Indian professor in China explains how public libraries are benefiting Chinese society
They not only serve as 'knowledge depositories' for research, but also as centres for spreading knowledge.
What could be the best way to
construct a better society? Imparting free education and opening the gates of
learning centres to all. Libraries are repositories of knowledge, and as was
argued by Francis Bacon centuries ago, knowledge is power.
The rise of China is not only about asserting
its political and economic might, but more precisely in investing in
knowledge-building. China's growing influence in the world has been marked by
the spectacular performance of its universities in global rankings, a growing
numbers of patents, and scientific research that has challenged hitherto
Western-dominated domains of knowledge and social sciences by providing
alternative concepts and theories.
Public libraries in China are serving not
only as "knowledge depositories" for research, but also as centres
for spreading knowledge across segments of society. Access to libraries is free
and requires only an identity proof - passport for foreigners. A smart library
card makes the reader's experiences convenient and hassle-free while enjoying
the library's facilities. Membership is free and for life. For borrowing books,
users need to deposit a security amount, which is refundable.
Compare this to any public
library in India, where administrative hurdles seem designed to
restrict the access to knowledge, historically a privilege for a few. For
instance, to get a membership of the Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial and Library,
commonly known as Teen Murti Library, in New Delhi, you need identity cards
(PAN card, Aadhaar card, official id, student id) and a reference letter from
your institute, or prove that you are an independent researcher. You also need
to pay for packaged membership options. To put it differently, common citizens
are discouraged from accessing public libraries.
China has invested generously in its
libraries, also taking care of the buildings' aesthetics - not just Chinese,
but even reputable international architects are brought in to design library
buildings.
Recently, the Shanghai Library announced the
construction of its east
branch in the Pudong Area of Shanghai, the newly developed hub of
financial and business activities. The bid to design the building was won by
Denmark's Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects.
The National Library of China, Beijing, acts
as a repository for all publications in China and has a rich collection of
foreign publications too. With five-star amenities, books, newspapers and
journals in both the hard and electronic format, and audio and visuals
resources including TV dramas and movies, libraries in China are not only
centres of learning, but also serve as destinations for public discussion and gathering.
Hundreds of computers with internet
and connected to digital resources, such as a plethora of recordings of
interviews and lectures, are freely available for any individual for a maximum
of four hours in a day.
More importantly, prompt Chinese translation
of books across genres published in English and other languages are available
in libraries and shops, keeping the common Chinese fully aware of developments
in different parts of the world.
Imagine a whole family spending a day in a
library. While it sounds unusual, the practice is fairly common in Chinese
public libraries, which have specially designed children's corners so that the
habit of reading can be inculcated early. Libraries in China are not dull or
boring, but have become engaging and cater to different needs.
Automated borrowing and returning services in
some big libraries, 24*7 returning services, and e-journal databases (a paid
service sometimes) ensure that the public enjoys readings. A library was built
in Shandong University, Qingdao Campus, from public funds, and therefore it's
open to all city dwellers. The idea is to ensure knowledge is open and
inclusive.
Libraries have also made sure that they do
not lag behind in the digital age. Websites are regularly updated with all
sorts of information and activities. Anybody within reach of mobile phones or
Internet can browse through library catalogues, read free e-books and
magazines, access digital documents or get notified about activities and
arrivals of new books.
Regards
Pralhad Jadhav
Senior Manager @ Knowledge
Repository
Khaitan & Co
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