Why libraries matter in this age of social media
ALBERT EINSTEIN once said, “The only thing you absolutely have to know is the location of the library.” Libraries are places where one can fully dedicate part of one’s time to reading and research as well as expand one’s knowledge. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines the word ‘library’ as a place in which literary, musical, artistic, or reference materials such as books, manuscripts, recordings and films are kept for use, but not for sale. Libraries, however, due to the technological advancements of society, such as search engines and social media sites, are thought to have lost their importance, but libraries are still of great significance to society.
The library provides a quiet, productive space in which one can constructively use one’s time to expand one’s knowledge via reading or research. School children especially benefit from this action as reading develops vocabulary which further develops writing skills as well as improves focus and concentration. While social media is used to promote businesses as well as communicate with distant relatives, when it is used for leisure by students, it can lead individuals to waste valuable time, which could have been used to conduct constructive activity, such as studying for an important assessment, causing their grades to suffer. French writer Stendhal once said, “Life is too short, and the time we spend yawning can never be regained.”
Second, the library provides a safe, peaceful environment, free of harassment in which people can read and conduct meetings, such as book clubs or other groups, as well as simply exchange conversation. The library serves as a gathering place for all social groups. Although such meetings can be conducted over social media, the concept of cyberbullying (the use of technology to threaten, harass, embarrass, or target another) deducts from the idea of a harassment-free society.
Social media pressures one to conform to society and its ideals, due to the influences of the celebrities of today, for example: Kylie Jenner, Gigi Hadid, Kendall Jenner, etc. Society dictates how we should look, dress and sometimes what we should eat, but when it is observed that one does not fit the standard of society, one may become subject to teasing, jeering and insults, which can lower his self-esteem.
Last, the library encourages the idea of social interaction, teamwork and collaboration among individuals through clubs and groups which can lead to the formation of new, genuine friendships. Through social interaction, collaboration and teamwork, people with common interests and values may be drawn to each other. This enhances one’s social skills and stresses the importance of communicating face to face. People may seek opportunities for socialising online, and become withdrawn from present physical relationships, such as family. Meanwhile, they become entangled within the web of virtual interaction and online games.
In more serious cases, individuals can remain oblivious to the dangers of communicating with people they do not know and may reveal confidential information about themselves which can result in identity theft, or worse, kidnapping, if the person either reveals where he lives or if he agrees to meet up with his virtual ‘friend’ without knowing much, or anything at all, about him.
In conclusion, the library is of great significance to society due to the fact that it provides resources, which one can use to expand one’s knowledge, it contains a safe, peaceful and harassment-free environment as well as it encourages social interaction, collaboration and teamwork. These buildings promote the activity of reading and contain a myriad of topics for one’s indulgence. Libraries provide knowledge, and knowledge is power.
References;
Winter-Hebert, Lana. ‘10 Benefits of Reading: “Why You Should Read Every Day’. Cc-Admin Icon,Lifehack, 18 Aug. 2016, Retrived from:
capcana.com/news/10benefits-of-reading-whyyou-should-read-everyday
on November 15, 2018.
‘Social Role of the Library! Libraries Matter’, American Library Association, dynamically generated page. Retrieved
from: http://www.ala.org/ tools/research/Iibraries matter/category/social-rolelibrary (accessed on November 15, 2018).
Zaki, Yousra. ‘The Dangers of Social Media That No One Likes to Admit’.
Gulfnews, Gulfnews 28, Oct. 2018, gulfnews.com/opinion/ op-eds/the-dangers-of-socialmedia-that-no-one-likes-to admit-1.2087285.