Digital age library

In an age where a single click can provide access to countless useful pieces of information, many schools throughout the province still maintain traditional libraries. There, neatly arranged bookshelves sit, and groups of students attentively flip through the pages. Though not fast or overly convenient, traditional libraries quietly fulfill their role due to the accuracy and depth of their knowledge.

Students from Yen Bien Secondary School, Ha Giang 2 Ward, study in the school library.

A space that fosters depth of knowledge.

This year is the final year of middle school for Kieu Tu Uyen, a student in class 9A1 at Yen Bien Secondary School, Ha Giang 2 Ward. To prepare for the final exams and the entrance exam to high school, Tu Uyen frequently chooses the school library as her study and review place. Tu Uyen shared: "I go to the library to find materials; it's also a quiet study space where I can concentrate on memorizing knowledge. Every day, I usually spend 1-2 hours studying there. Although there is a lot of information on the internet and it's easy to find, the knowledge learned from books is accurate and reliable, which makes me feel more secure."

Like Tú Uyên, Nguyễn Bảo Nhi, a student at Đăng Châu Primary School in Sơn Dương commune, said: "The library has many kinds of books: reference books, science books, literature, history, stories… which my friends and I can learn more about the topics we like without being limited like in textbooks. Especially when we go to the library, seeing older students concentrating on their studies helps us become more aware of the importance of focus and self-discipline. No one has to remind us, but everyone tries to maintain order, which helps me cultivate discipline and responsibility in my studies."

More than just a place for students to find useful information and knowledge, the traditional library of each school is an important resource that helps teachers improve their professional skills and enrich their lessons. Teacher Ly Thi Tuyet from Dong Van Secondary School shared: "Searching for information at the library greatly benefits teachers' teaching. Whenever I prepare for a new lesson or want to expand my knowledge in a specialized field, I often spend time searching for materials at the library. Directly researching, selecting, and reading books helps me access more authentic, in-depth, and systematic information. I believe that when teachers proactively learn from the library, their lessons will be richer and more inspiring for students."

The traditional library is also where teachers at Dang Chau Primary School in Son Duong commune gather additional knowledge to support their lessons.

Enhancing the role of traditional libraries in the digital age.

Contrary to predictions of being "overshadowed" by technology, many schools are now investing in building and upgrading their libraries. In the context of rapidly developing technology, traditional libraries are not in opposition to the internet but play an important complementary role. Beyond just enclosed reading rooms with bookshelves, many schools have developed open library models and green libraries – friendly reading spaces close to nature, encouraging students to proactively seek out books. Many schools have also organized reading festivals, introduced new books, and held storytelling competitions based on books, creating an environment that fosters a sustainable reading culture.

Ms. Pham Hoai Huong, Principal of Yen Bien Secondary School in Ha Giang 2 Ward, said: "Traditional libraries still play an important role in schools. When reading, students have time to reflect, take notes, and feel more deeply, so the school still considers the library an important learning resource center. The school library currently has over 2,000 books of various genres such as textbooks, teacher's books, reference books, and children's books. Each month, the school welcomes 400-500 students and teachers who come to study, find, and borrow books. Besides providing knowledge, the library also fosters reading habits, trains concentration skills, and builds a solid foundation for learning."

Notably, no longer lagging behind the trend of innovation, many schools have integrated electronic search into their library spaces, using QR codes to introduce books and building online databases alongside printed books. This combination demonstrates a trend towards flexible adaptation rather than competition. It can be said that while the internet provides breadth of knowledge, traditional libraries contribute to depth. One offers speed and abundance, while the other fosters focus and a solid foundation. When utilized appropriately, both will create a comprehensive learning environment for students.

Teacher Tran Trung Khanh, Deputy Principal of Dang Chau Primary School in Son Duong commune, said: "To meet the needs of students and teachers in finding and reading books, the school has now reformed its library model, harmoniously combining it with technology such as electronic document retrieval and the application of QR codes to introduce books, helping the traditional library to become even more effective. The internet helps expand the scope of access, while printed books help deepen and consolidate knowledge. This synergy creates a comprehensive learning environment for students. In particular, it contributes to implementing Resolution 57 of the Politburo on breakthroughs in science, technology development, innovation, and digital transformation for the teachers and students of the school."

Amidst the myriad changes of the digital age, school libraries quietly continue to keep the flame of knowledge alive. Beyond simply maintaining books, libraries preserve reading habits, foster a culture of serious learning, and sustainably cultivate knowledge for students.

Text and photos: My Ly

Source: https://baotuyenquang.com.vn/van-hoa/giao-duc/202603/thu-vien-thoi-cong-nghe-so-e526e62/