importance of digital library essay

British Council

Why do we still need public libraries in the digital age, by tomas doherty, 19 september 2014 - 16:44.

Janko Ferlic, used under licence and adapted from the original .

After years of declining visitor numbers, libraries are experiencing a resurgence of interest and investment. The British Council's Tomas Doherty explains how libraries have adapted to new trends in how we read, work and socialise, as the  British Council library in Dhaka  reopens on 20 September.

Technology has changed the way we consume media

Libraries have always been at the heart of the communities they serve. They are accessible and safe spaces, providing access to huge resources of information and knowledge. There are an estimated 315,000 public libraries in the world, 73 per cent of them in developing and transitioning countries. The public library transcends national and cultural boundaries -- no matter where you are in the world, they are an essential part of creating and maintaining an educated and literate population.

But today, public libraries are at a turning point. The way we access and consume information has changed dramatically in the 21st century, and this presents major challenges and opportunities for public library systems across the world.

The advent of new technologies has changed some of our reading habits. But our need for shared, community-centred spaces to find information and connect with others is unlikely to change any time soon. To survive in the digital age and stay relevant, public libraries need to be brave and innovative. They must embrace both the physical and virtual.

Libraries must offer more than just books

Regular visitors to libraries expect them to continue to provide the services they have provided for many years. And rightly so -- the ‘traditional’ library of books, journals and quiet reading spaces shouldn’t just disappear. But libraries also need to respond quickly to real changes in how people live their lives.

In the UK, with heightened pressure on public expenditure and lowering visitor numbers, the traditional library system has come under more scrutiny. Why maintain expensive-to-run ‘physical’ libraries when growing numbers of people can already access the information they need from any location? As a result, in recent years public libraries have been threatened with closure across all parts of the country.

But there has also been a major rethink in the UK as to how exactly the library should be serving the public, and what the library of the future could and should look like. Last year, the Arts Council England published a wide-ranging and detailed piece of research,  Envisioning the library of the future , aiming to answer these very questions. As well as emphasising the need for the physical and the digital to sit side by side, it finds that the 21st century public library service will be one in which “local people are more active and involved in its design and delivery.” A sense of community, always a defining feature of libraries, has renewed importance.

People in developing countries like Bangladesh need access to reliable information

In lower-income countries, like Bangladesh, the context for libraries is different but some of the same challenges remain. Bangladesh itself is a small country with a huge population, estimated at around 162 million people. There are high rates of poverty and illiteracy, especially in rural areas. According to the  World Bank , 43 per cent of the total adult population is illiterate, with a disproportionate number female. Internet penetration in Bangladesh is only 22 per cent, 10 per cent less than the global average.

Bangladesh urgently needs greater access to reliable information for all its citizens. Not only do they need vital information about health, safety, nutrition and public services, but they also want opportunities to develop their literacy, learn skills for employability, and take part in collective educational and cultural activities. In Bangladesh, information is essential to survive and prosper - and lacking the right information can lead to worsening economic poverty.

With the right investment, libraries could be well-placed to provide some of that knowledge and those opportunities to communities all over Bangladesh. However, there’s also a need for library services to go beyond the ‘traditional’. An increasing digital divide (that has been shown to entrench both gender and class divisions), and ethnic and religious tensions continue unabated in some regions. Just like in the UK, Bangladesh has to rethink how libraries can better meet the needs of its people.

Bangladesh has plenty of libraries, but the quality of their services is inconsistent

Bangladesh's current library and information services provide access to information to varying degrees, but they are fragmented and unaligned in what they offer. For instance, there are 68 government public libraries, all in urban areas, which have long been in need of investment.

There many more non-governmental public libraries, around 1,000 spread across urban and rural areas.  BRAC , the world’s largest NGO, maintains a network of 2650 Gonokendros (multi-purpose community learning centres), mostly located in rural villages. About 10 per cent of these have internet connectivity.

The Bangladesh Government’s Access to Information (a2i) programme has also set up a network of Union Information Service Centres (UISCs). These provide limited public internet access and operate in all 4,547  Union Parishads , the lowest tier of local government. Bangladesh's population is young, growing and ever-changing, so these services will have to find a way to adapt for the future.

Bangladesh's economy is improving fast

Bangladesh has gone through a period of unprecedented economic change over the last two decades, with growth averaging at around five to six per cent year-on-year. The country has been named by Goldman Sachs as one of its 'next 11' emerging economies . This speedy development is likely to continue, but for everyone to take part in it and gain equally, the country will need broad-based access to information. Libraries should be at the centre of this.

The British Council has a long history of running libraries in South Asia 

Historically, the British Council’s international network of libraries played a vital role in educating a generation of leaders. In South Asia in particular, the libraries were, and continue to be, integral parts of the communities they serve. They provided access to a wide range of books and learning materials in the English language that were in limited supply elsewhere. In countries that were once isolated or had closed societies, like Burma, the British Council library was a venerated source of up-to-date information from the wider world.

In Bangladesh, people from all walks of life continue to speak with great respect and nostalgia about the role of the British Council library in their lives; the education it provided, the opportunities it created - many met their spouses there. The organisation first began to offer library services in Dhaka 60 years ago in 1954, in what was then known as East Pakistan. It later expanded to run branch libraries in the regional cities of Chittagong and Rajshahi. Today, there are British Council libraries in Dhaka and Chittagong, with more library services planned to open in Sylhet in early 2015.

Libraries have to modernise while staying true to the heart of what they offer

Like other library providers, the British Council has had to respond to lifestyle changes in the countries we work in. Our network of libraries has decreased in recent years, reflecting a global trend for fewer library visitors, with people more likely to read books and newspapers digitally, instead of on paper.

Our refurbished library in Dhaka will aim to bridge these two concepts, as it will be both a physical and a virtual space. As well as an updated physical collection of books, CDs and DVDs, the new library will provide users with remote access to over 80,000 e-books and 14,000 e-journals. The same quiet reading and study areas will be there for those who need it, but the library will be also be used as a cultural and social space where people can come together to watch theatre and film screenings, or take part in workshops, seminars, meetings, author talks and fashion events.

The concept of the library continues to hold a special place of importance in people’s hearts - and recent developments, like the reinvention of the  Library of Birmingham  in the UK (which has two million visitors a year, and lends its digital collections to ten million people a year), have shown how a library can still be a huge source of pride.

The British Council has carried out a  Library Landscape Assessment of Bangladesh,  a year-long research project that aims for a complete understanding of what people in Bangladesh want from libraries and information services. The assessment supports the case for more investment and involves Bangladeshi government ministries,  BRAC , and the  Bengal Foundation .

You might also be interested in:

• Is digital education easily accessible to Bangladeshi girls?

View the discussion thread.

