

They provide a social space and shared activities for new parents, grandparents, and nannies who feel lonely, disconnected, or overwhelmed when watching an infant or a toddler by themselves. They help build friendships and support networks among neighbors who’d never met before taking a library class. They teach parenting skills to people who want or need them. They watch children, sometimes very young ones, whose parents work late or on weekends and who can’t afford childcare. They give families confidence that their kids are in good hands.

——————————————

Excerpted with permission from Palaces for the People by Eric Klinenberg. Published by Crown, an imprint of the Random House Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House LLC. Copyright © 2019 by Eric Klinenberg. Portions of this excerpt have previously appeared in  The New York Times .

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Why Are Libraries Important? (18 Reasons)

Libraries provide access to books, periodicals, and other materials to help people learn, grow, and develop new interests. Libraries also offer a wide range of services, such as research assistance and technology training, that can help people of all ages and backgrounds.

In addition, libraries often serve as community hubs, providing a space where people can come together and share everyday experiences. In short, libraries are important institutions that play a critical role in promoting education, knowledge, and community.

Libraries Provide Access to Information and Knowledge

Libraries are essential to our communities, providing access to a wealth of information and knowledge. They’re a place where anyone can learn, discover and develop, regardless of age, education, or income.

In a library, you can find books on almost any subject you can imagine, from the latest bestsellers to classic literature, from non-fiction to children’s books. But that’s not all – libraries also offer access to online databases, e-books, audiobooks, and other digital resources so that you can access information anytime, anywhere.

In addition to books, libraries also provide access to other valuable resources such as research materials, reference guides, and educational resources. They also offer programs and events such as book clubs, workshops, and lectures so people can learn new things and interact with others.

Furthermore, libraries are a valuable resource for those who cannot access information or knowledge elsewhere. For those who don’t have internet access at home or can’t afford to buy books, libraries provide a free and inclusive space to access the information and knowledge they need.

Libraries Can Provide a Sense of Community

Libraries provide a space where people can socialize and interact with others with similar interests. Many libraries offer events such as book clubs and story hours where people come together to discuss books and ideas and provide an opportunity for individuals to learn from each other.

Also, libraries are great places to volunteer their time and talents. Whether helping with book sales or organizing events, volunteering at the library can be a rewarding way to connect with others and contribute to the community.

Libraries also provide a supportive and inclusive learning environment. Libraries are often quiet and peaceful, providing a perfect space for reading and learning. And because librarians are available to answer questions and offer advice, libraries are a great place to ask for help and get advice. Whether you’re looking for information on a specific topic, need assistance with research, or just want to chat with someone about books and ideas, librarians are happy to help.

Libraries Can Help Save Money

Libraries can be an excellent resource for people who want to save money on books. If you’re someone who loves to read, the library is a fantastic place to borrow books for free. You don’t have to worry about purchasing expensive books, and you can enjoy a wide selection of reading material without spending any money.

In addition to traditional books, many libraries now offer digital materials that you can download to e-readers or other devices. This is a great way to save money on e-books, which can often be quite expensive. You can enjoy the same great reading experience when you download books from the library without spending much money.

Libraries also offer a range of other resources that can help you save money. For example, you can use the library’s computers and Internet access to learn about products and services before you make a purchase. You can also borrow DVDs and CDs, which can be a good alternative to buying these products outright.

Libraries Can Preserve History

Libraries have long been recognized as essential centers for the preservation of history. By collecting and storing materials such as books, documents, and photographs, libraries provide researchers and historians with a wealth of information. These materials can help us understand the past and how it has shaped the present.

One of the most important ways libraries preserve history is by carefully cataloging and preserving the materials to ensure their longevity. This includes using special techniques and materials to protect items from damage and deterioration. In addition, libraries often digitize their collections so that people worldwide can access the materials.

Another way libraries preserve history is by making these materials available to the public. This allows researchers and historians to access the information they need to study the past. It also allows the general public to learn more about their history and the history of their communities.

Libraries Can Help People Learn New Things

Libraries are a valuable resource for people who want to learn something new. With a wealth of knowledge and information at their fingertips, libraries can help people expand their horizons and acquire new skills.

One of the most obvious ways libraries can help people learn by providing access to a wide range of books on various topics. From science and technology to history and literature, libraries offer something for everyone. And with the advent of e-books and online databases, it’s easier than ever to access these resources from anywhere.

Libraries Provide a Quiet Place for People to Study and Work

Libraries are one of the few places left in the modern world where people can find peace and quiet while working or studying. They provide a sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and allow people to focus on their studies or work without distraction. 

Libraries also create a conducive environment for concentration and creativity. Many libraries are equipped with comfortable chairs or couches, as well as tables and desks of various sizes. These public spaces also have strict rules that ensure noise levels remain low so patrons can concentrate on their work uninterrupted.

Modern libraries also have free Wi-Fi access and other technological amenities that enable patrons to conduct research more efficiently. Ultimately, libraries are invaluable resources that promote the pursuit of knowledge and academic excellence.

Libraries Are Free and Open to Everyone

One of the best things about libraries is that they are free and open to everyone. This means you do not have to pay any fees or join a membership to use the library and its resources. All you need is a library card, which you can quickly obtain by showing a valid ID at the library’s front desk.

Once you have a library card, you can borrow books, CDs, DVDs, and other materials for free. You can also use the library’s computers and the internet to research, learn and share with others. Many libraries also offer educational programs, workshops, and events that are open to the public.

Libraries not only provide access to information and resources, but also serve as community centers where people can gather, learn, and socialize. They provide a safe and welcoming space for people of all ages and backgrounds to come together and learn from each other.

Libraries Promote Literacy and a Love of Reading

For children, libraries can be a fun and exciting place to discover the joy of reading. Many libraries offer read-aloud sessions, book clubs, and other programs geared specifically toward young readers. These programs can help foster a love of reading at a young age and lay the foundation for lifelong literacy.

For adults, libraries can provide access to books and other materials not readily available elsewhere. This is especially important for people who do not have the financial means to purchase books on their own. Libraries can promote literacy and lifelong learning by providing free access to a wide range of reading materials.

In addition to providing access to books and other reading materials, libraries often offer events and workshops that promote literacy and a love of reading. These can include author readings and signings, writing workshops, and other educational programs. By offering these events, libraries can help create a sense of community and encourage people to discover their love of reading.

Libraries Provide a Safe and Welcoming Space

Libraries are significant to our society because they provide a safe and welcoming space for people from all walks of life. They offer an escape from the pressures of everyday life, a respite to read and study in peace, and a chance to connect with others in a positive environment.

