A New Library For Rivers State

The massive educational effort of the current administration may remain incomplete without a standard library for the state. Library aids learning, and Rivers people should have one. A library with ultra modern structure, state-of-the-art equipment and an extensive e-research centre would contribute to the educational development of the state.

With the growing challenges in medicine, for instance, the old library located along Benard Carr lacks reliable tools for current medical research. This is because the library which has survived successive political era, is no longer consistent with time. Some of the books are changing colours. Most of  the academic journals and research material are becoming obsolete. They often emit nuseating library odour because they have been over used. And quite a number of times, the pages fall loose from each binding area when scanned for relevant information.

In the reading halls, some active readers could get drenched with their own sweat during .summer. The library lacks constant power supply and other vital equipment such as a standby cooling system, extensive e-research centre, up-to-date educational journals, and a reliable system of information processing. Can such a library meet the information needs of Rivers people?

With changes in the medical field, a standard library is needed to aid massive medical research. Rivers people should be given a suitable place for research in science and social sciences. A standard library that could square justifiably with the growing challenges in the educational sector is the most urgent need of the time.

To promote educational development in Rivers State, top policy makers in the state educational sector should kindly rise to this task. A good reading environment should not be divorced from other key elements of development. With it, human capacity building could be fostered. This could propel a chain reaction leading to self-reliance among youths. It could further lean towards self employment, leading to economic growth and development. With this, the state could happily reap a harvest of social cohesion, improved standard of  living and longer life expectancy. Social crime which include kidnapping, youth restiveness, social disorder, prostitution, cultism, etc. could be outdated if such development is welcome!

Still, a good reading environment could heighten literacy level. This could foster easy mobilization of people to achieve state goals and objectives. Socio-political progress could easily be enhanced. State programmes such as elections, census, immunization, etc. could receive a state-wide impact.

Furthermore, erecting a central library with ultra modern structure, standby power supply, cooling system, e-research centre, current journals and research-friendly books in virtually all academic fields will preserve the rich cultural heritage of Rivers people. Relevant information about the people’s cultural values could be stocked for posterity. Currently, the state needs a central place where such facts and figures could be stocked in both audio and written forms. To achieve this, a standard library with e-research center could serve.

In the words of the most famous researcher and writer of  the 19th century, Marshall Mc1uhan, the world has “become, a global village.”  So, in this 21st century, the need for an ultra modern library with extensive e-research centre should not be challenged.

Both Rivers State government and top policy makers in the education sector should view this opinion as a welcome development, and quickly take up the responsibility. The time is now!

James is of the Mass Communication Department, RSUST.

John James