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Advantages and Disadvantages of the Digital Library

A digital library, also known as a virtual or electronic library, is an innovative and dynamic platform that revolutionizes how information and knowledge are accessed, stored, and shared. Unlike traditional libraries, which rely on physical books and materials, a digital library harnesses the power of digital technology to provide users with an extensive collection of resources, including books, journals, articles, multimedia content, and archival materials. With the convenience of online access, a digital library transcends physical boundaries, enabling users worldwide to explore vast information, conduct research, and satisfy their intellectual curiosity. By leveraging the digital medium, digital libraries are reshaping the landscape of knowledge dissemination, promoting inclusivity, and paving the way for a more interconnected and accessible future.

1.1 The advantages and disadvantages of digital library

Digital libraries offer numerous advantages and disadvantages in shaping how we access and interact with information. On the positive side, digital libraries provide unparalleled convenience and accessibility. Users can access a vast array of resources from the comfort of their own homes, eliminating the need for physical travel to a traditional library. Additionally, digital libraries often offer powerful search functionalities, allowing users to find specific information or narrow down their search criteria quickly. Furthermore, digital libraries facilitate easy sharing and collaboration, as users can easily share links to resources, collaborate on research projects, and engage in discussions. On the other hand, digital libraries also come with their share of disadvantages. One significant drawback is the reliance on technology, which can be prone to technical issues, such as server outages or data loss. Additionally, not all resources may be available in digital format, limiting the breadth of materials accessible through a digital library. Furthermore, there may be concerns regarding the authenticity and reliability of digital sources, as the online space can be prone to misinformation and plagiarism. Nonetheless, by understanding these advantages and disadvantages, users can make informed decisions and maximize the benefits of digital libraries while being mindful of their limitations.

1.1.1 Advantages of the Digital Library

The advantages of digital libraries in the modern era are vast and transformative, revolutionizing how we access and engage with information. With their wealth of digital resources, these virtual repositories offer unparalleled convenience, accessibility, and efficiency. Users can explore various materials from anywhere in the world, transcending physical boundaries and time constraints. The powerful search capabilities and advanced technologies employed by digital libraries enable swift and targeted information retrieval, saving valuable time and effort. Furthermore, digital libraries promote global collaboration and knowledge sharing, fostering an interconnected community of learners and researchers. As we delve into the advantages of digital libraries, it becomes evident that they have become essential tools in our pursuit of knowledge, opening up new horizons and expanding the boundaries of learning.

Some of the key advantages of a Digital Library are:

• Unparalleled Convenience and Accessibility: One of the most significant advantages of digital libraries is the unprecedented convenience and accessibility they provide. Gone are the days of physically browsing through countless shelves or waiting for a specific book to be available. With just a few clicks, users can access a vast array of resources anytime, anywhere, using their computers, smartphones, or tablets. Whether it’s a rare book, a scholarly article, or a multimedia presentation, the digital library brings knowledge to our fingertips, eliminating geographical barriers and saving valuable time.
• Extensive Collection and Powerful Search Capabilities: Digital libraries house an extensive collection of resources surpassing physical libraries’ capacity. From classic literary works to the latest research publications, digital libraries offer a diverse range of materials to cater to different interests and academic pursuits. Moreover, these libraries often employ sophisticated search functionalities, enabling users to find relevant information swiftly. Advanced search filters, metadata tags, and keyword searches empower users to pinpoint specific topics or narrow their searches, facilitating efficient research and exploration.
• Cost-Effective and Sustainable: Digital libraries present a cost-effective solution for users and institutions. They eliminate the need for large physical spaces to store books, reducing overhead costs associated with building maintenance, shelving, and staffing. Additionally, digital resources can be replicated and distributed without any physical constraints, eliminating the expenses associated with printing, shipping, and storage. By embracing the digital library model, institutions can reallocate their resources to enhance other services, such as educational programs or innovative technologies, ultimately benefitting their users.
• Global Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing: Digital libraries foster global collaboration and knowledge sharing on an unprecedented scale. Users can easily share links to specific resources, collaborate on research projects, and engage in discussions with peers and experts worldwide. This interconnectedness facilitates the exchange of ideas, promotes interdisciplinary research, and encourages diverse perspectives. Scholars, students, and enthusiasts can connect, communicate, and contribute to a collective pool of knowledge, transcending borders and enriching the intellectual discourse.
• Preservation and Archiving: Preserving and archiving valuable information is a library’s crucial responsibility. Digital libraries excel in this aspect, offering robust preservation methods to safeguard important works for future generations. By digitizing fragile manuscripts, rare books, and historical documents, digital libraries ensure their longevity and accessibility, mitigating the risk of damage or loss due to physical deterioration. Furthermore, digital archives can be easily replicated and stored in multiple locations, reducing the risk of losing irreplaceable materials forever.
• No Physical Boundary: One of the key advantages of a digital library is its ability to transcend physical boundaries. Unlike traditional libraries, which require individuals to be present at a specific location, digital libraries can be accessed anywhere. Whether you’re a student studying abroad or a researcher in a remote area, the digital library ensures that knowledge is readily available. This eliminates the limitations imposed by distance and geographical constraints, opening up a world of resources to users across the globe.
• Round-the-clock Availability: Digital libraries offer the convenience of round-the-clock access. Users are not restricted to the operating hours of a physical library but can access digital resources at any time that suits them best. Whether it’s early morning or late at night, individuals can engage in research, study, or leisure reading whenever convenient. This flexibility accommodates different schedules and allows users to optimize their learning and research activities according to their preferences and availability.
• Multiple Accesses: Another advantage of digital libraries is the ability to facilitate multiple accesses simultaneously. Traditional libraries often limit the number of people accessing a particular resource at a given time, leading to potential delays or conflicts. In contrast, digital libraries can support numerous users accessing the same resource simultaneously without physical constraints. This enables collaborative work group discussions and enhances information sharing and retrieval efficiency.
• Efficient Information Retrieval: Digital libraries employ advanced search and retrieval techniques to enhance the efficiency of information discovery. Users can employ various search parameters such as author names, keywords, publication dates, or subject categories to find relevant resources quickly. Moreover, digital libraries often provide additional features such as suggested readings, related articles, or personalized recommendations based on user preferences. These tools aid in discovering new sources, exploring different perspectives, and enriching the learning experience.
• Space: Digital libraries alleviate the space limitations faced by traditional libraries. Physical libraries require substantial space to house and organize their collections. However, digital resources do not occupy physical space, allowing for a virtually unlimited collection of materials. Institutions can expand their offerings without worrying about storage capacity or overcrowding. Moreover, digital libraries reduce the need for physical bookshelves, freeing up space for other purposes such as study areas, collaborative workspaces, or interactive learning environments.

