The main purpose of public libraries is to provide books, and they should not waste their limited resources and space on providing expensive hi-tech media such as computer software, videos and DVDs. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own experience or knowledge.

Public libraries play a vital role in providing resources to improve one's knowledge in any required area. Some people argue that the goal of public libraries is to offer only the print

media

and not to have wasted their floor area by extending support through the digital

media

such

as computer software, DVDs and videos. In my opinion, I disagree with

this

statement as not every person cannot own the latter. In developing countries

such

as India, it is expected that the public libraries provide access to software and other digital

media

since most households still do not have the purchasing power to own a desktop or laptop despite the fact that they are required for studies these days.

This

is because the gross income of

such

houses is sufficient only to address their basic needs

such

as food and residence.

For example

, during the recent lockdown, when every school went online, my maid's children found it difficult to attend their online classes. At

this

time, a nearby government

library

allowed these kids to make use of its computers for their studies and to complete their homework.

Moreover

, most people find their mobile phones as a distraction and tend to put them in the

library

's locker. In

such

cases, when one has to quickly look for any guidance can make use of these properties without having to unlock their cellphones.

For instance

, during my final year's project preparation, I had been to a public

library

to complete my thesis where I was looking for books on Project Management. There were hundreds of books on the same topic which made it difficult for me to decide on the best. Without wasting time, I made use of the computer available to find the best author on that heading using their

library

management software and picked the same to finish my task. To sum up, considering the non-availability of high-technology

media

in everyone's home, and for being able to find a reference book or article within a short period of time, it is required for a public

library

to host these digital resources

in addition

to the books. It would be helpful if the local government provides additional funds to these facilities to arrange for

such

resources for the benefit of the children from families under the poverty line.