Since the advent of mobile phones and smart gadgets, people are tending towards online facilities. From ordering food, clothes to studying online, all is possible in this 21st century. However, every change has its positive as well as adverse sides and the concern for preserving the traditional ways is still trending in society. Libraries are no exception to this. Traditional libraries have a fundamental role in society and they offered tons of resources and opportunities for the fellows to shape new ideas and perspectives that may lead to an innovative society (Wahler & Williams, 2020). Despite this, the craze for traditional libraries among learners are decreasing over the years. “Is that because of the occurrence of online materials?’. No doubt, the circumstances, and the disruptive technologies have forced people to choose new and innovative ways rather the traditional ones. The occurrence of online resources is making students and educators less interested in traditional libraries because of their ease of use. Nevertheless, the absence of group discussion, book reading, and collecting vast information from the libraries are being felt in today’s society. The engagement among the students and dynamic conversations are steadily shrinking. It does not mean online resources are not benefitting the students but the concern is to preserve the traditional libraries while balancing the innovations. The organization and availability of information and academic material are far better in traditional libraries than online sources (Bingwaya & Tabakamulamu, 2020). Traditional libraries paved the way for interactions between students and their lessons which is significant for permitting innovative ideas and creativity.
Undoubtedly, the traditional libraries have a peaceful and multifaceted environment that allows deep and focused thinking. Although, the risks for cyberbullying and crimes are very low in traditional libraries than online sources. Another fact that creates concern over the preservation of traditional libraries is its disciplines and constructivism. Digital sources lack such features and are relatively less beneficial for today’s generation. Well, the debate is unending whereas libraries are still enduring to provide assistances that are both tangible- such as community spaces and pupil interaction and harder to quantify-access, privacy, intellectual freedom. On the other hand, the internet is an indispensable and inimitable instrument for modern living. But the place of conventional libraries and the role of librarians will never replace.
References
Bingwaya, L. L., & Tabakamulamu, N. (2020). The Transition Of Academic Libraries From Traditional Libraries To Learning Commons. The University Of Zambia. Retrieved from http://lis.unza.zm/archive/bitstream/handle/123456789/56/reports-unza20-lis4014-report_bingwaya_langazye_mooya_musyani_tabakamulamu.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y
Wahler, E. A., & Williams, M. A. (2020). The changing role of libraries: How social workers can help. Families in Society, 101(1), 34-43. Retrieved from https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/1044389419850707