The advantages of digital libraries are far-reaching, providing users with a host of benefits that transform how we access and interact with information. With no physical boundaries, round-the-clock availability, and multiple access capabilities, digital libraries offer unparalleled convenience and flexibility. Their efficient information retrieval mechanisms and vast collections empower users to effectively discover, learn, and engage with knowledge. Moreover, digital libraries alleviate space limitations and enable institutions to optimize physical resources. By embracing these advantages, digital libraries have become indispensable tools for individuals, institutions, and societies, revolutionizing the dissemination and accessibility of information in the digital age.

1.1.2 Disadvantages of the Digital Library:

While digital libraries offer numerous advantages, they also come with their fair share of disadvantages that need to be considered. One significant drawback is the potential reliance on technology, which introduces the risk of technical issues and system failures. Server outages, connectivity problems, or data loss can hinder access to digital resources and disrupt the user experience. Additionally, the reliance on digital formats may limit access to certain resources that are not available in digital form or have not been digitized. Concerns regarding the authenticity and reliability of digital sources also arise, as the online landscape is susceptible to misinformation and plagiarism. Moreover, the digitization process can be time-consuming and costly, requiring significant resources and expertise. Despite these drawbacks, understanding the limitations of digital libraries allows us to navigate them effectively and leverage their advantages while mitigating potential challenges.

• Copyright: One notable disadvantage of digital libraries is the complex issue of copyright. Digital resources often come with copyright restrictions and licensing agreements that dictate how users can access, use, and share the materials. Navigating copyright laws and ensuring compliance can be challenging for library administrators and users, potentially limiting the availability of certain resources or imposing restrictions on their use.
• Speed of Access: While digital libraries offer the convenience of instant access to resources, the speed of access can be hindered by various factors. Slow internet connections, server congestion, or high demand during peak times can result in frustrating delays when retrieving or downloading materials. This can impede the seamless and efficient retrieval of information, particularly for users with limited internet bandwidth or in areas with unreliable internet infrastructure.
• Initial Cost is High: Establishing a digital library requires significant upfront investment in hardware, software, digital preservation systems, and staff training. The cost of digitizing print materials, creating metadata, and developing user interfaces can be substantial. These initial costs may challenge smaller institutions or organizations with limited financial resources, hindering their ability to establish comprehensive digital library collections.
• Bandwidth: Bandwidth limitations can pose a significant challenge when accessing digital library resources, particularly for users in regions with limited internet connectivity or areas with restricted bandwidth. Large files, multimedia content, or high-resolution materials can consume considerable bandwidth, leading to slow loading times, buffering issues, or even complete inaccessibility for low-bandwidth connections.
• Efficiency: While digital libraries offer numerous advantages regarding information retrieval, the sheer volume of resources available can also be overwhelming. Users may face challenges navigating complex search interfaces or dealing with irrelevant search results. The efficiency of digital library systems in organizing and categorizing resources and the effectiveness of search algorithms can impact the overall user experience and the ability to find relevant and accurate information quickly.
• Security: Digital libraries face security challenges that must be addressed to protect sensitive information and maintain user trust. Cyber threats such as hacking, data breaches, and unauthorized access pose risks to the integrity and confidentiality of digital library resources. Libraries must implement robust security measures, including encryption protocols, firewalls, user authentication systems, and regular security audits to safeguard against potential vulnerabilities. Ensuring data privacy and protection is essential to maintain users’ trust and safeguard intellectual property rights within the digital library environment.
• Environment Issue: Although digital libraries are often perceived as more environmentally friendly than traditional print libraries due to reduced paper usage, their environmental impact should be considered holistically. The significant energy requirements of data centers, server maintenance, and the constant need for technology upgrades contribute to the carbon footprint of digital libraries. Additionally, the disposal of outdated electronic devices and the proper management of electronic waste pose environmental challenges that need to be addressed.

It is important to recognize these disadvantages and work towards mitigating them through effective copyright management, investment in robust infrastructure, addressing bandwidth limitations, improving efficiency in information retrieval, and implementing sustainable practices to reduce the environmental impact of digital libraries.

Reference Article:

• Patra, C. (2010). Digital repository in ceramics A Metadata study. Retrieved from: http://hdl.handle.net/10603/212642

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Ten Reasons Libraries Are Still Better Than the Internet

By Marcus Banks | December 19, 2017

“Thanks to the internet, we no longer need libraries or librarians.” You most likely hear some variation on that theme pretty regularly.

Sixteen years ago, American Libraries published Mark Y. Herring’s essay “Ten Reasons Why the Internet Is No Substitute for a Library” (April 2001). Technology has improved exponentially since then—social media didn’t even exist yet. But even the smartest phone’s intelligence is limited by paywalls, Twitter trolls, fake news, and other hazards of online life. Here are 10 reasons why libraries are still better than the internet.

• Libraries are safer spaces. The internet brings people together, often in enjoyable and productive ways, such as over shared interests (pop culture blogs, fanfic sites) or common challenges (online support groups). But cyberbullying and trolling can leave people reluctant to engage with folks they disagree with or to share their ideas in the first place. Libraries are places where people can gather constructively and all are welcome.
• Libraries respect history. Web pages are ephemeral, and link rot is a real problem. The content of library collections is much more stable. Printed materials are generally published on acid-free paper, which will not disintegrate. And librarians are leading the way to bring similar stability to the web through services like the Internet Archive and perma.cc .
• Librarians digitize influential primary sources. While looking at historical artifacts is valuable, repeated physical handling can damage them. Making digital versions of important works available online—as in the National Library of Medicine’s Turning the Pages project —is one solution. Library digitization projects also provide information to people who do not have the resources to travel to a particular library. Librarians are using the emerging technology of the internet to further the timeless mission of providing better access to information. The internet is the platform that enables this progress, but librarians are doing the work.
• Librarians are leaders in increasing online access to scholarly information. The open access movement makes scholarly articles available to all readers online, and librarians have been strong advocates of the movement for more than a decade. This access is especially critical when reporting the results of medical research, which is often funded by taxpayer dollars.
• Librarians are publishers. Scholarly publishers still provide the journals and books that researchers develop. But librarians have joined these efforts by becoming publishers themselves. New librarian-led publishing initiatives take full advantage of the web and generally make new work available on an open access basis. One example of library publishing, which is common in academic libraries, is the institutional repository . These repositories collect and preserve the broad range of a college or university’s intellectual output, such as datasets gathered in research studies, computer code used in software development, and conference proceedings.
• Libraries host makerspaces. Given that makerspaces provide venues for creativity, learning, and community, it only makes sense that libraries champion them. The maker movement has grown rapidly— in 2016 there were 14 times as many makerspaces as in 2006 . Both public and academic libraries host makerspaces . You can learn about makerspaces online, of course. But to visit one you have to venture into the physical world.
• Librarians can help you sort the real news from the fake. While a plethora of useful, accurate, and engaging content is available online, the web is filled with inaccurate and misleading information. “Click bait” headlines get you to click on the content even if the underlying information is superficial or inaccurate. Misinformation is the spread of deliberate falsehoods or inflammatory content online, such as the Russian-backed ads placed on social media during the 2016 US presidential election . Librarianship has always been about providing objective, accurate, and engaging information that meets the needs of a particular person. This has not changed, and it is why librarians are experts in information literacy .
• Librarians guide you to exactly what you need. Google is an impressive search engine, but its results can be overwhelming, and many people do not know to filter them by content type (such as .pdf) or website source (such as .gov). Google offers many search tips , which are useful but generic. A conversation with a librarian can clarify exactly what you are looking for and figure out the best way to use Google—or many other resources—to find it.
• Librarians do not track your reading or search history to sell you things. Amazon’s book purchase recommendation feature is useful for learning about new books. But this usefulness comes at the expense of your privacy because your reading data is valuable business intelligence for Amazon. The same is true for your web searching history, which is why you often see ads for a product for weeks after searching for it just once. Librarians value and protect your privacy .
• Librarians do not censor. One core value of librarianship, as exemplified by the work of ALA’s Freedom to Read Foundation , is thwarting censorship and allowing the free and full exchange of ideas. The internet is a powerful tool for information sharing, but it takes human advocates to stand for information freedom.

