Lesson 2

LIBRARY
SOURCES
• Do you usually go to library?
• How often do you go to the library to
get information?
• Do you think the library is still a reliable
source of information despite the age
of modern technology?
 Years ago, before the
internet dominated the world,
the library was the place to go
for the people who craved for
information.
However, even if modern technology
and e-books (electronic books) are
here, libraries still exist, and people
still frequent them. Meaning, the
importance of information coming
from this source is still relevant to
many.
 ROLES OF LIBRARIES IN THE
SOCIETY
Libraries were the first sources of
information that enticed people who
yearned for knowledge. While it is true
that the same reason remains steadfast
today, it cannot be contested that the
advent of modern technology is a threat
for libraries to prove their existence.
HOW ARE LIBRARIES
STILL IMPORTANT TO
THE SOCIETY?
There are just some of the reasons as discuss
in the study of Krolak (2005):
1. Facilitators of information
- Libraries were passive establishments, with the
sole purpose of providing information if
needed by someone. However, nowadays,
Libraries are not only for the said purpose,
they help people to obtain the RIGHT
INFORMATION using the most convenient
kind of information source.
2. Custodians of national and cultural riches
- Libraries are also capable of strong archival
files of the past that may be shared with
future generations. Because of this, these
National and Cultural background
information are safely kept. Cultural
information that were also created in the
past can be likewise retrieved, through the
utmost care of the librarians, who are also
custodians of such essential files.
3. Innovators of information-seeking
practices
- There are libraries today that are
considered hybrids in terms of
maintaining the traditional kind of library
while also adapting the technological
advancements by offering online
privileges like free access to the internet.
4. Facilitators of other activities
-In some libraries, there are a
number of activities may help the
learning process of people.
 All these roles are important
in pointing out the reasons
why libraries are important.
Thus, these roles actually
anchor the services libraries
can offer.
WHAT LIBRARIES
CAN OFFER
According to Henry Ward Beecher, who was
American clergyman, “The library is not a
luxury, but one of the necessities of life”.
Hence information is indeed a necessity. People
are naturally inclined to know and learn new
things.
Though it is not “ just one click away” like the
internet, where basically almost all things can
be found , libraries are also able to offer
varieties of sources.
 Here are some of the services libraries can
offer:
1. BOOKS
- are the most common information resources in the
library. These books can vary from educational
textbooks or fictional like Shakespeare’s Romeo and
Juliet.
2. MAGAZINES
-Libraries also acknowledge the importance of
magazines as information sources. Some people this
kind of source because of its enticing graphics, which
are most appropriate for visual learner’s.
3. NEWSPAPERS
-Being one of the first printed materials in
history, newspapers play vital role in providing
people relevant information. This is essentail
especially in providing important news article
about timely issues. Broadsheets like Manila
Bulletin, The Philippine Inquirer and The
Philippine Star can be found.
4. Journals- are research-oriented articles that are
more in-depth compared to newspapers. This
kind of source offers deeper discussion of
topics. Mostly, references preferred for studies
are anchored by this information source.
5. MAPS
-are visual representations of geographical
information. This can be highly beneficial in
obtaining information about places.
6. DIGITAL SOURCES
-As technology advances, sources from this
avenue also improves. There are also digital
information sources that the library can offer-
CD’s, Tapes, and even films.
CLASSIFICATION SYSTEMS
Books are the most common
references that can be found in
the library. In order to avoid
confusion on how they are
categorized, there are formulated
ways that can be followed.
DEWEY DECIMAL SYSTEM
First published by Melvil Dewey in
the United States in 1876.
The Dewey Decimal System is
used for small library collections. It
uses numbers in classifying books:
 LIBRARY OF CONGRESS SYSTEM
• Unlike the Dewey Decimal System, this
classification, which is patterned after the
Library of Congress of America, is designed for
large collection instead of numbers, this
classification uses letters.
• These codes are helpful in organizing sources
that may be too difficult to find. With these,
library users can easily locate the book/s they
want to borrow or read.
With these offers and services, libraries can truly
be an ideal place where sources of
information can be found. This only proves
that regardless of technological
advancements, libraries remain relevant
beneficial for information seekers from all
walks of life.