THE Guyana National Library will this week be celebrating the invaluable social contribution of libraries in observance of National Library Week 2017, under the theme, “Facing the future: Information literacy in a changing technological landscape”.

Chief Librarian, Ms Emily King told the Guyana Chronicle that while National Library Week is observed the world over from April 9 – 14, it is being done here from April 23 – 28, since every effort was being made to ensure a fun, creative and informative week of activities with the involvement of as many agencies as possible.

Thus far, the Guyana National Library has succeeded in getting agencies the likes of the University of Guyana, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, and CARICOM to join it in hosting a book exhibition that would allow the showcasing the various types of information available at other libraries here.

The purpose of the exhibition, Ms King said, is to highlight the importance of libraries in different capacities, and to remind of the benefits to be had in preserving information through the leaves of a book.

The week-long celebration, King said, will also comprise of several lectures, and roundtable and panel discussions, all of which will be aired publicly, while the mobile book service, which is normally used for out-of-town communities, will be available in the city.

Persons will also be able to have their eyes checked, since the service will be made available by a volunteer company. King said contact can be made with the library for information on the upcoming events.

She noted, however, that while libraries have for aeons been one of society’s main sources of information, this is no longer the case, due to the continuous development of technological capacities.

Distraction by other social and entertainment items introduced mainly through the electronic medium has supported the reduction of users.

NOT LIKE BEFORE
“It’s not like it used to be,” King said of the public’s use of the library these days since the spread of electronic devices.

She told the Guyana Chronicle that though the library has seen a decline in users, she is confident that it will maintain its stride.
She explained that many persons still make time to access the services of the library, particularly the older folks who prefer to use books rather that the electronic devices. She said that students, especially those without smartphones or regular access to computers, would also come to the library to do their research, while some parents personally take their children to the library and ensure that they access the facility. King conceded that libraries would need to do their part, however, to be competitive. She is convinced that while libraries will never die, they are overshadowed by the convenience of technology.

As such, the Guyana National Library has increased its services to research and educational guidance.

King said it was noticed that some students and even adults are unable to conduct research. They are unable to use a book, not knowing what the index or content page is used for. Again, some persons cannot read and are unable to pronounce or spell simple words.

The Chief revealed that many persons going to First World countries to live, seek the assistance of the library with basic English. She opined that these persons have come to recognise that they must have some level of literacy in the First World and often seek help from the library.

The facility, therefore, offers classes and other assistance in the use of books, learning how to read, write applications and filling out of forms among other functions. It is also an area the library would like to develop more, King said. “There will always be the need for the People’s University,” King stated. She believes that libraries will remain for their hard copy storage and lifespan regardless the technological development.