Libraries continue to provide benefits that are both tangible—such as community spaces and human interaction—and harder to quantify—access, privacy, intellectual freedom. The internet is an indispensable and irreplaceable tool for modern living. But it is not a library and will not replace the work of librarians.

MARCUS BANKS is a journalist with prior experience as an academic library administrator.

Tagged Under

• information literacy
• intellectual freedom
• makerspaces
• open access
• privacy rights

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Digital Library | Advantages & Disadvantages of Digital Library | Components of Digital Library

Posted by Md. Harun Ar Rashid | Dec 13, 2020 | Library Science

Digital Library:

A digital library is a specialized library that can include a centralized collection of digital objects, including texts, visual materials, audio materials, video materials, files stored as electronic media formats, and ways to organize, store, and recover media. Digital libraries can vary immensely in size and scope and can be maintained with individuals, organizations, or established physical library buildings or institutions with approved or academic institutions. The electronic content may be stored locally or accessed remotely via computer networks. An electronic library is a type of data retrieval system.

Advantages of Digital Library:

• Digital Library needs no physical boundary, you can get access to information whole over the world through the internet connection.
• It can be accessed at any time, 24/7.
• Same resources can be used at the same time by a lot of users which is called multiple access.
• It provides the right to use much richer content in a more structured manner i.e. you can easily move from one particular catalog to another particular chapter.
• An exact copy of the original can be made multiple times without any waste in quality.
• It does not need much more space because digital information requires very little physical space to contain them.
• One digital library can create a link to any other resources of other digital libraries in a very convenient way.
• The maintenance cost of a digital library is cheaper than a traditional library.
• It gives user-friendly interfaces, giving clickable access to its resources.

Disadvantages of Digital Library:

• Digitization violates the copyright law as the thought content of one author can be freely transferred by others without his acknowledgement.
• High initial cost.
• Digital library needs high bandwidth network for transfer of multimedia resources.
• With the larger volume of digital information, finding the right material for a specific task becomes increasingly difficult.
• A Digital library cannot reproduce the environment of a traditional library.

Components of Digital Library:

Digital objects: The actual content of digital libraries is made up of a number of digital objects. In some cases, these may be thought of as data sets such as a table of results, the genomic information for an individual. In others, they will be multimedia information, such as an image, graphic, animation, sound, musical performance, or video. Many can be thought of as documents, which carry content in some structure or structures, perhaps made up of logical or physical divisions such as sections or pages. Some of the objects will be “born digital”, such as this paper, while others may be representations of some physical object (such as a painting that is shown through a digital image) that result from some type of digitization process. Into the foreseeable future, digital libraries will be hybrid constructs, where paper, microforms, and other media carry much of the content that is of interest and only the metadata is in digital form.

Metadata: Digital objects are described, structured, summarized, managed, and otherwise manipulated in surrogate form through the use of “metadata”, which literally means data about data. Three types are often distinguished: descriptive, structural, and administrative. Metadata is usually produced through a process called “cataloging” that is often carried out by trained librarians. Collections of such information are commonly stored in “catalogs”. In computerized environments, metadata may be automatically or semi-automatically extracted or derived from the original content, or the “full-text” may simply be indexed and searched without involving metadata (as happens on the WWW when search engines are employed). Nevertheless, if metadata is available and can be used along with content terms derived from full-text documents, the result is even better. Similarly, if only metadata is available in the computer form to describe a digital object, it must be used in digital libraries. Hence, metadata should be used when available in a digital library and is an important aspect in many such systems.

Repositories and Harvesting: Digital libraries as containing a collection of digital objects (DO), each of which has one or more sets of metadata objects (MDO) associated. This “repository” part of a digital library may, as is the case in the Open Archives Initiative, follow certain conventions. In particular, according to the latest specifications, an “Open Archive” (OA) is a computer system with a WWW server that behaves according to an OA protocol to allow other computers to harvest metadata from it. That protocol supports requests to, for example:

• List what types of metadata format are present,
• List what structure of sets and subsets are used to organize or partition the content,
• Disseminate or return a particular MDO, or
• List URIs (unique identifiers) for all MDOs added during a particular date range.

Rights Management: involves a number of steps.

• The digital library should include policies and rules specifying the management required.
• The users of the digital library should be authenticated in some way so they are known.
• The content of the digital library should be shown to be authentic.
• Payment should be made if access requires that in a particular case.
• Users who are authorized to access a DO are allowed to do so.
• Subsequent access with the DO may take place after retrieval to a user’s site.

Indexing, Resource Discovery, Searching, and Retrieving: Indexes may be centralized or distributed. They may be two-level, allowing a resource discovery phase to proceed to find what source(s) should be included in the second (lower) level search. Indexes also may have multiple parts, such as when a document has a text, image, audio, or video part. Content-based indexing of multimedia information generally involves identifying and assessing features that characterize the DOs, whether they involve concepts, n-grams, words, keywords, descriptors, phonemes, textures, color histograms, eigenvalues, links, or user ratings.

Most commonly, searching in a digital library involves an information retrieval (IR) system or search engine. In some cases, a database management system is used instead of or underlies the IR system. In any case, retrieval will be more effective if a suitable scheme is used to combine the various types of evidence available, to indicate if a DO might be relevant with respect to the query that is used to express the user’s information need.

