Information is the core of society and intelligence in the 21 century. The ever rising st dependency on information science and technology in modern society, in industries, and in personal life demands the reinforcement of their foundations and the creation of new ideas. It is also vital that we furnish means of effectively configuring the advance and intelligence information systems that function as the brain and nerve system of modern society; therefore the needs for a modern information’s center such as Library. The needs for a library as an information center/institution take effect when the needs for humans’ knowledge, craft, wisdom and all other activities needs to be preserve, access and utilize for records purposes and civilizations. The library existence therefore cannot be overemphasized as it explain why much is known about the early man activities. As human mind, thinking and actions widening, more information were created, more task were vested on the collection process and preservation of libraries which today in developed countries has taking a center stage in information handling, processing and dissemination.
This existence don’t just stand as a status with no positive impact on the society but has greatly enhanced research fostering of institutions, group, individuals, the society to an extent that it has become inevitable as an institution in our society. Though many opined that, advent in technology and internet stand in place of libraries. To this thought our justification is that they lack more to what the library stand to do, how they do it, where it is done and how,, where and when it could be accessed. Yes several online pages/database are available online for use but in a larger scene has broader scope to library/librarians activities.
Specifically, libraries exist to provide information in whatever tangible forms, format internet inclusive to the users but with considerable over-lapping in the services offered. Libraries such as the public libraries are libraries for all. They are the local center of information, making all kinds of knowledge and information readily available to its users. The services of the public library are provided on the basis of equality of access for all, regardless of age, race, sex, religion, nationality, language or social status. Specific services and materials must be provide for those users who cannot, for whatever reason, use regular services such as people in hospital, prison, the less privilege.
They are missioned with creating and strengthening reading habits in children from early age, providing opportunities and platforms for personal creative development, supporting education at all levels, supporting and participating in literacy activities ( such as quiz, debate, spelling competitions etc.) public enlightenment and community literacy extension services etc.
All the above should be achieved through varying means and services of the public library. Unfortunately, public library in our environment are redundant, resort to an handicap default state of inefficient performances due to negligence from government, politician, philanthropist, educational authorities/bodies, non-governmental agencies, group and all literacy promoters in our society.
– Kareem Onivehu A., a Librarian/Information Specialist, writes from Lokoja.
08131846650, onivehu2015@gmail.com
