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Unit 3: Place of Library in Dissemination of Information

At the earlier stages of education like the school this should be done to supplement classroom Notes
teaching. At later stages, particularly in colleges and universities, the focal point of learning
should gradually shift from the classroom to the library. It is through the extensive reading of
a variety of books bearing on a subject that a student will be able to acquire in-depth knowledge
of the subject. By being able to analyse and compare different viewpoints as expounded in
different books, a student will be able to develop his capacity for analytical and critical thinking.
This will enable him to formulate independent viewpoints and opinions. The role of the library
in fostering the intellectual development of students cannot be over-emphasised.
Apart from school, college and university libraries, the public libraries too have a responsibility
to support formal education. For this purpose, the public library must stock books and other
material of an academic nature suitable for students and teachers of educational institutions in
its area and make the books, etc., available to them. It must be remembered in this context that
a public library should serve everyone in its community and it should not ignore the
requirements of teachers and students who form part of the community.

3.3.2 Non-formal Education

In non-formal education where the help of the teacher is minimal, it is the library that is the
main resource. Students here have, by and large, to acquire knowledge through self-study.
Libraries of formal educational institutions as well as public libraries have a significant role to
play in this respect: The former should throw open their facilities to students of non-formal
education in such a manner that the interests of their primary clientele are not adversely affected.
Universities, as the bodies lay down academic standards and conduct examinations in the field
of higher education; have a special responsibility in this regard. They should try to make their
library services reach as wide a clientele as possible including students of non-formal education.
One way to make this possible is to establish branch libraries of the main university library at
different places within its jurisdiction and making them accessible to the entire academic
community in the area including students of non-formal education.
But the main responsibility of supporting non-formal education rests with the public library
system. Everyone should have access as a matter of right to the public library. A public library
should try to discharge this responsibility by acquiring books and journals suited to the needs
of the students of non-formal education in its area. The development of a sound public library
system is an essential prerequisite for the successful implementation of all non-formal
educational programmes.

Notes If the library needs of the students of non-formal education are not met by academic
and public libraries, the result would be that the students would take to cheap guide
books. The inevitable consequence of this substitute will be a steep fall in the standards of
education.

3.3.3 Education of Illiterates

If one is an illiterate person, do you think that he/she is unable to get the benefits of education?
Not at all. Literacy is only a means of education, not education-itself. It is, no doubt, the most
important means, and not having it is a serious handicap. But we have today many other
effective means that modern technology has brought into existence. The audio-visual media,
especially the video tape, have made it possible for education to be brought to your doorstep.
It is a special responsibility of the public library to work for the education of the illiterate people
in its community through such media. It should also organise learning clubs and other

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