Linking, Annotating, and Browsing: Once a DO is found, it often is appropriate to follow links from it to cited works. Further, notes can be recorded as annotations and linked back to the works, so they can be recalled later or shared with colleagues as part of collaborative activities. If suitable clustering is in place, other DOs that are “near” a given work may be examined. Or, using a classification system appropriate for the content domain, users may browse around in “concept space” and link at any point between concepts and related DOs. Browsing also can proceed based on any of the elements in the MDO. Thus, dates, locations, publishers, contributing artists, language, and other aspects may be considered to explore the collection or refine a search.

Interfaces and Interaction: Ultimately, users will connect through a human-computer interface and interact with the digital library, though in some cases the digital library may be an embedded system that is seen only indirectly (e.g., through a word processor that allows one to search for a quotation). Most commonly, a digital library has an interface for users to search, browse, follow links, retrieve, and read documents.

Architectures and Interconnecting: Since the field of digital libraries is young, there still is an active investigation regarding architecture, interconnection, and interoperability. To simplify matters, several interconnection strategies have been explored. At Stanford, a bus approach has been used. Mediation code “wrap” around various collections or resources to make suitable conversions to representations supported by the bus and the other services connected to it.

Fox, E. A. (2001). Overview of Digital Library Components and Developments. Semantic Scholar.

Former Student at Rajshahi University

About The Author

Md. Harun Ar Rashid

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10 Main Advantages of Digital Library to Make You Fall in Love With E-Books

On par with our fast-paced way of living, the demand for access to virtually any type of information at our fingertips is skyrocketing. The way we want to access information and read content is rapidly changing, coinciding with a decline in traditional library visits.

Many large libraries, universities, and schools worldwide joined the trend by slowly but steadily digitizing their reading collections. Various resources are now available online, broadening these institutions’ reach and making them internationally accessible.

Books have a long history. As libraries close and computers become more versatile, more traditional members of the global reading community become concerned that traditional paperback books will become obsolete. However, there is no need to be concerned because, thanks to the wonders of the internet, books are still very much alive.

Traditional physical libraries are changing, but what are the advantages of digital library? Keep reading to find out: 

10 Main Advantages of Digital Library

So, what is an e-library ? It’s a type of library that houses a centralized collection of digital items like texts, graphics, audio, and video materials, files in electronic media formats, along with the methods for organizing, storing, and retrieving media.

Digital libraries can range in size and scope, and they can be maintained by individuals, organizations, or established physical library buildings or institutions affiliated with approved or academic institutions.

As we cleared this one up, we’ll introduce you to the advantages of digital library:

1. Wide Variety of Content Available

Traditional libraries lack the flexibility to include a diverse range of content due to physical space constraints. Digital libraries, on the other hand, store a wide variety of content in a virtual environment, including eBooks, magazines, articles, blogs, papers, videos, podcasts, and audiobooks. 

Modern digital libraries store their resources in the cloud so that their users can access them at any time and from any location.

2. Easily Updated

Small libraries, in contrast to large universities and libraries, frequently lack adequate funding to purchase new books, magazines, and other content resources. Your organization, on the other hand, can keep the digital library up to date on a regular basis. 

Many publishers now allow digital libraries to make current editions and magazines available to readers on a pay-per-read basis. As a result, by giving readers access to the most recent publications, your digital library will pique their interest.

3. On-Demand Access

Physical books remain more popular than eBooks. The number of people reading books in digital format, on the other hand, has been steadily increasing. Younger readers prefer digital book versions because they can read them whenever and wherever they want. They can also access eBooks through their mobile devices at any time and from any location.

In contrast to traditional libraries, digital libraries allow readers to access digital resources via the internet using any device, such as computers, tablets or smartphones.

4. Simplified Search

When visiting a traditional library, readers must devote both time and effort to finding the right book. Furthermore, locating pertinent information in a physical book takes time. Digital libraries, on the other hand, are designed with built-in search capabilities. 

Many digital libraries even use popular search engines like Google, Bing, and Yahoo to speed up content searches. As a result, readers can find the information they need quickly. By entering relevant words and phrases, they can also use the search feature to find and sort digital resources.

5. 24/7 Availability 

Traditional libraries have their working hours, limiting users to use library resources at their leisure. Digital libraries, on the other hand, allow readers to read eBooks, listen to audiobooks, and watch videos 24/7 without changing their location

All it takes is an Internet-powered device to access and read digital library materials at your heart’s content. This is the main reason why more and more readers turn to e-libraries in this day and age.

6. Unlimited Access to Multiple Resources

In a traditional library, multiple readers cannot read the same book at the same time. They must wait for the other reader to return the book. However, in a digital environment, multiple readers can have simultaneous access to the same books, videos, and audiobooks. 

Many educational institutions are now establishing digital libraries to allow a large number of students from various locations to access the same book at the same time.

7. Library Management Automation

By automating routine library services such as indexing, issuing, tracking, and preservation, librarians are slowly becoming obsolete. The library management software has features that automate library management from beginning to end. 

As a result of automation, many institutions and businesses are encouraged to easily establish digital libraries.

8. Real-Time Interactions

The most recent library management software includes features that make it easier for readers and administrators to interact. Furthermore, by establishing online communities, many software solutions encourage reader interaction. 

Readers can quickly gather additional or specific information about a book or article using these real-time interaction options.

9. Reduce Resource Depletion

Traditional libraries must make investments in the preservation and conservation of their library resources. Because readers frequently access and reuse physical library resources, librarians face challenges in preventing the deterioration of books, vinyl records, cassette tapes, and other resources. 

Many organizations digitize their libraries in order to make digital resources available to a large number of readers on a consistent basis, with little regard for physical material preservation.

10. Preserving Knowledge For Future Generations

Physical storage devices, such as CDs, DVDs, and cassette tapes, are prone to damage and loss. Due to the vulnerability of physical storage options, traditional libraries have frequently failed to preserve valuable research, studies, and content. 

So, what are the benefits of a digital library for students? Digital libraries now store their resources in the cloud. Furthermore, sophisticated security measures are used to ensure that only authentic readers have access to the content. 

As a result, digital libraries save important research and studies for future generations.

What Are The Advantages of Digital Library Over Traditional Library?

Now, this is a hot topic. Even though the debate on this matter is still ongoing globally, one can’t overlook the obvious benefits that digital libraries bring to the world.

Digital libraries provide unlimited access to a wide range of content, with a plethora of various resources at your disposal. The main limitation of traditional libraries is physical space: there is a finite amount of resources they can offer, and readers often need to visit more than one library in search of a specific material.

We’ve compiled some of the key advantages and put them in the table for easier comparison. In the end, the judgment is yours.

How Does The E-Library Help Students?

With regard to online education, there are numerous advantages over traditional libraries, such as the ability to represent information in multimedia form, and the creation of equal educational opportunities for all nations. 

