Replace libraries with ‘cybaries’, says PHEC

PHEC launches newly-initiated capacity building project of university librarians

LAHORE: The concept of libraries has changed in the modern world and traditional system of libraries must be replaced by “cybraries” with multimedia facilities, said Punjab Higher Education Commission (PHEC) Chairman Dr Muhammad Nizammudin.

He was addressing the launch ceremony of PHEC’s newly-initiated capacity building project of university librarians of the province. The event was held at the Punjab University Library on Friday

Dr Nizamuddin said that libraries were no longer just huge buildings containing bookshelves. “Now our libraries must have theatres, multimedia sections, discussion rooms, art and culture galleries and online access to thousands of books.”

He added that scientific documentaries must be screened at the theatres to show the latest developments to students in their relevant field. He added the traditional means of delivering just lectures was not sufficient. “There should be separate rooms for discussion in each library where student-teacher interaction, debates and discussion on varied topics should be encouraged,” he suggested.

Highlighting the prospects of the workshop, Dr Nizamuddin said that the training was more than a capacity-building activity; it was also a platform to discuss how libraries could be made effective.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 31^st, 2018.