An entry into any of the National Libraries, will show you but a few readers , knowledge seekers. The population of young people who read is on the decline. There are virtually, empty Libraries these days.
The ideas of our time have plethora of effects. The advancement of Science and Technology have made things simple and easy, encouraging laziness and poor reading culture among the young, leaders of tomorrow.
The few e-libraries are not functional. Young people suddenly developed poor attitudes to reading. The love and quest for knowledge as of those days as compared now, has ran cool, the nation is experiencing a decay in educational research.
The teens are fast copying this wrong narrative. Making it difficult to correct. little attention is giving to reading, the authorities are less concerned. and the trend of poor reading attitudes continues.
Technological gadgets like Android phones, Tablets, Laptops etc. have shifted the attention of young people from the library.
These gadgets used for social networks rather than educational purposes. Thus, making the use of library (both the manual and e-library) to be less attractive.
SECRETS ABOUT EMPTY LIBRARIES AND POOR READING CULTURE AMONG THE YOUTHS
The repercussions of not reading books, for both Self and National development is dangerous. Not only does it bread illiteracy and ignorance, the future of the country is with poor decision makers. Just like the saying “if you want to hide secrets from a Black man, put it in a book”.
Books contain hiding secret to greatness. A youth who fails to read, will not be intellectually sound. He or She is myopic in Knowledge. This might affect the vision of national development.
The story of many western nations cannot be told, without mentioning the youths, the western youths have contributed immensely, knowledge wise. They found answers to hiding truth, via reading and research. Perhaps, our youths are yet to be felt.
THE QUESTIONS ARE, WHY IS THE LIBRARY VIRTUALLY EMPTY? AND WHY THE POOR READING CULTURE AMONG THE YOUTHS? THIS ANSWERS ARE NOT FAR FROM OUR REACH.
- The Introduction of Android Phones and Other Gadgets: The coming of android and other sophisticated communication gadgets, had brought some abnormalities, in the traditional use of the library.
- This technology simplifies laziness in the life of some youths, who see the library as a boring place. Android phones and others are merely used, for social networks like Facebook, what’s app, twitter etc. They are hardly used for Educational Research.
- Some youths find it difficult to cope with this trend. The library welcomes only but few guest.
- Poor Facilities at the Library: The situation of things at the library is not encouraging. An entry into the National library will expose you to deficiencies to basic library requirements.
- Outdated Books: Not of the Libraries in the country are not updated with new books. The books used during the 80 and 90 are still much present.
- Researchers find it hard to cope with the ancient books. This has discouraged many youths from using the library.
SECRETS ABOUT EMPTY LIBRARIES AND POOR READING CULTURE AMONG THE YOUTHS
- Libraries not Digitized: The world is a global village; manual library needs replacement with new ideas. The manual library is going out of place. Some countries are adopting the e-library system to catch up with realities.
- The trend is different in this part of the world. Our libraries are yet to meet up with the e-library technology. Young minds don’t fancy old style. Hence, people don’t go there for reading and academic research. The need to go digital becomes paramount.
- Poor Reading Foundation: The best way to form a consistence and awesome reading culture is at the early stage of life. Preferable, at the age of 10. Once teenagers are captured young.
- It becomes an addict. They grow up with the mentality of reading. Just as it is in the western world. Over here, our society does not catch readers young. Young people only found themselves at the mercy what they grow up with. Hence, the poor reading culture.
- Few or No Reading Competition: There is hardly reading contest these days. Most organizations don’t carry out their Corporate Social Responsibility by sponsoring reading contest and awarding gift or scholarship.
- The society including the ministry of Education, have failed to come up with ideas, to revitalized reading among the youths. Also see http://myeduproject.com.ng/why-your-ican-exams-never-works-out-the-way-you-plan
- Poor Funding of the Educational Sector: The educational sector has challenges, providing structures that support reading is poorly supported . Some of the Primary and Secondary Schools are without a good library. Some students at that level find it hard to be accustomed to reading.
- Parents: Some of the blames go to parents, teachers and guidance. They failed to inculcate reading culture to their wards.
THE WAY FOREWORD
These abnormalities can be corrected if there are Political, Economic and Societal will.
- The society should encourage young, readers by providing the necessary facilities and books. Books should be available to students,
- the Government should provide e-libraries, to attract young people. Libraries should come with state of the art equipment.
- A portion Companies Corporate Social Responsibility, should go to reading competitions, scholarships awarded to winners and even losers. These will go along way to motivate and catch young readers.
- Parents, Teachers and Loved once should encourage their wards to read at will, personal or house libraries should be built.
- Schools at all levels should provide standard libraries, students must read a book per week, evaluations must be followed.
- There should be out-to-date books in our libraries .