When discussing the benefits of E-library for students, we must emphasize the importance of digital library during Covid-19. Since the outbreak, they allowed for uninterrupted access to reading and study materials to millions of people worldwide. 

Due to the increasing demand for trustworthy e-resources, digital libraries established themselves as key access points to high-quality educational content, e-books, journals and much more.

Importance of Digital Library

As our world is increasingly becoming digitized, digital libraries emerge as the smarter and more economic solution for global use. 

Digital libraries will not completely replace the physical existence of documents, but to meet current demand and to satisfy non-local users, digitization must be introduced so that libraries become hybrid in nature.

It is critical to stay current with new technologies that will enhance students’ learning and boost their skills and confidence in the face of challenges.

Are you ready to find your convenient deal for online reading? Get unlimited access to all of your faves, for less than the price of a single book by signing up for Astria Digital Library.  For any questions simply contact us or find the right plan for your needs here .

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Digital Libraries vs. Physical Libraries, Essay Example

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As the world has become more digital, libraries are also evolving. The concept of a physical library as a huge building with endless shelves of paper books and scientific journals does not reflect the true image of a contemporary library anymore, as masses of scholarly materials are getting increasingly digitalized. The process relates to turning the print materials into a digital format and is also accompanied by the creation of digital-only research materials, available only through online data search and retrieval.

Arms (2001) defined a digital library as a “managed collection of information, with associated services, where the information is stored in digital formats and accessible over a network” (p. 2). Digital libraries offer systematically organized digital library collections where researchers can easily locate the materials of their interest by year, the author’s name, title, keywords, and even the place of publication. As Fox and Marchionini (1998) put it, digital libraries are some of the most complex and advanced forms of information systems that specialize in digital document preservation, perform database management, and allow seamless information retrieval either in an isolated library network or via global Internet access.

The main driver for digital library emergence has been the growing use of personal computers and the Internet in traditional, physical library facilities to speed up and simplify the process of the needed print item search. By means of thorough book and journal cataloging, librarians could help students locate the needed materials within minutes without endless searching on the bookshelves. Besides, the digitalization process was encouraged by the academicians’ drive to disseminate valuable information and make it accessible to the global community via the Internet. Previously, a researcher had to come to the library that had a copy of the needed material or purchase it and wait for its arrival by regular mail to access the recent research findings, thus slowing down the research progress. Nowadays, as the digital availability of research publications across global digital libraries grows, so does the pace of valuable research studies and progress.

When comparing physical and digital libraries, Fox and Marchionini (1998) pointed out that digital libraries can extend and augment the capacity and outreach of their physical counterparts. They achieve these objectives by providing new resources for problem-solving and intellectual expression as they amplify the existing library resources and services. As a result of Internet accessibility, libraries can grant new levels of access to broader audiences from all corners of the globe. This way, digital libraries become the present day’s major contributors to the global information exchange, research results sharing, and global research efforts.

Based on the presented evidence, one may conclude that digital libraries are not necessarily substitutes for physical libraries. These two forms of research resources can co-exist and complement each other, with many digital archives and catalogs established on the basis of existing libraries. Therefore, the move towards greater informational digitalization and broader access to the global body of research is a great step forward in worldwide research efforts, partly made possible with the help of digital library resources.

Arms, W. Y. (2001). Digital libraries . MIT Press.

Fox, E. A., & Marchionini, G. (1998). Toward a worldwide digital library. Communications of the ACM, 41 (4), 29-32.

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Libraries are places for inquiry and learning

Libraries are one of the greatest resources of a free society. Librarians embrace their duty to engage their communities with accessible collections, services and spaces that bring together vast histories, diverse perspectives, new discoveries, and endless opportunities for learning. For this reason, libraries are cherished as the soul of our colleges and universities. It’s also why our own library has been a focal point in recent campus discussions about free expression and dissent.

Places where students chart their own paths

Today, within the walls of campus libraries – physical or virtual – students seek to better understand the world around them and their own place in it. Study leads to scholarship, curiosity advances to interests and careers, and leaders in every professional, academic and research field are shaped. 

This is one of the most remarkable aspects of libraries, particularly in times of social or personal turmoil – they are places where students chart their own paths. Outside the library walls, information and viewpoints constantly rush towards them. Inside, they pursue their own lines of inquiry, considering a range of views, and developing ideas that make a difference in their lives and possibly the world.

Places of free expression and mutual respect

Foundational to this exploration is the library’s deep commitment to the principles of free expression and intellectual freedom. That means, for example, that opposing perspectives routinely confront each other in our collections, enabling the understanding of differences and the bridging of divides. 

Libraries are also deeply committed to upholding the rights of all members of our communities . Libraries are places where everyone should feel both welcome and able to focus on their own pursuits. In our reading rooms, a shared community space, people explore their own thoughts while respecting others’ rights to do the same. That’s why library “study-in” actions have sparked debate and discussion on our campuses in recent months. 

Places that welcome contemplation

Study-ins are a silent form of protest. In recent experience, they have been publicized group efforts where participants sit quietly displaying signs relating to their cause. Some would argue that this is not disruptive – it’s not noisy and other seats remain available – and so it’s acceptable in a space that is otherwise off limits for protests. They see it as no different from the free expression of an individual using a laptop with political stickers or wearing a t-shirt with a political message. Others take the position that a study-in compels attention to a specific message – otherwise why would it be held in a community space – so it is inherently disruptive and antithetical to the intent of a library reading room.

For libraries, in providing contemplative spaces for study and research, we deliberately design our reading rooms to welcome everyone in our communities. We think carefully about factors such as artwork and the diversity of collections that line the walls. And so, we’re concerned that even when there is no noise, an assembly of people displaying signs changes a reading room from a place for individual learning and reflection to a forum for public statements.

Librarians have a responsibility to protect library spaces for their intended uses. While a reading room is intended for study, it is not intended to be used as a venue for a group action, quiet or otherwise, to capture people’s attention. In the study-ins in our spaces, we heard from students who saw them publicized and chose not to come to the library. During the events, large numbers of people filed in at once, and several moved around the room taking photos or filming. Seeking attention is in itself disruptive. 

Places of discourse

Don’t get me wrong – a library is also a place of civic engagement and free expression, and we don’t shy away from controversy. In fact, we encourage discourse and facilitate open inquiry. As a champion of curiosity, one of Harvard Library’s core values is to embrace diverse perspectives: we cultivate and celebrate diversity in our collections and our community to construct a more inclusive and just world. Alongside our diverse collections, many libraries offer spaces for exhibits and displays, bulletin boards, and bookable rooms to support the open exchange of ideas and perspectives. And, as the American Library Association affirms in its Library Bill of Rights, we make these resources available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use. 