In addition, access to libraries is entirely free, so everyone has access to knowledge and culture, regardless of their financial means. Moreover, librarians are always ready to help patrons find what they are looking for, recommend books on any topic imaginable, or simply point the way to helpful resources 

The atmosphere is usually calm and welcoming. Visitors can easily converse with those around them or relish the quiet if they wish. All members of the community can benefit from having a library nearby—an invaluable asset that promotes creative development, lifelong learning opportunities, and increased literacy rates.

Libraries Inspire Creativity and Imagination

Libraries have long been an impetus for community members’ creativity and imagination. With a wide range of stories, books, and other materials available to patrons, imagination can be unleashed.

Libraries are safe havens for young minds to explore new concepts and push their boundaries through engaging content. These materials not only foster creativity but also provide access to all areas of knowledge, from science and technology to history and culture.

Furthermore, libraries are open spaces where readers can unite and share stories and ideas in a communal setting. This creates an even greater sense of imagination within library walls. From literature circles to robotics clubs, there’s something for everyone in the library—regardless of age or background—inspiring all ends of the creative spectrum.

Libraries Provide a Place for People to Find Themselves

Libraries are places where people can discover and explore their interests, learn new things, and connect with others who share similar passions. At their core, libraries are about providing access to information and resources, but they also serve as community centers where people can come together and participate in activities and events.

Beyond the resources and materials libraries offer, they also provide a sense of community and belonging. Libraries often host events such as book clubs, game nights, and workshops that allow people to connect with others who share their interests and build relationships.

Libraries Provide a Place for People to Connect With Others

Libraries are important because they provide a way for people to connect with others. In today’s world, it can be easy to feel isolated and disconnected from our communities. Libraries provide a welcoming and inclusive space where people can come together to learn, explore, and socialize.

At the library, you will find a variety of programs and events tailored to different interests and age groups. These programs allow people to meet with others who share similar interests and learn and grow together.

In short, libraries are important because they provide a place for people to connect with others, learn and grow together, and access resources that help them stay informed and engaged in their community. Whether you are looking for a quiet place to read, an entertaining program, or a way to stay connected, the library is the perfect place.

Libraries Are Often Free to Access and Use

One of the best things about libraries is that they are often free to access and use. This means anyone can visit a library and borrow books or use library resources without paying a fee.

There are several reasons why libraries are usually free to access and use. For one, libraries are often funded by local governments or nonprofit organizations, which means that taxpayers or donors cover the cost of operating the library. Also, many libraries are considered public facilities, which means they are intended to serve the needs of the community and are, therefore, open to everyone.

Another reason libraries are often free is that they play an important role in promoting education and lifelong learning. By providing access to a variety of information and resources, libraries help encourage people to learn new things and expand their knowledge. This can have a positive impact on individuals, communities, and society as a whole.

Libraries Are a Cornerstone of Democracy

Libraries are a cornerstone of democracy because they provide access to information and knowledge for all individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic status or personal beliefs. In a democratic society, everyone must have the opportunity to learn and develop, and libraries provide a safe and inclusive space for this development.

Additionally, libraries often serve as a platform for free expression and the exchange of ideas. They provide a space for people to express themselves and engage in dialog with others. This is essential for a healthy democracy, as it allows different perspectives and opinions to be heard and considered.

In short, libraries are a cornerstone of democracy because they provide access to information and resources, foster community engagement, and support the free expression and exchange of ideas. They are an indispensable part of any society that values equality and inclusivity.

Libraries Are an Important Part of the Education System

Libraries are essential to the education system because they provide access to a wide range of information, resources, and services that support learning and inquiry. They provide a safe and welcoming space for students to study, read, learn, and explore new ideas.

Libraries are often the first place students seek information for a project, research paper, or assignment. They provide access to an extensive collection of books, journals, magazines, newspapers, and other print and digital materials covering a wide range of topics and subjects. Libraries also provide access to databases, online resources, and other specialized tools to help students find and evaluate information quickly and accurately.

In addition to providing access to information, libraries also offer a variety of services and programs that support student learning and development. Many libraries have dedicated staff who can help students with research, skills learning, and other academic needs. They also offer workshops, classes, and other learning opportunities that can help students develop new skills and interests.

Libraries Help to Preserve Our Cultural Heritage

Libraries play a critical role in preserving our cultural heritage by collecting and maintaining a diverse range of materials. These materials include books, manuscripts, photographs, maps, and other artifacts that reflect our society’s history, culture, and values.

By collecting and preserving these materials, libraries provide access to a wealth of information and knowledge that would otherwise be lost or forgotten. For example, a library may hold a rare collection of books documenting a particular community’s history or manuscripts that shed light on the customs and traditions of a specific culture. These materials provide insight into the experiences and perspectives of individuals and groups from diverse backgrounds and help us understand the complex social, political, and cultural forces that have shaped our world.

In addition to collecting and preserving materials, libraries also work to make them available to the public. For example, a library may digitize its collections and make them available online or offer resources and programs that help people engage with materials in meaningful ways. This helps ensure that the knowledge and wisdom contained in these materials are not only preserved but also shared and valued by future generations.

Libraries Provide Access to Technology and Support Digital Literacy

One way libraries support digital literacy is by providing access to computers and other technology. This can be especially important for people who do not have access to these resources at home.

Many libraries also offer classes and workshops on technology-related topics, such as how to use a computer, create a website, and use social media. These classes and workshops can help individuals learn new skills and gain confidence in their ability to use technology.

Libraries Offer Programs and Events

Libraries are a valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn something new. Many libraries offer a wide selection of books on a variety of subjects but also programs and courses that can help people acquire new skills and knowledge. These programs range from computer classes to workshops on crafts and hobbies to language courses and much more.

The best part about library programs and classes is that they are often free or low-cost, making them accessible to people of all income levels. This means that anyone can take advantage of the learning opportunities offered by their local library, regardless of their financial situation.

Another great feature of libraries is that they provide a supportive and welcoming environment for learning. Many libraries have dedicated spaces for classes and workshops, and the librarians and other staff are often knowledgeable and willing to help people learn new things.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main types of libraries.

There are many different types of libraries, but some of the most common are public libraries, academic libraries, and special libraries.

Public libraries are open to the general public and usually have a wide selection of books, magazines, and other materials available for checkout.

Academic libraries are associated with schools and universities and support students and faculty teaching and research needs.

Special libraries focus on a particular subject or industry and are located in places like hospitals, law firms, or museums.

Are libraries still helpful today?

Yes, libraries are still incredibly useful today! While it’s true that information is readily available online, libraries serve a crucial role in preserving books and providing a space for reading and learning.

