Role of School Libraries in Promoting and Supporting Education

The role of school libraries in the academic and professional growth of students is immeasurable. Every boarding school has a library to fulfil the educational needs of every child. It acts as a valuable resource center that enhances the overall learning experience. The school library is a dynamic and integral part of the educational institutions that enrich every student’s learning experience by offering a wide range of resources, fostering information literacy, and promoting a culture of reading and inquiry. Let us learn more about the role of school libraries in supporting education.

Libraries in boarding school 

Boarding schools in India have a well-built infrastructure to accommodate numerous students and address their educational needs. An advanced boarding school infrastructure assists education by offering all facilities such as smart classes, dormitories, playgrounds, mess, libraries, and washrooms. Libraries are an integral part of the infrastructure of all residential schools in India. The government has opened central libraries in many cities that are not a part of any boarding school but run independently. Libraries act as an essential source of diverse knowledge for students. Modern libraries in private boarding schools are equipped with study areas, cubicles, chairs, tables, and ACs to provide a comfortable study environment. One or more librarians are employed to act as incharges for the library. They track and record all books and their date of issue and return. With the advent of technology, software and applications are being integrated into libraries for smooth functioning. 

How do libraries support teaching and learning?

Libraries are superior self-learning centres that give access to diverse study materials. It is accessible to both students and teachers. Indian boarding schools have all sorts of study material such as fiction and non-fiction, books from various writers, research papers, encyclopaedia, journals, magazines, periodicals, etc. These books are classified into various categories and then systematically organised into sections on shelves in the library to make it easier for students, teachers, and librarians to find them. Libraries implement a strict disciplinary environment to ensure a sound and mentally stimulating environment where students can study without distractions.

How do libraries play an important role in education?

The role of school libraries in education impacts students’ educational growth and allows them to access unlimited study material.

1. The vast pool of study material in libraries helps satisfy the study needs of students and teachers. School libraries play a dynamic role in boosting students’ academic and professional development by providing them with a plethora of study material.

2. It also allows teachers to access more study material to offer well-crafted lectures with an in-depth understanding of concepts.

3. School syllabus is limited, but what if students want to read more about any topic or writer without purchasing books? Libraries offer free and unlimited study resources to students and teachers.

4. It encourages reading and self-studies in students from a very young age.

5. Students can take their laptops and smart devices to the library to get a sound space for studying even if they are not using the books in the library.

6. The quiet and conducive environment of libraries fosters research work and mindful and critical thinking as it is free from distractions.

7. The company of many people focusing on their studies also acts as an encouragement for others to study.

Difference between libraries and e-libraries 

1. Definition– An e-library or digital library is an online collection of books, journals, research papers, magazines, and more. A library is offline where students and teachers can find many books and other study materials.

2. Format– E-libraries offer electronic content uploaded on the library website and available digitally. Libraries offer study materials in printed format, which is physically available for anyone visiting the library.

3. Flexibility– E-libraries can be accessed from anywhere by anyone since they just require an internet connection. You can access the resources at any time. You can even download study material on your smart devices. Libraries require people to visit the place in person, where they get access to a sound reading environment. The operating hours of many libraries are fixed.

4. Benefits– E-libraries offer access to various resources, including audiobooks and videos. Libraries offer the comfort of a mentally stimulating environment where students get to study without any distractions.

What are the benefits of going to the library?

The purpose of school libraries is to equip students and teachers with all sorts of study material. Students in every residential school spend a significant amount of their free time in libraries to prepare for their exams or read other books in their leisure time. The advantages of school libraries in education are as follows- 

1. Free borrowing of books– School libraries allow students to issue a limited number of books in one go for a limited period. The books can be reissued if required by the student or teacher. This allows cost-effective reading where students can read numerous books without purchasing them.

2. Academic research– Students pursuing their PhD or any other field requiring data, statistics and other quantitative information to supplement their research can get help from librarians. Libraries have a wealth of academic journals, databases, and reference materials that allow students to conduct research and complete school projects.

3. Preservatory hubs– Libraries have existed for years and are a hub for historical documents, rare manuscripts, and valuable study materials. This way, libraries also preserve cultural and intellectual heritage for upcoming generations.

4. Access to free internet and technology– Students or teachers who do not have laptops can use the laptops available in libraries. They also offer free high-speed Wi-Fi to facilitate online research, digital literacy development, and access to various online databases. This way, students can combine the knowledge of books and technology to build their understanding.

5. Builds social connections– Libraries foster social interactions by providing an unbiased platform for students from all social and economic backgrounds to come together and exchange their thoughts, share ideas, and have intellectual discussions.

The role of school libraries in student life is very crucial as it helps in providing a nurturing and resourceful environment where students can study and even spend their leisure time productively.

SKV is a girls’ boarding school in Gwalior where we offer world-class education to girls from class VI onwards. Our school has a well-built infrastructure to accommodate the diverse academic needs of students.