By:
Aariz Memon and Waqar Abro
There has not been a single ruler in the world that has emerged from the masses without sinking into the ocean of books. No one can deny the importance of books, and these are the books which have changed the economies of the world from socialism or capitalism into knowledge based economies. Now, the world is moving towards the knowledge based economies, and the experts of social sciences are claiming that the future of the world powers will highly be dependable on the educated population. And, the goals can not be achieved with out the effective and leading role of libraries.
Unfortunately, Pakistan is lagging behind in the race of exploiting treasures of knowledge- libraries. The European and other western states are on the line to make library as a significant part of their cultures as we celebrate cultural days. Hence, in the same way, library days will be celebrated to highlight the importance of the library and empower the nations with power of knowledge.
The role of library is very important in the development of civilized and educated societies. Why libraries in Pakistan are in dilapidated conditions? Why the readers` interest is decreasing? Why there is not legislation for libraries to keep them abreast with the today’s information age? There are other questions too that are wriggling in the mind, but we people are responsible in not cultivating the library culture at large. The government and non-governmental organizations are also equally criminal for this huge catastrophe. Needless to say that despite possessing human resources in enormous amount, potential of students has been misused in our country, and in spite of depicting attention of the students towards libraries that have less bad effects, are motivated towards the technological age.
Now the question raises what concrete step to be taken to take advantage of treasure of knowledge and make it more glitter, influential, sweeter and purposeful for all.
Firstly, the law should be legislated for National policy of libraries of which most important stance to promote libraries culture at grass root level, be considered.
Secondly, there should be a separate directorate in the ministry of education.
Thirdly, existing libraries should be restructured- easy access to the latest books, should be opened 24/7 like in Singapore, Sri Lanka and the USA.
Fourthly, the role of teachers and educational institutions should be used as a catalyst for backing up the library culture.
Fifthly, financial stability is the backbone of all institutions. However, funds can be raised through the advertisement and sponsorship of the private and public firms.
Sixthly, libraries should be established at the ratio of 180 million/0.5 million at the minimum level.
Lastly, the role of media and non governmental organization should be devised for creating awareness for the readership. Moreover, it has been observed that communities libraries are benefiting a certain class, and that should be discouraged. The pleasure of reading of books is sweater than the pleasure of reading on the electronic devices. However, campaigns and seminars must be organized to increase the numbers of readers. Although, associations like PLA (Pakistan Library Association) has not played its pivotal role for increasing the readership and augmenting standard of libraries.
In the 7th century, the Muslim scientist in the dark ages emerged due to the effective role of libraries and educational societies, which not only lit the world and opened the doors for other developed states to exploit the unending treasure of knowledge, but also laid the foundations of many natural and social science disciplines. Therefore, it has become the need of the hour to regain the same lost glory again through above mentioned measures in order to bring out our motherland out of the shadowy world
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