21st Century Innovations and the Library- Part II

Namratha A. Rai
Sep 4, 2018 · 3 min read

We are changing the world with technology — Bill Gates. Gone are the days when the gadgets even the richest had were a phone, a fridge and a car and were still being looked at with awe by the ones who weren’t so fortunate.

The world has changed and will continue to do so in the coming years. Of all the things that have been instrumental in these changes, be it the mindset, education, floating population, it is technology that has been held responsible for most of it. Like it, loathe it, but you can’t do without it…just the way technology has touched our lives in so many ways whether its banking, the food and groceries sector, retail, car rentals, it has made its way into an area that till sometime back dealt with only books and all kinds of reading material — the library.

That quiet place that attracted book lovers, that some felt it would be untouched by the ‘outside world’; a temple of knowledge; a place where you’ll find shelves of books, novels, journals, magazines and newspapers, even rare collections of manuscripts very neatly catalogued has now become a place that has all of the above in addition to equipment like computers, printers,photocopiers, projectors, Internet and WiFi connections.

Like everyone else, librarians too have felt the need to digitize certain areas. People have now realized that libraries can be sources of creativity and are looking for ways to encourage this by introducing new technologies. Libraries can become a part of a student’s life if the needs of the student community are understood and kept in mind. While it does help to increase the number of computers for use inside the library and permit students to have access to e-books, audio books, research databases and archives from the comfort of their home, hostel or a coffee shop, there are other aspects to think of.

Although not much importance was given to furniture and interiors, of late this is seen as one of the things that can attract students. Appealing colours help in making libraries interesting. The 21st century student needs furniture that is adaptable and comfortable. Whether they work independently or in groups, students prefer multi — purpose furniture because they make everything from collaborating with their friends on assignments to charging electronic gadgets easy .The goal for a library/librarian today should be to create an environment conducive for student-centric learning by making the best use of the space available.

To upgrade libraries with the latest in technology may not be possible for most schools and colleges. But libraries will have to integrate technology to make processes simpler and for students to have easy access to information. Libraries will benefit more when students are allowed to approach their work their way and when they are given tools to genuinely learn something in the process. To understand this aspect better, read:

https://www.educause.edu/research-and-publications/books/educating-net-generation/net-generation-students-and-libraries

https://www.theguardian.com/higher-education-network/2017/aug/03/university-libraries-need-to-start-putting-the-student-first

(This article is a part of a series — 21st Century Innovations and the Library that previously featured in Veeksha)

Veeksha-The JU Higher Education Chronicle

Become a part of a community that believes in the power of ideas with Veeksha, an online publication on latest higher education trends and research by the Jain University (JU) Press. Keep yourself abreast with topical issues with our incisive and analytical articles.

Namratha A. Rai

Written by

Veeksha-The JU Higher Education Chronicle

Become a part of a community that believes in the power of ideas with Veeksha, an online publication on latest higher education trends and research by the Jain University (JU) Press. Keep yourself abreast with topical issues with our incisive and analytical articles.

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