Libraries and the requirements of the modern

94 News. writing Sheikh Muhammad Arshad, Director General, Department of Libraries. Islamabad

Times are changing rapidly, modern technology has changed every section of life, information technology, artificial intelligence and digitization have made life easier, but they have raised questions on knowledge sources like books, studies and libraries.

When we think of a library, we think of a place filled with silence, where an ocean of knowledge exists in a form of food and people engaged in study are seen wandering in search of knowledge. Studying history shows that great civilizations were founded on knowledge. The Bait-ul-Hikamat Library of Baghdad, the libraries of Cordoba, Cairo and Samarkand are still the hallmark of the academic world. In the past, libraries were centers where research was conducted on subjects such as science and art, philosophy, medicine, astronomy and mathematics. These centers laid the foundations of modern scientific development and transmitted the intellectual heritage to the West.

Today is the age of information technology, internet and digitization where information from all over the world is available at a click. Today's library is not just a collection of books, but modern libraries now provide digital content for study as well as research. Online catalogs, e-books, digital magazines and other databases have changed the way of studying. Unfortunately, today's young generation has moved away from the book and closer to the screen. Social media, gaming and videos have distracted attention, making libraries attractive for these youngsters is the need of the hour.

If the libraries are adapted according to the modern requirements, they can become a platform for the youth not only to study, but also to learn, teach, research and improve themselves.

Libraries in our country as a whole are not given the importance that is given in developed countries, the budget of schools, colleges, universities and libraries is limited due to which they cannot meet the needs of the readers and many libraries do not have internet, digital facilities and trained staff with comfortable environment due to which the readers have to face serious problems.

It should also be kept in mind that the library is not just a repository of knowledge but also a social institution, it is a place where people of all age groups and backgrounds come to seek knowledge. Libraries promote tolerant tolerance and knowledge-friendly culture in the society.

In the modern era, many dimensions of the library have been formed. Libraries are now playing the role of community centers where workshops, lectures and group programs are organized as well as promoting online courses and research activities. Modern day libraries are organizing special seminars and campaigns on environmental awareness and green initiatives along with digital resources. Libraries attached to educational institutions not only provide curriculum materials but also inculcate the habit of critical thinking and study in students. Paying special attention to them is the most important need of the hour. The role of libraries in the development of nations and awareness of intellectual consciousness is very important.

The concept of library is not only a thing of the past but a guarantee of the future.