Compulsory reading is necessary to inculcate love for books

Books are the best friends one can have. Reading books gives both pleasure and knowledge. Mr S N Bhat, Librarian, Kendriya Vidyalaya, Surathkal gives us his thoughts on a model library and how to inculcate the taste of reading books amongst students.

How should be the idea for a model library?

A model library should be attractive. A model library is the one which gives a reader friendly environment including, clean air, lighting facility, comfortable seating facility and other similar facilities. A librarian’s responsibility is more in this area and proper facilities must be provided for the readers.

There is accusation that due to the ever developing technology, people are moving away from libraries?

It is true that people are moving away from the libraries with the increase in use of technology. The main reason for this is the failure to inculcate the taste of reading books amongst children in their primary education. If children are motivated and encouraged to read books in their young age, then it is possible to inculcate the habit of reading books.

Do you think that due to digitalization, the youth are losing interest in reading books?

It cannot be said that digitalization is completely reducing the interest in reading books. In my thirty years of service, there has not been much of a drop in the children’s interest to read books. If reading books is made compulsory, then it will be possible to ensure that the children are not turned away from books due to technology and digitalization.

What should be done to attract youth towards the libraries?

Any interest takes birth in childhood. Now there is no concept of telling stories to children. Google search is the answer of everything. But the students must realize that Google is not the primary source. When any assignment is given, it should be made compulsory to mention information on the reference books referred for the assignment. Through this the number of students coming towards the library will increase.

How is the job opportunity and scope for studying library science?

Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) post graduation course has good job opportunities. An M Lib qualified job aspirant can get a salary equivalent to the level of an assistant professor. But, since there is no much information about the course and the pay grade, facilities available for a librarian and officials, students are not showing much interest towards these courses.

Article by Dhanya Balekaje translated into English by Aaron Dmello