Libraries not only house physical books but also offer a variety of digital resources, such as e-books and databases, that can be used for free with a library card. In addition, libraries often offer resources and programs such as tutoring and workshops that support lifelong learning and personal development.

Furthermore, libraries serve as community centers that bring people together and give them a sense of belonging. In an increasingly digital world, libraries provide a tangible, physical space where people can connect with each other and with information.

In short, while the way we access, information may have changed, the importance of libraries has not. Investing in libraries is still a worthwhile investment in our communities education, enrichment, and well-being.

Why is the library better than the internet?

There are several reasons why the library is better than the internet when it comes to finding information. First, the information you see in the library has been carefully compiled and checked for accuracy by trained librarians. This means that you can trust that the information you find in the library is reliable and up-to-date.

Second, the library offers a wider range of resources than the internet. In addition to books, you can find journals, newspapers, and other materials that are not easily accessible online. This means you can explore a variety of perspectives and sources to gain a more comprehensive understanding of a topic.

Third, the library provides a quiet, focused learning and research space. You can work without distractions or interruptions to concentrate and learn more effectively.

Finally, the library offers a wealth of assistance and support in finding the necessary information. The librarians are experts at finding and organizing information and are always available to assist you in your research.

What would happen if there were no libraries?

Without libraries, we would lose access to a wealth of knowledge and information vital to our personal and societal growth. Libraries provide a vast collection of books, periodicals, and other essential resources for learning and research.

Without libraries, many people would have difficulty finding accurate and reliable information on a variety of subjects, including science, history, and literature. This would severely limit our ability to learn and develop as individuals and in society.

Additionally, libraries provide valuable services such as access to computers, the internet, and other technologies, as well as community programs and events. Without these services, many people would be disadvantaged and unable to access the resources they need to succeed.

In a world where everything is digitized and available at the click of a mouse, it would be easy to forget the value of libraries. Libraries offer much more than just books—they’re hubs for community gathering, learning, and growth. They provide equal access to information and knowledge for everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status. So the next time you’re looking for somewhere to study or meet with friends, don’t disregard your local library—it’s an integral part of our society that deserves our support!

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Ten Reasons Libraries Are Still Better Than the Internet

By Marcus Banks | December 19, 2017

“Thanks to the internet, we no longer need libraries or librarians.” You most likely hear some variation on that theme pretty regularly.

Sixteen years ago, American Libraries published Mark Y. Herring’s essay “Ten Reasons Why the Internet Is No Substitute for a Library” (April 2001). Technology has improved exponentially since then—social media didn’t even exist yet. But even the smartest phone’s intelligence is limited by paywalls, Twitter trolls, fake news, and other hazards of online life. Here are 10 reasons why libraries are still better than the internet.

• Libraries are safer spaces. The internet brings people together, often in enjoyable and productive ways, such as over shared interests (pop culture blogs, fanfic sites) or common challenges (online support groups). But cyberbullying and trolling can leave people reluctant to engage with folks they disagree with or to share their ideas in the first place. Libraries are places where people can gather constructively and all are welcome.
• Libraries respect history. Web pages are ephemeral, and link rot is a real problem. The content of library collections is much more stable. Printed materials are generally published on acid-free paper, which will not disintegrate. And librarians are leading the way to bring similar stability to the web through services like the Internet Archive and perma.cc .
• Librarians digitize influential primary sources. While looking at historical artifacts is valuable, repeated physical handling can damage them. Making digital versions of important works available online—as in the National Library of Medicine’s Turning the Pages project —is one solution. Library digitization projects also provide information to people who do not have the resources to travel to a particular library. Librarians are using the emerging technology of the internet to further the timeless mission of providing better access to information. The internet is the platform that enables this progress, but librarians are doing the work.
• Librarians are leaders in increasing online access to scholarly information. The open access movement makes scholarly articles available to all readers online, and librarians have been strong advocates of the movement for more than a decade. This access is especially critical when reporting the results of medical research, which is often funded by taxpayer dollars.
• Librarians are publishers. Scholarly publishers still provide the journals and books that researchers develop. But librarians have joined these efforts by becoming publishers themselves. New librarian-led publishing initiatives take full advantage of the web and generally make new work available on an open access basis. One example of library publishing, which is common in academic libraries, is the institutional repository . These repositories collect and preserve the broad range of a college or university’s intellectual output, such as datasets gathered in research studies, computer code used in software development, and conference proceedings.
• Libraries host makerspaces. Given that makerspaces provide venues for creativity, learning, and community, it only makes sense that libraries champion them. The maker movement has grown rapidly— in 2016 there were 14 times as many makerspaces as in 2006 . Both public and academic libraries host makerspaces . You can learn about makerspaces online, of course. But to visit one you have to venture into the physical world.
• Librarians can help you sort the real news from the fake. While a plethora of useful, accurate, and engaging content is available online, the web is filled with inaccurate and misleading information. “Click bait” headlines get you to click on the content even if the underlying information is superficial or inaccurate. Misinformation is the spread of deliberate falsehoods or inflammatory content online, such as the Russian-backed ads placed on social media during the 2016 US presidential election . Librarianship has always been about providing objective, accurate, and engaging information that meets the needs of a particular person. This has not changed, and it is why librarians are experts in information literacy .
• Librarians guide you to exactly what you need. Google is an impressive search engine, but its results can be overwhelming, and many people do not know to filter them by content type (such as .pdf) or website source (such as .gov). Google offers many search tips , which are useful but generic. A conversation with a librarian can clarify exactly what you are looking for and figure out the best way to use Google—or many other resources—to find it.
• Librarians do not track your reading or search history to sell you things. Amazon’s book purchase recommendation feature is useful for learning about new books. But this usefulness comes at the expense of your privacy because your reading data is valuable business intelligence for Amazon. The same is true for your web searching history, which is why you often see ads for a product for weeks after searching for it just once. Librarians value and protect your privacy .
• Librarians do not censor. One core value of librarianship, as exemplified by the work of ALA’s Freedom to Read Foundation , is thwarting censorship and allowing the free and full exchange of ideas. The internet is a powerful tool for information sharing, but it takes human advocates to stand for information freedom.

Libraries continue to provide benefits that are both tangible—such as community spaces and human interaction—and harder to quantify—access, privacy, intellectual freedom. The internet is an indispensable and irreplaceable tool for modern living. But it is not a library and will not replace the work of librarians.

MARCUS BANKS is a journalist with prior experience as an academic library administrator.

Tagged Under

• information literacy
• intellectual freedom
• makerspaces
• open access
• privacy rights

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Essay on Library & Its Importance

Libraries are a place where knowledge and literature is preserved and shared. They play an integral role in the cultural and social development of communities across the world.

