For centuries, libraries have been in the service of man. These libraries are the repositories of never-ending knowledge known as books. Some people opine that we can do away with traditional libraries because technology has given us the facility of virtual or online libraries. I, however, believe that even though technology has reduced our need to go to libraries, our traditional libraries can never become redundant.
With the advent of new technologies in the fields of computers and telecommunications, revolutionary changes have taken place in the fields of library and information science. The shape of traditional libraries containing a large number of printed documents is in the process of being transformed into paperless libraries containing a large number of digitised documents. The facilities offered by networking have not left libraries untouched. Modern libraries are not only digitised but also networked. This has led to the creation of virtual libraries, i.e., libraries without walls, through which the user has access to information at anytime, anywhere in the world, by using modern communication tools such as computers and Internet facilities.
However, one should keep in mind that a person goes to a library not only to search for and get information from books but also to sit and study there. The ambience and peaceful and scholarly atmosphere of the library help one concentrate more on one’s work and study. Thus, libraries will never become unneeded. They will always be there to indicate the presence of a well-read and educated society.
Another important point is that it is very difficult to always read books on the computer monitor. Traditional books can be issued from the library and read in the comfort of your bed. Virtual libraries can be accessed only by those who are computer literate. Access to virtual libraries can be affected by power cuts and network failures. Moreover, in a traditional library, you are guided by the librarians if you need any help in searching for the book.
To conclude, it can be said that advancement should be welcome in every field, but the importance of libraries for their fundamental role cannot be put aside. Every library should have its own digital segment, too, so that more and more people can access them. This will add more crowns of success to the importance of libraries.