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Our lost library culture must be revived 

Published : Sunday, 8 September, 2024 at 12:00 AM  Count : 340
Mahamudul Hasan
Libraries, as gateways to knowledge and culture, hold an essential place in society. The wealth of resources and services they provide fosters learning, supports literacy and education, and cultivates the new ideas and perspectives necessary for a creative and innovative society. In today's fast-paced world, where technology is a driving force, libraries are no exception to the digital transformation. 

In developed nations, technology has enhanced the functionality and accessibility of libraries, making them more productive than ever. However, in Bangladesh, the scenario is notably different. Paradoxically, technology is becoming a barrier to effective library usage, creating a widening gap between people and these vital knowledge institutions. This disconnection hampers intellectual growth and distances us from the continuous pursuit of knowledge, ultimately stunting our national development.

To understand this, one need only compare the number of libraries and their users in developed countries such as China and Russia. A 2003 study by the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), which evaluated the abilities of students in 37 countries, revealed that the most significant factor for academic success was the time students dedicated to reading - whether through books, magazines, newspapers, or websites. Unfortunately, in Bangladesh, the trend is moving in the opposite direction, as fewer people engage with libraries and reading spaces.

The common sight in Bangladesh's libraries is one of diminishing interest. Instead of using libraries, people increasingly turn to Google for information. When access to knowledge is available with a single click, the question arises: why bother with libraries? This question reveals the root of society's disengagement from these institutions. Libraries are still perceived as places where one must laboriously search through countless books to find information. While this perception holds some truth, modern libraries offer efficient systems and smart tools for information retrieval. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness about these resources, combined with the unhelpful behavior and lack of expertise among some library staff, compounds the issue.

Another significant problem is the unprofessionalism within the library sector. Although Bangladesh has offered a four-year Bachelor's degree in Library Science for over three decades, with public universities like Dhaka University, Rajshahi University, and Noakhali Science and Technology University leading the way, the knowledge acquired by graduates is rarely applied. Thousands of students graduate in this field each year, but their skills remain underutilized as libraries continue to be staffed by unqualified personnel. As a result, many Library Science graduates are forced to seek employment in unrelated professions, exacerbating the inefficiency within the country's library system.

Libraries offer immense opportunities for self-education, yet we are witnessing the rise of a generation disinterested in utilizing this invaluable resource. This disconnection poses a grave threat to the future of Bangladesh. Libraries are the lifeblood of any society or state. Historical cities like Nineveh, Baghdad, and Damascus were not just known for their power or wealth, but for their libraries, which were centers of intellectual achievement. Even in modern Bangladesh, libraries in top universities play a crucial role in advancing research.

According to the World Culture Index, Indians read the most globally, with an average of 10 hours and 42 minutes of reading per week. This culture of reading is one reason for India's remarkable progress in science and technology. A report from *The Business Standard* (January 19, 2024) highlights that in the previous year, Indian researchers published 292,000 papers, while Bangladesh produced only 12,843. This stark contrast underscores how far we are falling behind.

It is clear that action must be taken before it is too late. We must heed the words of Pramath Chowdhury, who said that libraries are more important than schools, colleges, or even hospitals. In Bangladesh, while we have a sufficient number of libraries, what we lack is the willingness to make full use of them. To reverse this trend, it is essential that library personnel receive proper training and develop a sense of responsibility and professionalism. Moreover, efforts must be made to foster a reading culture in society. Both private and government initiatives can play a pivotal role in creating a library-centered society, ensuring that future generations benefit from the immense potential that libraries offer.

The writer is Student, University of Rajshahi


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