Libraries also offer a variety of services to patrons, such as computer and internet access; space for meetings; spaces for children and teenagers; free public computers loaded with popular software programs such as word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations; audio-visuals like DVDs, CDs, magazines, newspapers, books, and audio books; wireless internet access; programs for children; programs for teens; programs for adults; information about government services and voter registration.

Essay on Library

Libraries around the world have a long history of being a place for people to read and learn. A library is a place where anyone can go to explore knowledge, no matter what their background or educational level.

A library is also an important place for local communities. Libraries are repositories of information on histories, cultures, and events that make up a particular geographic area.

These offer an opportunity for everyone to learn about their community in depth and from many perspectives. In today’s fast-paced digital world libraries are struggling to stay relevant with an ever-changing public.

Yet they remain a vital resource in a time when we need them more than ever before.

1 – What is a Library?

Libraries exist to gather and store books, especially those that have historical value or can be used as reference materials. Libraries also have collections of DVDs, CDs, and audio-visuals; computer hardware and software; photocopying equipment; public and private library books; genealogical books, maps, etc.; and other kinds of printed materials.

Organizations within a community use libraries as places for people to find information or as meeting spaces for many groups that are part of a larger organization.

2 – What is the Value of a Library?

Each year, thousands of libraries across America give thousands of patrons a priceless gift. This is the Library Card.

It’s a privilege that allows library users to check out books, magazines, journals, CDs, DVDs, and more. Your library card gives you access to a world of knowledge. And yet, many people never consider the value of this gift.

3 – Functions of library

The functions of libraries include providing access to the public for a wide range of educational, social and cultural needs, including providing a safe place for the study of literature, history and art.

Libraries provide free or low cost services, including public Internet access and sitting space. It offers free help with library and computer skills, and computer classes, and English language classes.

Libraries help those with learning disabilities with research assistance, book purchases, work with instructional materials and computer training.

They offer assistance with non-fiction reference. They offer access to English, American, Canadian and other foreign language books.

4 – How libraries are changing with technology

Libraries serve all types of readers (including online readers), researchers, and those interested in learning more about history, the arts, sciences, and other topics.

Librarians have used many forms of media to provide information to their patrons. In this era, most of the libraries are available online. Universities also provide the facility of digital libraries to their students. They also have many specialized databases that are useful for those who are looking for information on specific topics, such as encyclopedias and dictionaries.

5 – Who Uses Libraries?

Public libraries provide free educational and informational services to all patrons, no matter their race, age, sex, language, religion, economic status, etc.

Additionally, many community libraries offer cultural and social activities such as concerts, crafts, and story time for children. Libraries are crucial to the academic success of students.

The people from any field, teachers, professors, researchers also use libraries for learning and research purpose, as the case may be.

6 – Conclusion

Libraries are a great asset to any community. They offer resources for lifelong learning, access to information and ideas, and ways for people to connect with one another. But libraries do so much more than just provide books. These help people find every kind of information they need. They host local events and create welcoming spaces where neighbors can come together and share their thoughts and concerns.

The library is a place of knowledge and wisdom. It is a place where you can find any book you want for free, as long as it’s within the library’s collection. It is a place that will always be relevant to society, no matter what changes occur in the world. It is a place where people come together to share their thoughts and ideas with others. It is a place that will never go out of style.

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Bibliolifestyle, 10 reasons why libraries are important.

Libraries are often seen as a thing of the past. However, they are more important than ever before!

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Libraries are often seen as a thing of the past.  However, they are more important than ever before, and libraries, I believe, are one of the most important institutions in our society.  They provide everyone access to information and education, regardless of socioeconomic status or location, and they are often hubs for our local communities. I have very fond memories of going to the library as a child. My grandad would take me at least twice a week, and on Saturdays, I would be dropped off for more extended periods. I also remember the library being the first place where I made independent decisions. I had no control over the clothes I could wear, what activities I would participate in or events I could attend, but I had free reign at the library and the books I wanted to read. Plus, the library had so many fun activities; it also helped to make reading fun! As an adult, the library has so many wonderful programs and benefits for adults, too. So in this article, I will discuss the importance of libraries and why they are so vital to our communities.

First, what are libraries?

Libraries are institutions that provide access to information and resources for all members of the community.  Libraries exist in physical and digital forms and offer various services, including but not limited to books, magazines, newspapers, movies, music, ebooks, audiobooks, databases, and more.  Most public libraries also provide computers and other services such as internet access, faxing, photocopying, printing, and scanning.  Some libraries also have children’s areas, meeting rooms, and reading rooms.  So the importance of libraries can be experienced by all community members.

Why do libraries exist?

Libraries exist to serve the community’s needs by providing access to information and resources, regardless of an individual’s and community’s socioeconomic status or location.

Why are libraries important?

Libraries are important because they provide everyone access to information and education, regardless of socioeconomic status or location.  Libraries offer knowledge and entertainment through books and videos, children’s programming, access to the internet, tutoring services, materials for lifelong learning, and countless other resources that would otherwise be difficult to find or afford.  Just think of libraries as a great big information superpower anyone can benefit from!  On top of that, libraries also provide a welcoming atmosphere where anyone can talk to people in their communities, gather and learn, or even have a moment’s peace with a good book.  Libraries are also one of the few places you can go without paying, and you won’t be asked to leave until closing.

I LOVE libraries!  While I agree with all the sentiments I shared above as to why libraries are important, I have fond memories of the library being the first place I could make a choice without the input of my parents or grandparents.  I had no say in the clothes that were purchased for me or the food I ate, BUT inside the library, I had free reign.  My family were firm believers that reading was so important, so even though they purchased lots of books for me, the library helped to satisfy my voracious appetite for books!

What are the benefits of going to the library?

Going to the library can have many benefits, including:

• Access to information and resources that might otherwise be unavailable or unaffordable.
• It’s a safe space for self-study, learning, and socializing.
• Library services are often free or have extremely low or minimal fees.
• Libraries provide a unique opportunity to explore and learn from different cultures around the world.
• Libraries often have special collections, such as rare books, documents, and artifacts.
• Libraries are great places to discover new hobbies or interests.

Importance of Libraries: 10 Reasons Why Libraries Are Important

– libraries are free, and they offer a variety of resources that are accessible to everyone..

These resources include books, magazines, newspapers, computers with internet access, and more.  Libraries are also one of the only places to go online without paying anything.

– Libraries provide a sense of community.

They’re a place where people can meet friends, study for exams, or relax.  In today’s society, it’s more important than ever to have places where people can come together and connect.

– Libraries are important for education.

Most public libraries offer free classes on everything from computer skills to cooking.  They also have extensive collections of books, movies, and music that you can borrow for free.

