Libraries are dying and the internet is to blame

Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Reporter 

A FEW years ago, libraries were the go-to places for learners. 

The Bulawayo City Council libraries in western suburbs were always full especially on weekends. To get a desk at the Bulawayo Public Library in the city centre or the National Free Library next to the Bulawayo Polytechnic College, one had to be an early bird. 

The treasured textbooks and novels that used to line the shelves of the mentioned libraries are now being sold by street vendors who are not bothered by the stamps that declare that this is the property of this and that library. 

No wonder conventional libraries are now empty of human traffic. 

Libraries which are still vibrant, according to the Zimbabwe Library Association president, Mr Jerry Mathema, are found in private schools. 

He however said the internet did not affect the ‘houses of knowledge’ as some had already started being innovative. 

“Proper funding and the engagement of requisite experts will help develop our community libraries. Long back, municipal libraries were supported by funding from beer sales at Ingwebu which is no longer the case now. Funding must now come from the bills paid by the residents which is not ideal in this economic situation we are faced with,” said Mr Mathema. 

 

Mr Mathema said scholars now prefer to research on the internet as information is at the click of a button. But that does not mean the death of physical books. It is his belief that the internet has not affected the future of libraries. 

“No, it has not. The internet gives you a million answers but the librarian gives you one correct answer. Most of the free materials you get from the internet are not scholarly. Most of the referred staff is accessed through paying online and how many people can afford it in Zimbabwe, even in the United States. 

“I stayed in the US for some time and community libraries were the universities for the poor folk in accessing much-needed information. You would find doctors, and lawyers giving much-needed information to the poor in those libraries. Libraries have the capacity to provide internet services at a cheaper rate compared to the data you buy and the services of internet cafes,” said Mr Mathema. 

And a good number of students and people in general, choose paper books instead of e-readers because printed text is not so hard on the eyes.

To ensure relevance and survival, Bulawayo City Council, with 15 community libraries, has introduced the Inspiring Readers School library project that links almost all its schools to five hub libraries. The City is also in the process of installing the Koha Library Systems.

Koha is the first free software library automation package, in use worldwide. Its development is steered by a growing community of users collaborating to achieve their technology goals.

The municipality said their library membership hasn’t been affected much by the advent of the internet and said its libraries have a membership of slightly over 60 000.

“There hasn’t been much change or effect on the readership. Council has also introduced the Inspiring Readers (IR) School library project linking almost all its schools to five hub libraries. This has ensured continuity in reading from school going children in the various library catchment areas. The City is also installing Koha Library Systems (LIS) as an integrated library system and sound internet services are being provided and soon all libraries will be covered,” said council spokesperson Mrs Nesisa Mpofu. 

A visit to five of the Council libraries over a two day period by a Saturday Chronicle news crew however showed empty reading halls with one or two persons studying.

“Our membership numbers are no longer as pleasing as before, even for those who come here to read, the figures are going down. That can be attributed to a number of factors such as internet use as well as extra lessons for learners. In yesteryears, learners would come to the library after school to read or do their homework but nowadays they rush for extra lessons, no time for library,” said one of the librarians that Saturday Chronicle visited.