Shifxan A. Rasheed@ShifxanAR
When he went to Alexandria Caeser was most impressed by its library. He understood the importance of a great public library for his reform agenda to empower the masses. From Alexander to Caeser to the great caliphs of the Islamic Ummah and later the leaders who bank rolled the Renaissance and western enlightenment, leaders always understood the importance of libraries.
The national library in Male' is at a pitiful situation today, once full of students, teachers, children and adults alike is left empty, hollow and lifeless. As the public evolved with newer technologies, the library remained as it was, without any evolution becoming less and less relevant with every parting year.
With innovative technologies, social engagement activities, and other reforms the library could become a central part of urban life in Male'. To do so, we must look at other countries where they faced the same problem and found ways to bring their libraries back into public life.
Some programs few countries implemented include:
1- Introducing flexible rules for libraries and introducing more relaxed environments into libraries encouraging debate and conversations within the premises.
2- Introduction of technologies such as e-books, audio books etc into the library collections. Also offering access to some research databases through the library encouraging students to spend more time in the library.
3- Introduction of engaging activities such as book clubs, book readings and other engagements with various experts, social workers, youth etc so the library becomes a point of gathering and knowledge sharing.
These are just few ideas which we can try and see if it works in our unique city. But libraries will play a very crucial role in building a citizenry capable of democratic decision making.