– Libraries help promote literacy.

According to the National Institute of Literacy, 32 million adults in the United States cannot read well enough to do everyday tasks like reading medication labels or filling out job applications.  Libraries offer resources like tutoring programs and early childhood literacy activities that help promote literacy and encourage people to read for pleasure.

– Libraries are a safe place for kids.

According to the American Library Association, public libraries are one of the few places where kids can go without an adult.  In addition, they offer activities and programs specifically designed for children, and most libraries have a zero-tolerance policy for bullying and harassment.

– Libraries help preserve our history.

Libraries are home to some of the world’s oldest manuscripts and documents.  They also have extensive collections of photographs, maps, and other historical artifacts that would be otherwise unavailable to the public.

– Libraries provide access to technology.

In addition to computers, most libraries now have e-readers, tablets, and other devices you can borrow or use in the library.  They also offer free Wi-Fi and internet access.

– Libraries are a great place to find jobs and career advice.

Most libraries have databases of job listings and resources like resume writing classes and interview tips.

– Libraries help support the local economy.

Libraries often partner with businesses and organizations to offer discounts, free events, and programs for the public.

– Libraries provide a place to learn new things.

Libraries offer more than just books and movies; they also have classes, workshops, and other activities you can participate in for free.

More about why libraries are important

Why are libraries essential to local communities.

Libraries play an essential role in local communities by providing access to information and resources, supporting literacy and education, promoting lifelong learning, and serving as a community gathering space.   So the importance of libraries can be experienced by all community members.

Why are libraries important for students?

Libraries are an essential part of the educational system for students of all ages.  Libraries provide access to resources and materials that might not be available or affordable, allowing students to further their learning, understanding, and research.  Furthermore, libraries provide a safe and welcoming space for students to study and interact with other students and community members.

More information on libraries

The history of libraries.

The history of libraries dates back to ancient times when libraries were first created in Mesopotamia and Egypt.  In recent history, libraries began appearing in Europe during the Renaissance.  Today, libraries can be found all over the world.

What are the main types of libraries?

There are four main types of libraries: public libraries, school libraries, academic libraries, and special libraries.

Public libraries

Public libraries are libraries that are open to the general public and typically funded by taxpayers.

School libraries

School libraries are libraries that serve the students and staff of a particular school.

Academic libraries

Academic libraries are libraries that serve the students, staff, and faculty of a college or university.

Special Libraries

Special libraries are libraries that serve a specific population or need, such as medical libraries or law libraries, children’s libraries, or libraries for differently-abled individuals.

What are the other types of libraries?

There are many other types of libraries, including but not limited to:

• government libraries
• corporate libraries
• non-profit libraries
• museum libraries
• digital libraries

Importance of Libraries in Today’s Societies

Challenges libraries are facing today.

Libraries today are facing a number of challenges in today’s society.  Firstly, there’s the issue of funding.  Many libraries are funded by local governments, and when budget cuts occur, libraries can be greatly affected.  This can result in reduced hours of operation, a decrease in the number of services offered, and even closure.  Secondly, the digital age has brought with it new challenges.  While the advent of e-books and digital resources has expanded the reach of libraries, it has also necessitated that libraries keep up with technology and maintain digital collections, which can be a significant expense.  Lastly, libraries are often not recognized for the vital role they play in communities.  This lack of recognition can lead to a lack of support, both in terms of funding and patronage.

Advocating for Libraries

Advocacy for libraries is critical in addressing these challenges. Here are a few ways you can advocate for your local library:

• Support Library Funding: Stay informed about your local library’s funding situation. Attend local council or school board meetings and voice your support for library funding.
• Raise Awareness: Spread the word about the importance of libraries and the services they offer. Use social media, community events, and personal conversations to highlight the essential role libraries play in your community.
• Volunteer: Donating your time and skills can make a significant difference. Volunteer to help with events, run programs, or assist in everyday library operations.
• Donate: Donations can greatly help libraries, especially those struggling with funding. This could be a monetary donation or the donation of books, equipment, or other resources.
• Join the Friends of the Library Group: Many libraries have a Friends of the Library group that advocates for library support. These groups often run fundraisers and awareness campaigns.

Remember, libraries provide valuable services to everyone in the community. Your support can ensure they continue to do so for years to come.

What is your relationship with your library?

Do you volunteer or donate to your library?  Are you a member of your local library?  What do you think is the importance of libraries? Let’s talk all about libraries in the comments below.

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YES! I LOVE THIS. As someone who works in a public library, I appreciate the conversation that this article generates.

I’m so happy to hear that Hannah, especially from a public library worker! Hopefully, it will remind people why libraries are important, help others see libraries in a new light, and start meaningful conversations!

Can I quote you all for a research presentation? We are researching about libraries.

Hi Amelia, Can you please email [email protected] with your quote for approval? Thank you so much.

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Paragraph on Importance Of Library

Students are often asked to write a paragraph on Importance Of Library in their schools. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 200-word, and 250-word paragraphs on the topic.

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Paragraph on Importance Of Library in 100 Words

A library is a special place full of books. It is important because it helps us learn new things. You can find books about animals, space, fairy tales and many other fun topics. By reading these books, our mind grows and we become smarter. We can borrow books and take them home to read. A library is also a quiet place where we can concentrate on reading or studying. So, a library is like a treasure chest of knowledge that helps us to know more about the world. It’s a good place to spend time and make ourselves better.

Paragraph on Importance Of Library in 200 Words

A library is a special place filled with a lot of books. It’s really important because it helps us to learn new things. Just like a tree gives us fruits, a library gives us knowledge. We can find books on many topics like animals, space, fairy tales, and superheroes. It’s fun to read different kinds of books and learn about amazing things. In a library, we can sit quietly and read without any noise. We can also borrow books to take home and read. This helps us to enjoy reading even when we are not in school. In a library, we can find big books for grown-ups and colorful books for kids too. A library is like a treasure box, and books are the treasures. It’s a place where we can dream, imagine, and learn. So, a library is very important for everyone, especially for kids like us. It is like a friend who always helps us to learn and grow. Next time when you visit a library, remember, each book is an adventure waiting for you!

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Paragraph on Importance Of Library in 250 Words

A library is a treasure house of knowledge because it stores books, which are the main source of knowledge. It is extremely important, especially for students. Firstly, it helps to develop a love for reading. You can find books on various subjects, such as adventure, fairy tales, history, science, and more, which can increase your interest in reading. Secondly, a library provides a quiet and calm environment that enhances your concentration, making it easier to absorb information. It also encourages self-study which is a good habit for students. Thirdly, libraries help to build your knowledge. By reading different books, you learn about different cultures, traditions, and concepts that you may not learn in your classes. Fourthly, it aids in improving your language skills. When you read books, you come across new words and phrases, helping you to improve your vocabulary and language skills. Lastly, libraries are important because they give everyone equal access to books and information. It doesn’t matter if you are rich or poor; everyone can go to a library and read books. In conclusion, libraries play a vital role in our lives. They not only provide knowledge but also help in the overall development of an individual. Therefore, we should make the best use of libraries and encourage others to do the same.

