Libraries are an investment in human resources
The Nation July 9, 2010 12:00 am
By building community libraries and encouraging reading, the government would be doing a great service for the future of Thailand
Much has been said about how Thais lag behind others in terms of reading. But no action has been taken to rectify this problem. At a recent gathering of the Publishers and Booksellers Association of Thailand, panellists reiterated that one of the main problems is price: Books are simply far too expensive for many Thais.During the meeting, Privy CouncillorKasemWattanachai urged publishers and distributors to find ways to get more books into rural areas. It is reported that around 40 million Thais have never developed a reading habit, partly because they have never had easy access to books. But lower book prices alone will not be enough to increase reading habits among Thais, especially for those in rural areas. It was therefore suggested that quality community libraries must be promoted as a source of knowledge and a step towards instilling a desire for lifelong learning. Most Thais rely on other media to get information, especially TV and radio. But the promotion of reading is an essential element in enabling people to articulate points of view and express opinions in writing. Thailand has a satisfactory overall literacy rate of more than 90 per cent, but the literary rate does not translate into the effective use of knowledge. Public libraries have existed in Thailand for decades, but they are few and far between. Many communities still don't have a library within reasonable travelling distance. The lack of libraries within easy reach thus discourages both children and adults from pursuing knowledge through reading. Without libraries, young people are easily diverted to other leisure pursuits - which usually means they are not spending their time constructively. Libraries help create a reading culture, which is part of a non-formal and lifelong education process. The government must provide more such opportunities for all Thais. While people in the cities, especially Bangkok, have access to various forms of information such as the Internet, most of those in rural areas don't have such access. The literacy gap between urban and rural areas is still too still wide. On average, people in the countryside get only three years of education while those in municipal areas get about seven. Bangkok residents generally receive 12 years of formal education. It should come as no surprise then to learn that many students in rural areas who complete Grade 3 cannot read properly.Education does not, and should not, end in school. The availability of books and information resources can supplement the learning process. Community libraries can work in a threefold way: by nurturing a reading habit, which in turn translates into a striving for more knowledge, which ultimately leads to the empowerment of both individuals and communities - whether they be in the cities or the countryside. But this process cannot work simply through the provision of buildings and books. The success of a library is not guaranteed only through physical investment. A successful library is one that also invests in human resources and community activities to make it relevant to the needs of local people.Community libraries can be a source of support and inspiration for marginalised groups of people. They can also provide training or events that are relevant for certain local needs. In rural areas, for example, an emphasis can be placed on specialised books on how to improve agricultural production and local crafts. As well as the main task of promoting reading and learning, libraries can close the gap in unequal access to information. And the resultant mobilisation and individual improvement of people can be translated into a powerful force for good. Those who read books and use libraries are more likely to improve and empower themselves rather than wait for external factors to determine their future. Why can't the government do more to help this happen?
EDITORIAL