Since the past few decades, technology has taken the world by storm, and now everywhere we see, we only see people with smartphones, tablets, and laptops in their hands. Whether it is an office, a store, or an organization, technology is replacing the old and traditional means of working that has brought with it immense changes and benefits. Even libraries have not been away from this change, and we see the traditional libraries being replaced with digital ones.
According to an assignment writing service, as the role of information and communications technologies increases in society, the libraries are also undergoing a fundamental change. The concept of a digital library is not a new one; it seems that most people are ready to embrace it, especially after the global pandemic that affected millions of lives around the world. Social distancing and the need to stay away from the physical collaboration have increased the need for digital libraries. It would not be wrong to say that digital books and libraries are making their place in society at a very fast pace, and are even becoming a threat to the traditional ones.
The role and significance of traditional books and libraries cannot be denied no matter how much we progress or how technology progresses. It is important to understand the role of the library in higher education from a student’s perspective and see how it can help students in clearing their concepts of research and investigation in academic as well as professional careers. Students have to physically visit a traditional library when they can access a digital library from anywhere in the world, it increases the scope and benefits of digital libraries.
However, no matter how much easy access, fast research facility, and other benefits the digital libraries offer, the feeling of holding a book and being in an intellectual environment of traditional libraries cannot be replaced by digital libraries ever. The digital libraries may attract the attention of the new generation that wants everything done with just a few clicks and swipes. The older and mature generation will always prefer the traditional libraries and keep in mind the benefits it offers for their physical as well as mental health. Digital books and libraries might be a threat to traditional ones, but they cannot replace them due to several reasons. They include:
Technology does not offer advice or the sense of right or wrong, as compared to an old and wise librarian who has seen a lot and knows what is good for students and what they should avoid. Libraries are wise and experienced people, and they can help students immensely in finding what they want, where they would find it, and also engage in a free and full exchange of ideas when needed. Internet might be a powerful tool for searching and sharing information, but it takes a human touch to connect and get to the root of the matter, and this can only be achieved with traditional libraries.
Libraries are safe havens. The internet and digital library provide a platform for students to enjoy and learn new things, but it does not keep things secure. Everything is there for everyone to see, and spreading fake news is very easy. Cyberbullying and trolling can leave people scarred for life and reluctant to make new friends and move forward in life. Libraries are places where people can gather without fear as they can see and meet each other, get to know the other person, and engage in creative discourse.
Libraries are the place where you respect others and get respect. Web pages are short-lived, and link rot is a real problem. The content of library collections is much more stable. The printed materials are generally published on acid-free paper that does not disintegrate or fade away, which means even the centuries-old information will stay for a long time. Web information is very unstable as it depends on servers, and if the servers face any problem or the hosting company faces issues, the website can disappear.
Traditional libraries are way better than digital books and libraries as they do not track your reading or search history to sell you things. Amazon’s book purchase recommendation feature is good for learning about new books, but this usefulness costs you privacy as your reading data is very valuable for the website, and it uses it for connecting with you and other visitors. Librarians value and protect your privacy as they understand what the people want and assist them in the best possible way.
No matter how big or useful a digital library is, it is of no use unless you know where to go and how to find what you are looking for. Search engines have made it very easy to search for what you are looking for but still, there are thousands of people who do not know how to search the right way or use filters by content type or website resource, and they end up wasting lots of time. In this regard, traditional libraries offer the best assistance as everything is marked and recorded. A librarian can also guide you in the right direction and clarify where you need to do to find out the best resources.
According to studies done for an assignment writing task, fake news is all around us, and no matter how carefully we tread, we end up reading or believing things that are either not there or have been misinterpreted. Digital libraries have come a long way but they are still unable to provide you 100% genuine or original news as fake news also gets mixed with genuine information. It is one aspect that makes traditional libraries the best choice and has kept the digital systems from taking over traditional ones.
Digital libraries have come very close to taking over traditional ones, but there are still many areas that they need to cover that would give them an upper hand over them. With the genuineness and ability to help in research and record, traditional libraries are still the best means to access information firsthand.