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Your Article Library

Essay on the importance of library.

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The library occupies a very important place in school. With its books suited to the interests and aptitude of students of different age group, with its magazines, periodicals, news papers and with its calm and tranquil atmosphere it has a special call to the students who go there and quench their thirst for reading the material which cannot be provided to them in the class room. Here they find an environment which is conductive to the building up of habit of self learning. The library is the center of the intellectual and social activities of school. The library has got very wholesome effect over the work of school.

Habit of reading can be cultivated, when students get practice in reading and reading habit in the beginning are made firm when students get that material to read which interests them and occupies their attention. In the class room the books that are prescribed may not serve the purpose, some students may not be in a position to purchase all books that they want to read, while others may not find books that are of interest to them.

Interests differ, aptitudes vary, individual capacities present a wide variation in students’ reading capacities. In the library each has what he wants, each goes at the speed to which his capabilities allow him to go. The library is thus, a common platform upon which all students meet on a common level with equal opportunities. It is the nucleus of the school environment, the center of the intellectual activities of the school.

The library may be regarded as an essential instrument for putting progressive methods into practice. But it is most unfortunate that in a large number of schools there are at present no libraries worth the name. The books are usually old, out-dated, unsuitable, usually selected without reference to the students’ tastes and interests.

They are stocked in a few book shelves, which are housed in an inadequate and unattractive room. The person in charge of the library is often a clerk or an indifferent teacher, who does the work on a part-time basis and has neither love for books nor knowledge of library technique. What makes this situation particularly difficult is the fact that most teachers and headmasters and even the educational administrators and authorities do not realize how unsatisfactory this position is and, therefore, hey have no sense to take necessary steps for improving the condition.

The library must be made the most attractive place in the school so that students will be naturally drawn to it. It should be housed in a spacious well lighted hall. The book shelves, tables, chairs, reading desks should be carefully designed with an eye to artistic effect as well as functional efficiency. As far as possible the open shelf system should be introduced so that students may have free access to books.

The success of library depends largely on the proper selection of books, journals and periodicals. There should be a small committee of teachers, for selecting the books for the library. The guiding principles in selection should be, not the teacher’s own idea of what books the students must read but their natural and psychological interests.

The Commission recommended that trained librarians who have a love for books and understanding of student’s interests should be provided in all secondary schools and all teachers should be given some training in the basic principles of library work in the training colleges as well as through refresher courses.

As the proper use of well equipped school library is absolutely essential for the official working of every educational institution and for encouraging literary and cultural interests in students, every secondary school should have such a library. Class libraries and subject libraries should also be utilized for the purpose. The subject teachers should be in charge of subject library. Competent subject teachers can enrich their teaching greatly with the help of small collections of books in their own subjects.

This should not be confined to text books only. Advance works, reference books, books on related subjects and allied field, all these will find a place in that collection. Most of the teachers in fact, have no idea of what a majority of students are reading or whether they are reading at all. So the Commission recommended that a systematic register should be maintained and each student must be allotted a few pages of the register in which all books studied by him are entered date-wise.

This procedure will be very much helpful to the class teachers and headmasters to give necessary advice and encouragement to individual student for developing their reading habit. On the other hand each student is expected to maintain a diary in which he may enter date-wise, the names of all the books (with the names of the Authors) which he has read together with brief quotation or extracts that may appeal to him.

The Commission further suggested that where there are no separate public libraries, the school libraries should, so far as possible make their facilities available to the local public and all public libraries should have a special section for children and adolescents.

Function of a School Library :

(i) It supplements class work by increasing students’ vocabulary, quickening their intelligence and extending their general knowledge;

(ii) It enables the students to prepare themselves for taking part in the various co-curricular activities of the school. They get information which is very helpful to them in taking part in debates, giving lectures and writing for the school magazine;

(iii) It develops habits of the students to derive pleasure and information from recreational and informative books;

(iv) It broadens their outlook by placing a vast sphere of information before them;

(v) It imparts training to the students for the proper use of books;

(vi) It gives students training in punctuality by impressing ‘ upon them the necessity of returning and borrowing books at a fixed time;

(vii) It provides suitable books to the students to satisfy their hunger of reading books and saves them from the harmful effects of reading unsuitable and injurious literature;

(viii) It inculcates in the students the habit of silent reading ;

(ix) It provides an opportunity to make the best use of leisure time thereby lessening the chance of indiscipline in the school.

Criticism :

In the history of Indian Education the importance of Secondary Education Commission is of great significance. Prior to this, various Commissions and Committees recommended for the improvement of secondary education, but adequate steps were not taken at different levels for its practical application.

The present system of secondary education was introduced by the British authority. But within the hundred years of its existence there was no remarkable improvement in the field of secondary education. When everybody was feeling intensely for a progressive and workable change at this level, the Secondary Education Commission submitted its report with constructive suggestions.

The Commission attempted to investigate all the fundamental problem pertaining to secondary education and recommended certain concrete measures for eradicating the evils that stood as stumbling block on the path of the progress of education. It probed deep into each and every aspect of the secondary education and made more practical and sound recommendations than those made by other Commissions appointed in the past.

The government took initiative to implement some of the recommendation only because those were befitting to the time and made in the light of the recommendations of other Commissions and Committees. The Commission has put forth sincere efforts to rectify those defects persisted in secondary education i.e. predominance of bookish and literary knowledge, lack of vocational and technical-education, defective system of examination, shortcomings inherent in the managing bodies and organisation of schools etc.

Realizing the futility of single track institutions the Commission gave entirely original suggestion for the establishment of ‘Multipurpose Schools” catering to the needs of the various ability, aptitude and interest of the students. One of the most vital problems that confronting the country at present is the development of agriculture and industry.

Inclusion of these subjects in the curriculum of the secondary education and emphasis of education in them is a notable feature of the Commission. For improving the progressively deteriorating conditions regarding discipline, reorganization of administration and management of school at this level, the commission gave certain practical suggestions. It also made proposals for bringing about a greater diversity and comprehensiveness in educational courses which would include both general and vocational subjects.

