Libraries as Learning Spaces Metaphor Intact Myths Exploding

Libraries as Learning Spaces: Metaphor Intact, Myths Exploding Jagtar Singh Professor, Department of Library and Information Science, Punjabi University, Patiala, Email: jagtar. kindu@gmail. com

The Metaphor � Library as a metaphor of the memory of mankind is intact to preserve and serve knowledge and information. A rose is a rose. Call it by any name, its fragrance will not same. Same is the case with library. Call it with any name, it is there to preserve the past, serve the present, and build the future.

Paradigm Shift � There is a paradigm shift from: � Printed publications to digital documents � Libraries to networks � Ownership to access � Rote learning to collaborative learning � Top-down to bottom-up � Information commons to learning commons

Change Management � Libraries are conceived as places for: � Information commons, and � Learning commons But majority of libraries are functioning as information commons’ agencies. They need to support collaborative learning by following the learning commons paradigm. Libraries must become extension of classrooms.

Silent Zones � There is a difference between a library and a cyber cafe. Serious study cannot take place in cyber cafes, shopping malls, or noisy places. � It can take places only in silent zones. � Libraries are silent zones to create and disseminate knowledge. � We must redefine libraries roles and visions. � Now is the time to do that.

Hybrid Library • • • We need to develop hybrid libraries which facilitate creation and dissemination of knowledge. These libraries must be user centred and expert assisted. They must promote media and information literacy to putt knowledge to work, and support collaborative learning for knowledge construction.

Coda • • • With the ascent of the ICTs and the Internet, the role of libraries need be redefined to make them as learning spaces. For that libraries must serve as spaces for information commons and learning commons. Libraries must become extensions of classrooms to be a face in the crowd of commercial information providers. Thank You