What Are The Role Of Library In The Society

[Michael Rosiles]

Librariesare synonymous with education and offer countless learning opportunities that can fuel economic, social and cultural development. The inspiring story of William Kamkwamba from Malawi underlines the difference a library can make. Having borrowed a book about windmills from his local library, Mr. Kamkwamba learned how to build an energy-producing turbine for his village. On the strength of this experience he went on to study at a leading US university. That one book not only changed his life; it also transformed the lives of those in his village community. Such stories explain why many countries are eager to ensure that libraries continue to provide access to knowledge, learning and ideas.

In addition to lending books, libraries are also involved in copying materials for research or private study purposes. Students cannot afford to buy every book, or pay for every television broadcast or journal they need to access for their studies. They therefore rely on the services of a library.

The exceptions and limitations that are an integral part of many national copyright systems play a critically important role in enabling libraries to deliver such services. For example, they allow libraries to make copies on behalf of students and others for research or study purposes, of works that might not otherwise be directly accessible to them. Libraries also make interlibrary loans possible, providing local access to materials that normally reside in a library hundreds, or even thousands, of miles away.

Libraries are rich repositories of historically and culturally significant collections, many of which are not available anywhere else in the world. Without an appropriate copyright exception, a library could not preserve or replace a damaged work while it is still covered by copyright. For example, it could not lawfully copy or digitize an old newspaper or a unique sound recording to preserve it. Without appropriate library exceptions, this cultural heritage would be lost to future generations.

The challenges facing libraries are linked in large part to the fact that, while international copyright agreements guarantee exclusive rights for authors and other right holders, the interpretation of the exceptions and limitations that entities such as libraries depend on in order to provide their services is left to national parliaments. In sum, exceptions and limitations are national and optional, whereas the rights accruing to right holders are international and guaranteed.

In 2008, WIPO commissioned a study on Copyright Limitations and Exceptions for Libraries and Archives. The study found that statutes relating to library exceptions differ greatly from one country to another. It also found that, of the 149 countries surveyed, 21 had no library exceptions in their copyright laws, and 128 had a least one statutory library exception, with many, most often in developed countries, having multiple library-related provisions. Even where library exceptions to copyright laws do exist, however, they generally date from the pre-Internet age and now need to be updated and adapted to the digital environment.

One particularly moving example of the benefits of mass digitization comes from my own library, the British Library. A number of years ago we digitized a series of 20th century recordings from Uganda and put them online. We were subsequently contacted by a student at Sheffield University who explained that some of the recordings were of Ugandan royal court music, an art form that had all but disappeared. Given the historical importance of the recordings, we made copies for Makerere University in Kampala, and Ugandan musicians are now trying to piece together how to play this unique music once again.

Despite its many benefits, the digital age has, unfortunately, caused an erosion of copyright law in that the act of using purchased digital content is no longer regulated by copyright law but by contract law. Whereas national copyright laws strive to promote creativity by balancing the needs of creators with those of users, this is not expressly the case with contract law.

Copyright laws are designed to foster innovation. They protect the investment of creators in the production of their work, while guaranteeing that others may use that work in support of innovation, competition and learning. Evidence suggests however that private systems of law, such as contract law, do not create this innovative synergy between creators and users but reflect instead a more static, one-sided relationship between content distributors and customers.

A 2007 review of 100 contracts by the British Library shows contracts are systematically undermining copyright law in that existing statutory limitations and exceptions often become null and void under contract law. For example, only 2 of the 100 contracts in the study allowed explicit access by visually impaired persons, and only 23 allowed a library to archive the materials they had purchased.

Despite this fundamental shift, policymakers globally have been slow to recognize that copyright law is increasingly peripheral to regulating access to copyrighted works. From the perspective of libraries, the issues are stark. Billions of euros are spent annually on purchasing electronic materials, but the uses that can be made of this purchased content are diminishing. Moreover, libraries are facing a situation equivalent to one in which, in the analogue world, every book on a shelf comes with a different contract allowing different things. How can access to knowledge be lawfully or practically managed in such a case? Must every citizen, student or researcher become an expert in contract law to understand what they can lawfully do with a digital work? Certainly libraries feel very strongly that policy makers need to engage in this issue as a matter of urgency to ensure that the positive role that copyright exceptions play in the innovation cycle is not indelibly undermined by private contracts.

Libraries are dynamic hubs of cultural activity that transcend their traditional roles. They actively engage with and contribute to the cultural vibrancy of communities, fostering a deeper appreciation for diversity, heritage, and artistic expression. Through their programs, collections, and events, libraries play an essential part in enriching the cultural tapestry of society and ensuring that cultural traditions endure for future generations to cherish and celebrate.

Sequel to the emergence of Library and Information Science as a profession, Nigeria government is yet to embrace the technological approach of dealing with electronic information materials in the library be it e-books, e-journals or in the compact disk form. As the job of Librarianship is gradually facing out as a

result of library automation, it will be advisable to introduce Basic Library Education in the Primary and Secondary School so as to Cultivate the habit of reading in students as well as to impact in them the basic knowledge of sourcing out information from the Library since Library is a means of access to knowledge and refinement of the intellect, emotion and manners.

This is my 8th years of graduating from the Department of Library and Information Science, ABIA STATE UNIVERSITY UTURU Nigeria, with keen interest in Electronic Libraries, still searching for a profitable Library job where i can end my career as a Librarian who is very much conversant with KOHA and Library of Congress Classification Scheme.

The article highlights the essential role of libraries in modern society, catering to various needs such as education, research, cultural enrichment, and recreation. Libraries are crucial institutions for knowledge and information management in an increasingly information-driven world.

Library workers promote public health and well-being while also being purveyors of information, and they strive to better communities by building library programs and initiatives to address local needs.

But they are also leaders within the community, recognizing its needs and striving to find resources such as library grants and other funding to implement solutions. Many do this with no formal leadership training or professional business experience.

Library staffers also serve as social workers. Many times, a librarian is the first point of contact for community members experiencing homelessness or struggling with addiction. They seek ways to demonstrate compassion and connect these individuals with traditional and online services to help them get back on their feet.

From story times for young children to summer reading programs for elementary-school students and computer-skills classes for seniors, a public library offers a variety of educational programs for patrons of all ages, many of which are designed to improve literacy rates.

A librarian is often responsible for developing the curricula for these programs, selecting materials, and even teaching the classes. They also serve as research assistants, helping library patrons find reliable information for school papers or work projects.

"Small business is big business in America," the ALA notes, "and libraries are making an investment in their future" by supporting small businesses and budding entrepreneurs with everything from pop-up

marketplaces to intellectual property and patent guidance.

Libraries support diversity by helping new immigrants become citizens, for instance, and by acting as inclusive spaces for community celebration. A large number of libraries host cultural workshops and programs that showcase the traditions, art, music and literature of various cultures. Invite local artists, authors and performers from different backgrounds to participate.

It's important for librarians to build an inclusive collection that reflects the diversity of the library's users. They can do so by acquiring books and other materials that represent a broad range of cultures and perspectives, and by offering digital resources in multiple languages to serve the reading needs of a linguistically diverse community.

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