Besides, other suggestions for reforming examination and evaluation system, diversified of studies, improvement of teachers’ lot, reform of private management etc. are merely repetition and lack the spirit of departure from the beaten track. Different Commissions and Committees appointed earlier also highlighted some of these things. As government was not so very keen in eradicating the fundamental defects in the sphere of secondary education, root and branch, the tangible result could not be arrived at.

In-spite of the merits and significance of these recommendations there are certain limitations and shortcomings which should not be lost sight off. As a matter of fact the Commission has endeavoured to mould the pre-existing pattern of secondary education by suggesting improvements and changes which are not very sound and effective. Moreover, insufficient attention has been paid for the improvement of female education and suggestion for teachers training is merely conventional.

Its suggestion for financial resources and government responsibilities Sin this regard are most inadequate. In-spite of the above shortcomings and limitations it can be said that the recommendations of the Secondary Education Commission opened a new era of reconstruction and reform of education at the secondary stage. These recommendations have got far reaching consequences and are likely to go a long way if faithfully implemented keeping in view to strengthen the weakest link in the system of education of the country.

Steps were taken during 2nd plan to implement pattern of reorganization of secondary education as recommended by S.E.C.” Accordingly financial allocation was made in the budget. Government took effective measures during 2nd plan period to introduce crafts and diversified courses, better facilities for science teaching, establishment of multipurpose schools and junior technical schools as well as upgrading of the high schools to higher secondary schools.

In the 1st plan about 250 multipurpose seconds were established. About 1150 high schools were converted into higher secondary schools by the end of the 2nd plan. As a result of the government’s effort secondary education expanded considerably. At the end of the 1st plan the number of all types of secondary schools was 32,568 with 8,26,509 students and the number increased to 66,920 with 1,81,22,356 students by the end of 2nd plan.

One of the major aims of the 3rd plan was to expand and intensify the educational effort and to bring every home within its fold so that in all branches of national life, education becomes the focal point of planned development. Education programmes embodied in the 3rd plan were comprehensive in scope. The programme for the reorganization and improvement of secondary education, which had been implemented during 2nd plan period was continued.

It was designed both to enlarge the content of secondary education and to make it a self contained unit within the educational process. During 3rd plan measures were taken for the conversion of high schools into higher secondary schools, development of multipurpose schools with provision of a number of elective subjects, expansion and improvement of facilities for the teaching of science, provision of educational and vocational guidance, improvement of the examination and evaluation system, enlargement of facilities for vocational education, increased facilities for the education of girls and the backward classes and encouragement to merit through scholarships. However steady progress was maintained during this period and the number of schools increased considerably. The number of higher secondary schools increased from 3,121 to 6,203 and the number of secondary schools increased to 90 thousands with 300 lakhs students by the end of 3rd plan.

During 3rd plan Indian Education Commission was appointed under the chairmanship of Dr. D.S. Kothari, which is popularly known as Kothari Commission, 1964-66. The Commission aimed at an entire overhauling of the existing setup.

Besides many other things it pleaded eloquently for the improvement of secondary education and recommended that:

(i) Enrolment in secondary education should be regulated during the next twenty years by proper planning of the location of secondary schools, maintaining adequate standards and to that end, by determining the enrolment in terms of facilities available and selecting the best student;

(ii) A developmental plan for secondary education should be prepared for each district and implemented in a period of ten years,

(iii) The best students should be selected for admission into secondary schools, through a process of self selection at the lower secondary stage, and on the basis of external examination results and school records at the higher secondary stage;

(iv) Secondary education should be vocationalised in a large measure and enrolments in vocational courses raised to 20 per cent of total enrolment at the lower secondary stage and 50 per cent of total enrolment at the higher secondary stage by 1986.

(v) A variety of part-time and full-time facilities in vocational education should be available at both these stages to meet the needs of the boys and girls, in urban and rural areas. Special sections should be set up in the education department to help young pupils who drop out after class VIII or VII to obtain training on a full time or part time basis, and to be in overall charge of the organisation of these courses;

(vi) The central government should provide special grants to state governments in centrally sponsored sector for the vocationalisation of secondary education;

(vii) Facilities for part-time education should be provided on a large scale at the lower and higher secondary stages in general and vocational courses. Special emphasis will have to be placed on agricultural courses or those who have taken to farming as a vocation and on courses in home science or household industries for girls;

(viii) Efforts should be made to accelerate the expansion of girls education so that the proportion of girls to boys reaches 1 : 2 at the lower secondary stage and 1:3 at the higher secondary stage in 20 years ;

(ix) Emphasis should be placed on establishing separate schools for girls, provision of hostels and scholarships and part-time vocational courses;

(x) a national policy for the location of new institutions for each category should be adopted so as to avoid waste and duplication;

(xi) Vocational schools should be located near the industry concerned;

(xii) In non-vocational schools, a common curriculum of general education should be provided for the first ten years of school education and diversification of studies and specialization should begin only at the higher secondary stage;

(xiii) At the higher secondary stage courses will be diversified in such a manner as to enable pupils to study a group of any three subjects in depth with considerable freedom and elasticity in the grouping of subjects. In order to ensure the balanced development of the adolescents, total personality the curriculum at this stage should provide half the time to the languages and one-fourth to physical education, arts and crafts, moral and spiritual education.

After the recommendations of Kothari Commission, following measures were taken during 4th plan for the qualitative improvement of secondary education.

(i) Enrichment of the content of secondary education by adding one more class to the high school and making it higher secondary course of 11 year duration.

(ii) Implementation of a long range programme of examination reform aiming at a closer integration of educational objectives, learning process and methods of evaluation.

(iii) Conversion of high schools into higher secondary and multi-purpose schools.

Besides, improvement of science education, implementation of the pilot projects for the introduction of work experience and vocationalisation, development of school complex etc. were some of the measures undertaken during 4th plan period. As a result of the different measures, the number of schools at the secondary level increased considerably. By the year 1973-74, 74.40% boys and 29.60% girls were reading at the secondary stage.

Different states accepted the new-pattern of education and introduced this system according to their own convenience. Though there is a lot of confusion and feeling of anxiety in the minds of the people regarding the practical application of the new pattern, yet in the overall interest of the student population and for national integration there is great need of a uniform pattern of education.

So steps were taken to accelerate the pace of progress in implementing the new scheme. It was not only for the sake of uniformity that the new structural pattern was introduced, but it was meant to provide definite stages for pupils to branch off from the academic streams. If provision would not be made for students to branch off to vocational courses after completion of the particular stage of education, the change of pattern would only partially achieve the objectives and students who would do better in vocational courses would tend to go in for general education.

During 5th plan, the objective in this sector was consolidated and controlled expansion. In order to raise the standard of education reorganisation of the curriculum, improvement of the methods of teaching, reforms in the system of examination, development of instructional materials and text books were undertaken during 5th plan period.