Being confronted with divergent views in the manner that libraries intend, however, is not the same as acts of protest. Our colleges and universities should and do embrace the free expression of protests as essential to the formulation of ideas and ideals. Outside of libraries, there are spaces on our campuses where acts of protest are not just permitted, they are welcomed. 

Of course, outdoor protests and libraries often go hand-in-hand. Our grandest libraries are adjacent to public spaces and peaceful protests. For example, the Boston Public Library, with its inspiring inscription of “built by the people and dedicated to the advancement of learning,” sits beside Copley Square, the site of many protests. Notably, one such event a few years ago was a demonstration objecting to a protest that had occurred inside the library, interfering with its services.

Places of sanctuary

The library must be a sanctuary for its community. This means it is a place where individuals know they will be welcomed to exercise their right to access the space, the collections, and the divergent ideas that help advance their own knowledge and understanding. If our library spaces become a space for protest and demonstration – quiet or otherwise, and no matter the message – they will be diverted from their vital role as places for learning and research.

Indeed, in times of turmoil, the library may be one of the only such sanctuaries. We saw a dramatic example of that in 2015, when the Pennsylvania Avenue branch of Baltimore’s Enoch Pratt Free Library stayed open for the community during the unrest following the death of Freddie Gray. Many noted that the library had been the community’s anchor throughout that tumultuous period.

Let’s ensure that our students have academic community anchors, places of open inquiry and stability where they can engage deeply with issues and perspectives, and research subjects that will help them forge a better tomorrow. What better place than the library. 

Martha Whitehead is the University Librarian at Harvard University.  

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What is Digital Literacy, Its Importance, and Challenges?

Digital literacy is essentially the discovery, evaluation, creation and communication of information, but there is more to it. Many experts prefer to focus on specific technology and literacy skills and do not define the term. In today’s constantly evolving technological society, Digital literacy is critical for navigating and thriving. This article will explore what digital literacy is, its importance, and challenges.

What is Digital Literacy?

The American Library Association’s digital-literacy task force defines digital literacy as “the ability to use information and communication technologies to find, evaluate, create, and communicate information, requiring both cognitive and technical skills.”While Microsoft defines digital literacy as the ability to navigate our digital world using reading, writing, technical skills, and critical thinking, it uses technology – like smartphones, PCs, e-readers, and more – to find, evaluate, and communicate information.

Hiller Spires, a professor of literacy and technology at North Carolina State University, views digital literacy as having three buckets:

1) Finding and consuming digital content;

2) Creating digital content; and

3) Communicating or sharing it.

Digital literacy goes beyond technical knowledge. It refers to the knowledge, skills, and perspectives that enable an individual to be safe, secure, and empowered in an increasingly digital world. It extends to an individual’s digital activities, participation, interactions, socialising, searching, learning, and other online activities. Digital literacy is a growing part of new-age skills development and features in  UNICEF’s framework, which seeks to prepare children and adults for school, work and life.

However, what constitutes digital literacy varies depending on the age, geography, local culture, and context. For instance, for the younger generation, it doesn’t mean they are not supposed to be online, but it requires them to understand the digital world.

Let’s understand it better through this video:

What is Digital Literacy? | Cultivating Digital Literacy

Why is Digital Literacy Important?

We all know digital literacy is becoming increasingly important in today’s world as technology continues to play a central role in our daily lives, including our social interactions and education.

Identifying information accurately and validating it is crucial as the digital world is getting more and more cluttered. Digital literacy also encompasses using devices and software efficiently, protecting personal data, protecting yourself from online threats, etc., not just in personal but academic and professional lives as well.

Online Safety

People or groups with malicious intent continuously discover and develop new ways to exploit others; therefore, the risks associated with the internet world are constantly evolving. Although digital literacy skills may not wholly shield students from online safety challenges, they can help equip them with crucial knowledge, awareness, tools, processes, and resources to safeguard their privacy and safety while being online.

Digital Responsibility

Digital literacy skills also encompass digital responsibility, which involves ethical consumption and communication of information online. As technology dependence increases, students face various challenges, such as plagiarism, cyberbullying, verifying sources of information, and behaving responsibly while interacting with others. Digital literacy equips students with the necessary skills to navigate through these challenges effectively, enabling them to become responsible digital citizens.

Digital Educational Progress

The increased use of technology in education has made digital literacy skills more essential than ever. Over the past decade, computers, tablets, and the internet have become prominent even in K-12 education. Since it offers a structured way of getting familiar with the digital world, students with digital literacy skills become comfortable and confident in navigating online learning platforms. In contrast, those who lack this skill may struggle. Furthermore, since most standardised assessments are now administered online, it is crucial that students have the confidence to stay focused and not get distracted by technology.

Social Opportunities

Today, social interactions are happening online, and it is growing day by day. Earlier, friendships and familial connections relied on slow and traditional ways of communication like letters, but technological evolution has eliminated these obstacles, providing a vast socialising world. On the positive side, social media facilitates the ability to connect with individuals beyond one’s immediate geographical boundaries. However, it exposes people, particularly youngsters, to precarious social situations. With digital literacy, students can learn to be safe online and engage with others safely, safeguarding their personal information and keeping themselves and others safe from online threats, crime, and scams.

Digital Equity

Bridging the digital divide, especially for working professionals, is another advantage of digital literacy. Despite technology’s proliferation in homes and educational institutions, many students and young working professionals lack digital literacy skills and online etiquette. Digital literacy education is the need of the hour for students and professionals to empower them with better skills and prepare them for today’s career opportunities.

Lifelong Skills

Digital literacy can support the development of strong life skills in several ways. It can enhance communication skills by providing individuals with the ability to express themselves effectively online and teach them about collaboration with others using digital tools. Digital literacy can also improve critical thinking skills by enabling individuals to evaluate the credibility and reliability of online information. It can support the development of problem-solving skills and creativity by providing individuals with the ability to navigate digital technology tools, troubleshoot technical issues and use digital tools to create and share multimedia content.

Why is Digital Literacy Important for Learning? | Cultivating Digital Literacy

Digital Literacy Skills to Succeed in Learning and Beyond | Yimin Yang | TEDxYouth@GrandviewHeights

In this video, Yimin Yang, a 13-year-old student at Southland Elementary, talks about digital media. He also highlights the risks and challenges of the digital world and how important it is for kids and teens to understand these risks and challenges while accessing the internet so they may be able to become responsible digital citizens.

What are the Challenges of Digital Literacy?

There are several challenges that students and educators may need help with while developing or teaching digital literacy, such as lack of awareness about the ethical use of the internet, lack of guidance, difficulty in navigating the overwhelming amount of information available online, and more. Let’s dive deep into these challenges:

Here are some of the challenges associated with digital literacy:

Lack of Access to and Knowledge of Technology

One of the most challenging aspects of digital literacy is the requirement for a certain level of technical expertise and understanding. Not everyone has access to cutting-edge technology and tools or has been properly trained to use them, which can result in a digital divide in which certain people lag in digital skills and knowledge. This can have severe consequences for access to school, employment, and social and civic participation.

