Noveena enquires if the splurge of Internet is adversely affecting reading habits and killing libraries, in her three-part article. In the first part, she compares the library with the digital media and asks why students are moving away from books, exclusively for Different Truths.

These days, if we look around, then it is very hard to see a student searching something in the text books. Most often we will find that students are in front of the laptops, busy on mobile phones, requesting Google to search the answers of his/her questions. There is no doubt about the fact that with time technology has evolved. But the question is, whether the digitally available content has become a substitute for libraries? If we talk about the today’s scenario, to an extent it is replacing libraries.

Students find it more convenient to access and use digitally available data rather than putting an extra effort to visit libraries. The invention of digital media has completely turned the world around, an individual is just a click away to have access to any sort of data.

Students don’t find the libraries necessary these days, which is the saddest part.

Students don’t find the libraries necessary these days, which is the saddest part. From preparing a project to preparing for the exams, all work on the content they get online.

This is because of easy access to loads and loads of data on the digital media. The meta crawlers (read electronic hi-speed spiders) fetching data in the blink of an eye – never mind how inaccurate these often are. Thus, there is a huge variety of content available on world wide web.

Introduction of online tutorials is a blessing for the students. It works as a virtual class for them.

However, introduction of online tutorials is a blessing for the students. It works as a virtual class for them. Moreover, convenienceis one of the important factors as we compare the Internet to a library.

Comparison on the Usage of Library Based on the Time Scenario

Earlier, students used the library more than Internet because of the following reasons:

1. They trusted the quality of the library’s resources: Hundreds of the surveyed college students mentioned that they opted the library because of its resources’ accuracy and reliability—factors that are critical to their successful completion of the research projects they’re assigned in their various courses. They knew that the library’s materials are trustworthy and of academic quality.

When it comes to academic work, many still opt to use their library’s research resources over what they’d find on the web.

Of course, students use the Internet as they work on their assignments. However, when it comes to academic work, many still opt to use their library’s research resources over what they’d find on the web.

• These’ve been vetted for quality as opposed to so many Internet sources.
• They are very reliable, unlike the Internet, which can contain a plethora of false information.
• I feel like they have more accurate information and sources. Using things such as Wikipedia and online sources sometimes can be challenging.
• I get information straight from the source, instead of surfing through hundreds (if not thousands) of websites online.

The library is a good place to get inspired and start the research process.

2. The library’s environment is conducive to study and research: Students praise the atmosphere of the library. The library is a good place to get inspired and start the research process. A library offers a wealth of resources, space to study, and a world of books to discover and delve into. There are also places that encourage scholarship and offer a quiet, peaceful environment to study, which is tough to find these days.

When searching for articles, they like that they are able to use options to find studies and reports.

3. Library resources help students to use and cite materials accurately: Students know that when they head to the library or log in to its online resources, they can readily find and keep track of the types of materials their instructors want and require them to use for their assignments. When searching for articles, they like that they are able to use options to find studies and reports.

Why are Students Moving away from Libraries?

Some of the reason why libraries failed to keep their charm alive are:

The classroom can benefit from face-to-face interactions, its shortcoming is that certain students tend to dominate, while others either can’t get a word in or elect not to participate.

1. The opportunity to make your voice heard: While the classroom can benefit from face-to-face interactions, its shortcoming is that certain students tend to dominate, while others either can’t get a word in or elect not to participate. Online discussion forums require students to join every discussion, and 50% of online students say they are more engaged by other students online than in the classroom.

Technology allows for an improved education delivery system

2. The potential to achieve more, faster: Technology allows for an improved education delivery system – so much so that even campus programs leverage online education tools. It’s often a faster, better way to achieve more sooner, especially for 78% of students who work part-time or full-time, while earning their degrees.

Students find it more convenient to access data and information online compared to libraries.

3. The convenience factors: Students find it more convenient to access data and information online compared to libraries. They find it easy as they can sit before their laptops or mobile phones and can have access to variety of content and information.

Due to the competitive nature of recruiting students, online programs tend to go even further to meet student needs.

4. Students’ support system: To ensure student success, many universities feature comprehensive support systems. From technical support to career guidance, financial aid, and research questions, these dedicated channels support your online learning experience and content. Due to the competitive nature of recruiting students, online programs tend to go even further to meet student needs. This affects everything from school policies to the robustness of online learning platforms.

(To be continued)

Pictures from the internet.