Even then the achievement in this sector was not encouraging. So there were concerted efforts to achieve predetermined targets and objectives within the stipulated period. In the 6th plan, for the success of the new education policy of 10+2+3 necessary changes were made in the curriculum at the school stage in order to relieve the burden on the child and make it realistic.

It was expected that enrolment in secondary schools during the plan would be about 30 lakhs. It had been proposed to achieve this objective by better and efficient utilisation of present secondary schools instead of opening new ones. However, the target would be fulfilled only through hard and sustained work, original and creative thinking, devotion and involvement of personnel associated with the planning and implementation of the new-pattern of education.

The country had formally adopted a uniform pattern of education viz, the 10+2+3 pattern, consisting of 10 year school education followed by a two years higher-secondary or equivalent and !a three year degree course. Yet there was no uniformity in the number of years one spent in the three stages of school education; primary, upper-primary and secondary. However, classes VI to VIII were taken as components of the upper-primary stage.

When the first and second All India Educational Surveys were conducted in the years 1957 and 1965, respectively, a distance of three miles or approximately 5 kilometers was considered to be a convenient walking distance for children in classes VI to VIII. Gradually, the distance limit was brought down to three kilometers. Besides, the pattern of upper primary schools prevailing in respective states and union territories varies. Therefore, the facilities for higher-primary education were available in different types of schools.

Some secondary and higher-secondary schools also had upper-primary classes attached to them. Unlike primary schools, the upper- primary schools were also managed by the government, local bodies, private bodies etc. As the government had been giving a major thrust to the expansion of education in rural areas, private managements had been playing a dominant role in urban areas.

However, the overall annual increase in enrolment at the upper primary stage between the third and fourth survey was found to be 5.75 percent while that of between the fourth and fifth survey was 6.8 percent. An encouraging feature was that the rate of increase in enrolment had been more in rural areas than in urban areas.

The period between the first and the second survey witnessed a sharp increase in the percentage of habitations which had access to secondary stage education either within the habitation or up to a distance of eight kilometers (five miles). But it was reduced to five kilometers by the time of the third survey. The fourth survey (1978) revealed that 72.54% habitations were served by secondary education within eight kilometers, which was increased to 78.92% by the fifth survey.

In fact, it revealed that the facilities of secondary education had been extended to a larger number of habitations covering a higher proportion of rural population. As such, there were 52,560 secondary schools in India by 1986. Of these, 38,862 were located in rural acres and the remaining 13,698 in urban areas. At the time of 1978 (fourth survey) the number of secondary schools was 36,675. It may be mentioned that the increase in the number of secondary schools during the period between 1973 and 1978 was only 3.5%.

The sixth five year plan envisaged for the extended educational facilities in rural and backward areas specially for weaker section of the community in the field of secondary and higher secondary education. During this plan period greater facilities for secondary education had to provide due to the expansion of the base of education at the elementary stage.

Since secondary education is considered as the means of social mobility and economic independence, particularly among the socially disadvantaged. Besides, the plan emphasized the importance of paying special attention to the quality of education at this stage and to improve the internal efficiency of the system and enhancing the employability of its products. Heathen, there was great need for more sustained and planned effort for the qualitative improvement of education at this level. Gradually the demand for secondary education had been growing.

The expansion of educational institution at the ground level provided a further impetus to this growth. For instance the number of upper-primary schools had increased from 1.35 lakhs to 1.46 laks from 1985-86 to 1990-91, respectively. Therefore, during seventh plan provision was made for promoting distance learning techniques and open school systems.

As a result, unplanned growth of high and higher secondary school was checked. Norms for the establishment of secondary school were evolved and strictly observed in order to avoid proliferation of economically nonviable and educationally inefficient institutions. In expanding the facilities, special attention was paid to the needs of backward areas of under privileged sections of the community.

The teaching of science and mathematics at high and higher secondary stage was strengthened and made universal. Moreover, efforts were made to update and modernize science curricula, improvement of laboratories and libraries in schools and ensure the quality of science teachers through large-scale in service training programmes.

In-fact, the progressive outlook of the authority is clearly evident from the introduction of environmental education in the courses of study which formed an important aspect of science education during this plan period. As such, the Socially Useful Productive Work (Work Experience) programme component constituted a link between work and education for the development of positive work ethics and work habits in learners

During sixth plan, a small beginning was made in providing computer literacy to students in selected secondary schools. Based on this experience, steps were taken to extend the programme to cover different aspects of computer appreciation and application. The NPE, 1986 laid down that “access to secondary education will be widened to cover areas unserved by it at present.”

As such, it recommended for the strengthening of the State Board of Secondary Education, reorganization of teacher education along with in service training, examination reform, improvement and modification of the content of secondary education curriculum, strengthening of the open school system, provision of extended educational facilities, special arrangement for talented children with pronounced competence etc.

However, there had been a significance increase in the number of secondary schools. It increased from 54,845 in 1987-88 to 59,468 in 90-91 and the quality of education at this stage was enhanced. Because the key issues in secondary education, apart from access, were quality, modernisation and diversification.

Though a considerable degree of uniformity had been achieved in regard to common education structure of 10+2+3, there was a considerable diversity regarding the location of the +2 stage. In quite a few states it was not a part of the school system. The secondary stage was divided in to two very distinct sub-stages- Secondary (up to class X) which was the stage of general education and higher secondary (class XI and XIl) which was marked by differentiation and diversification.

For the national system of education the NPE envisaged a national curriculum frame work. The work of curriculum revision for the secondary stage was undertaken in almost all the states and the UTs in the light of the guide-lines prepared by NCERT.

Further, necessary steps were taken by extending the access to secondary education by opening new schools in the un-served areas and by extending and consolidating the existing facilities with particular emphasis on ensuring substantially increased enrolment of girls and the scheduled castes and scheduled tribes. Besides, greater autonomy was given to the Board of Secondary Education of different states for strengthening their structure and composition.

Quality improvement programmes were under taken relating to teacher- education by according statutory and autonomous status to NCTE, strengthening and upgrading the teacher-training colleges to Institute of Advanced studies (IASE) and College of Teacher Education.

Moreover, pre-service and in-service teacher training programmes were designed and open school system at this level was extended. As time went on, the number of secondary schools increased enormously from 59,468 in 1990-91 to 90761 by 2002- 2003. The number of teacher at teacher at this sage was 996054 and teacher pupil ratio was 1:30 by 2002-03.

Related Articles:

• Suggestions by Mudaliar Commission to Improve Secondary Education in India
• Origin of Higher Secondary Education in India

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