Public libraries should only provide books and should not waste their limited resources on expensive high-tech media such as software, videos or DVDs. Do you agree or disagree?

It is commonly known that innovation has become more and more common in today’s learning environment,

such

as public libraries. While some people argue that libraries should provide only printed materials, others believe that new technologies and services,

such

as computers, softwares and hardwares, should be used to facilitate students’ learning, and I agree with the latter as opposed to the former.

Firstly

, public libraries should adapt to accommodate new applications of technology for learning, research, and information because students learn their subjects in different ways. Learning through different channels helps students to understand their lectures from different perspectives.

This

is a fact that has been proven by a recent study carried out by the University of Toronto in which students learn 80% faster when they can access the internet for self-study purposes. Since not everyone learns the same way, it is

therefore

evident that new learning technologies should be available for students at public libraries.

Secondly

, if libraries provided books only, knowledge acquisition would be limited.

This

is because the books get damaged by time and the information written gets obsolete. To illustrate

such

phenomenon, a study carried out by the University of Cambridge has found that 20% of the bookshelves were getting

mold

a heavy long-handled hammer used to drive stakes or wedges

mauled

mailed

nailed

from humidity and

consequently

damaging the older books, making them disposable. Since papers and books get outdated and damaged, it is

therefore

clear that technology should be heavily invested in public libraries to more effectively preserve and mine their collections online. In conclusion, the increasing investment in educational technology has brought up a lot of opportunities for students.

Hence

, public libraries should not be an exception of

such

trend and high-tech media should be used to keep knowledge available for library users.