Role of Good Library in School

5 Aug 2024

"Libraries store the energy that fuels the imagination. They open up windows to the world and inspire us to explore and achieve, and contribute to improving our quality of life." - Sidney Sheldon (1917-2007. American writer and producer)

We would agree with Mr. Sidney Sheldon. Libraries are a treasure trove of knowledge that still remains unexplored to the last book. With the rise of technology in the new tech world, children often let go of the library and search their answers on Google. But, have they been introduced to libraries as an alternative? Our blog discusses how a good library in the school can turn over a student’s life from binary code to colorful imagination.

Lets take a deep dive on the importance of library and the new gen library facilities that can help students get overall development and knowledge.

Library Room

Library today has been redefined. While library is not just a room to study, it is an integral part of the process of socialization and building necessary skills. The importance of library is not just finding valuable books in the room, but reducing digital devices and develop critical thinking skills. Here, a student can confidently take a seat, write, research topics that may not be available on the internet.

But, who can escape the digitalization of schools and libraries? While schools are taking baby steps towards catering to students of the present generation, we can find audiobooks, ebooks, online databases, and educational websites take over books in a library.

In this scenario, how can we make sure that the library room is a safespace and remains relevant and informative to the student?

Make the Library Room a Knowledge Hub

This room is a space where students can ensure to get a break from their curriculum and homework. While they take their break from reality, this room can also help in attaining knowledge that can be implemented anywhere except school. Students can explore books, journals, encyclopedias, and reference guides. A good library helps the student seek knowledge and enjoy the company of new information.

Library Facilities that Foster a Love for Reading

School libraries hold the power to help students inculcate the art of reading into their lives. This is possible when the school can curate a collection of books for all age groups. The genres can include - classics, historical fiction, contemporary young adult literature, and graphic novels. When a student is attracted to reading something different, the library can open book clubs, discussions, debates, and more. A library that caters to every requirement can ignite a passion for reading and healthy debates.

Lifelong Learning and Personal Development

Learning beyond standard curriculum is learning for a lifetime of adventures and success. While books hold the capacity to spark continuous learning, it helps students concentrate with no distractions and close education gaps by skill set and knowledge. And when it comes to digitization of education, it also fosters digital literacy among students from remote areas of the country. It helps individuals develop the acumen required to bond and assimilate the the choice of career in the future.

The Role of Good Library in School for Community Engagement

The true importance of library lies in how well it supports in community engagement within the school. Good libraries host frequent workshops, reading programs, fan fiction, and community events. By bringing students of all backgrounds under the same umbrella, a library facilitates communication, conversations, networking, and a journey filled with colorful personalities. A library that promotes cross communication enables a student to adapt to the rapidly changing environment and society.

It is Not Just the Library Room

"When you absolutely positively have to know, ask a librarian." is a saying from the American Library Association. And, how is that relevant to the blog about the role of good libraries in school? A good library is built and maintained only when it has a good librarian. A library in general can have collections, but a great librarian makes the particular library a journey. When a good library has a good librarian, they can assist, support, help student open and explore relevant and beyond resources. A librarian holds the power to create a stimulating environment for all students. When in order, a library curated by a good librarian can promote concentration, facilitate research, and encourage students to take bold steps towards growth.

Importance of Library Lies in Learner Agency

The autonomy a library provides to the student helps them build learner agency. Learner agency is a term referring to the feeling of ownership and control that the learner have of their own learning. This provides the confidence and motivation required to make them engaged and effective learners. The seven elements that a good library can provide are - voice, choice, engagement, motivation, ownership, purpose, and self efficacy.

Conclusion

Life is a 100-meter dash. Time is the race. Timing is of the essence. And success belongs to those who can squeeze the life out of every moment, instant, microsecond. But, also take a moment. Visit the school library, roam the empty halls between racks of book, experience abundance, and read a book.

Library facilities when used optimally are a valuable asset that need exploration by the present generation. To help students take this step, a good library in the school is important. Schools are second home to children. Let us make this second home a welcoming room of books that support them in their future endevours.

Invest to create vibrant and well-resources spaces. Share experiences and work collaboratively to inspire a new generation of readers. Like JAIN Heritage School, move above and beyond and discover what awaits with the right resources! Build brighter educational future for our children.