Trouble in Finding the Right Resource

Another barrier to digital literacy is the lack of capability to find the right resource from the billions that are available online. With so much information at your fingertips, it can be difficult to identify which sources are genuine and trustworthy. Critical thinking and analytical skills are needed to evaluate the quality of material found online and discern between facts and opinions, biases, disinformation and propaganda. This necessitates a critical approach with experience, awareness and knowledge.

Lack of Guidance

Concerns about privacy and security are amplified when we talk about digital literacy. Many people are unaware of the potential dangers of the internet and lack supervision from a digital expert. With a lack of information about digital literacy, trainers and practitioners, it is a topic that needs greater attention than we think.

Lack of Awareness & Interest in Digital Technology

Another challenge is the lack of awareness and interest in digital technology among certain sections of the population, particularly older adults and women. Nearly half of the world’s population is still not online. While Asia has the highest number of people without access, Africa tops the world in the percentage of the population without connection at 88 per cent. Furthermore, in digitally connected countries, male internet users outnumber their female counterparts in every region of the world. This ‘digital divide’ does not just signify those who have access to the internet and those who do not. The gap also encompasses several other discrepancies, including the quality of digital infrastructure in rural communities, the speed of connectivity in remote areas, and the training and skills required to navigate such technology.

Lack of Emphasis on Digital Literacy in Education

There is a lack of emphasis on making individuals digitally literate. Despite the growing importance of digital skills in the job market, many schools and colleges worldwide do not offer adequate training in digital literacy. This results in a lack of digital skills among young people, which can hinder their employment prospects in the future.

You may also read Embedding Digital Literacy in the Classroom.

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From Books to Tech: Why Libraries Are Still Important in the Digital Age

In a highly technical world, there is something quite magical about the timelessness of the public library. And the impact and importance of libraries spans decades, centuries even, dating back to 4 th century BC in Athens, with texts written and shared on perishable materials like papyrus and parchment. Over time, libraries have evolved to what we know them as today, serving as community cornerstones and giving free access to books, resources, and information.

The Importance of Libraries

A study by Pew Research Center found that 94% of Americans agreed that having a public library improves the quality of life in a community, and 95% said that libraries give everyone a chance to succeed and promote a love for reading. It’s clear that the impact of public libraries is far greater than what meets the eye, and here are just a few of the reasons they are so important to the communities they serve:

Libraries build a sense of community.

Libraries have been called great equalizers, breaking down barriers and bringing people together of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. So, whether you join a monthly book club or read book submissions from local authors, you’re broadening your horizons, making connections, and learning from other members of your community—ones who you may have never crossed paths with otherwise.

Libraries promote education.

Beyond the free access to books, periodicals, and computers, many libraries also offer valuable educational services including tutoring, learning camps, and homeschooling resources. Libraries like the San Diego Public Library host STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and music) events for kids where they get to experience life as an astronaut, learning about the solar system and working together to build robotic, space-related projects. Libraries like this one and many others also support homeschooling families by providing sample curricula, office supplies, and rooms for hosting events and co-ops.

Libraries are empowering.

Libraries are a safe, welcoming environment for people of all ages to develop many different types of skills or achieve personal goals. Whether you’re learning to read, exploring a new hobby , applying for a job, or completing a school assignment, the library has the tools that can help you succeed. Here, you can access free Wi-Fi and computers in addition to the seemingly endless shelves of books and periodicals.

Libraries preserve history.

Original and historical documents are digitized and maintained at libraries, including American periodicals. This helps preserve our history and the nation’s cultural heritage, as well as provide an opportunity to better understand others’ points of view. If you ever get the chance, visit the New York Public Library to explore its database of over 1,800 newspapers, magazines, and journals, all published between 1740 and 1940.

Celebrate National Reading Month.

This National Reading Month, take a trip to your local public library to explore all the different services they offer—you may be surprised at what you find! My local library has a seed library, and we can obtain three packets of seeds per month along with gardening resources like books, calendars, and charts that help guide you as you garden throughout the year. Plus, regular trips to the library help to inspire a lifelong love for reading within yourself and your kids. For resources that will help encourage your child to embrace reading, go to the K12 Leading With Literacy hub.

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Gifts for Teachers

How to Thank a Teacher: Heartfelt Gestures They Won’t Forget   

Six Ways Online Schools Can Support Military Families

Things to Tell the Teacher About Your Child Examples

April 30 2024

Countdown to Graduation: How to Prepare for the Big Day 

April 23 2024

How am I Going to Pay for College?

April 16 2024

5 Major Benefits of Summer School 

April 12 2024

Types of Poems

April 9 2024

A Parent’s Guide to Tough Conversations

April 2 2024

The Importance of Reading to Children and Its Enhancements to Their Development

March 26 2024

5 Steps to Master College-Level Reading

March 19 2024

10 Timeless Stories to Inspire Your Reader: Elementary, Middle, and High Schoolers

March 15 2024

March 13 2024

The Evolution of Learning: How Education is Transforming for Future Generations

March 11 2024

The Ultimate Guide to Reading Month: 4 Top Reading Activities for Kids

March 1 2024

Make Learning Fun: The 10 Best Educational YouTube Channels for Kids

February 27 2024

The Value of Soft Skills for Students in the Age of AI

February 20 2024

30 Questions to Ask at Your Next Parent-Teacher Conference

February 6 2024

Four Life Skills to Teach Teenagers for Strong Resumes

January 25 2024

Exploring the Social Side of Online School: Fun Activities and Social Opportunities Await

January 9 2024

Is Your Child Ready for Advanced Learning? Discover Your Options.

January 8 2024

Your Ultimate Guide to Holiday Fun and Activities

December 18 2023

Free Printable Holiday Coloring Pages to Inspire Your Child’s Inner Artist

December 12 2023

Good Reasons to Switch Classes in Middle School

December 5 2023

A Parent’s Guide to Switching Schools Midyear

November 29 2023

Building Strong Study Habits: Back-to-School Edition

November 17 2023

A Parent’s Guide to Robotics for Kids

November 6 2023

How to Get Ahead of Cyberbullying

October 30 2023

Bullying’s Effect on Students and How to Help 

October 25 2023

Bullying Signs

October 16 2023

Could the Online Classroom Be the Solution to Bullying?

October 11 2023

Bullying Prevention Starts With Parents

October 9 2023

Libraries: A Local Hub for Learning

January 23 2023

5 Reasons You Should Take Your Kids to the Public Library

July 10 2018

Keep Young Readers Engaged with Books About Summer Adventures

August 4 2022

The School Reading List: Should Kids Choose the Books?

April 12 2019

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