Page 58 - DLIS001_FOUNDATION_OF_LIBRARY_AND_INFORMATION_SCIENCE

Unit 3: Place of Library in Dissemination of Information

The positive impact of books and access to secondary reading materials on reading achievement, Notes
creativity, developing language skills and sustaining literacy has been widely acknowledged.
Libraries are also custodians of the local and national culture by storing popular and academic
knowledge and material for current and future generations. Public libraries play the most
important role worldwide in helping to bridge the information gap by providing free access to
information and communication technologies, particularly the Internet. They are inclusive in
that they build bridges between individuals at the local level and the global level of knowledge.
In industrialised countries, access to modern information technology is currently one of the
most attractive library services.
Libraries, increasingly in co-operation with other community organisations, offer a varying
amount of activities including author readings, creative writing classes, introductions to
information and communication technologies and the Internet, reading groups, exhibitions,
and summer reading programs, study support, discussion groups and art classes such as drama,
poetry and song. The list is endless and activities over the decades show the flexibility of library
services to address the needs of the community.
For the younger children, the library provides an important opportunity for them to learn how
to behave respectfully in such settings. It also provides them with a peaceful place to read story
books, with the help of older youth if needed. Youth are able to develop a greater sense of
responsibility by acting as library monitors. These youth ensure that books are checked out and
returned systematically, and assist in maintaining the overall organization of the library. The
aim for the future is to have internet enabled laptops or desktops in the library, so that the youth
do not get left behind in the technological whirlwind racing through societies at an
ever-increasing speed. Through learning how to conduct internet research, a whole world of
opportunities will open for these youth and their global knowledge and awareness will expand
immensely. Youth will gain valuable computer skills and can use the computers to complete
their school work or conduct educational research.

Did u know? In August 2009, the D.A.A.N. Foundation started a youth centre in the village
of Hawala. It help youth with their school work, worked on the overall capacity building
of the youth, and enhanced their awareness of their role and responsibilities within the
community as a child, youth and eventually an adult. Over time, it was realised that some
of the older youth were taking immense interest in the centre and were coming on a
regular basis. These youth were developing into responsible individuals and showing an
interest in taking care of the centre. So it is decided to create a library to engender a sense
of ownership and pride for these youth and provide them with an education-oriented
atmosphere.
In this library, the older youth (mostly in the 10-18 years age group) have the freedom to
explore and expand their knowledge of the world. There are books on general knowledge,
fiction books, and educational reference books in both English and Hindi.
From time to time, it also conducts life skills development trainings, as well as art and
creativity workshops. Some trainings and workshops will be conducted by the local
villagers. In this way, it strengthen ties in the community and hand down the local know
how to the next generation. Other trainings will be conducted by specialists from the city.
International visitors and those who are volunteering in India can also contribute and
share their skills here, acting as a bridge between east and west. When international
travellers share their knowledge, and thoughts with our village youth, a unique reciprocal
relationship is formed. The youth have a rare opportunity to gain insight into the western
culture and way of thinking, while foreign visitors will learn about a totally different way
of living and being. Everyone learns, everyone smiles, and the world seems like a smaller,
friendlier place.

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