Topic 2 :Utilizing public learning resources such as libraries.
Library learning resources
The library is one of the major sources of various academic centers around the world. It is organized and provides targeted education groups with the ability to study and conduct research continuously through life.
There are other words for the meaning of libraries, such as information centers, Bureau of Library Development, Information and Editors Bureau, and Academic Services Bureau.
Libraries are divided into five types.
1. National Library
This is the largest library in Thailand operated by the government. Its primary function is to collect books, publications, and knowledge media. It also collects everything about the country and everything that is produced in the country. Things published in any media or any language is preserved as National Intellectual Property to be used in the future. In addition to publications of this country, the National Libraries also collect valuable books published in other countries for reference and research. The National Bibliography is published for users to know the books and provide a source of knowledge services for the people of Thailand. It helps them to conduct research, answer questions, and provide book counseling.
2. Public library
Public libraries are run by the federal, local or municipal, governments, depending on the regime. Public library refers to the library that people want and need in their communities or cities. It is supported by the government funds for establishment and operations of the libraries. This type of library is a public service and has no fees as it is already supported by the taxpayers. The function of a public library is to provide books and other media for lifelong learning and provide service about news and events that the public should know. The public library also promotes the reading habit and free time spending in a useful way. It also assists the public in obtaining and providing information for the operation and development of various fields.
3. University and college Library
These libraries are located in higher education institutions to promote teaching curriculum by collecting books and other media knowledge on subjects being taught. The library supports lecturers , student’s research, and academic development. It prepares a bibliography and index for students to use as the reference books.
4. School library
This is a library located in all elementary and high schools. It is responsible for promoting the school curriculum. The school library gathers the collection of books and other knowledge media to support the academic development of teachers and students. It also prepares a bibliography and index for searching the required titles and for students to use as the reference books. It also includes catalog cards to search for the required titles.
5. Specific Library
The library gathers some specific books as part of a government organization, private company, or bank. The library provides books, knowledge, specific information, and news service relating to the organization. The library focuses on compiling research, academic reports, academic journals, and the produced documents. It also takes responsibility for a news publication, document deliveries, and brief specific documents for users based on their individual interests.
Nowadays, the number of publications for academic journals, research and technical reports has increased. The details in each subject make it difficult for the library to collect all of these documents. There are specific departments to perform the duties of gathering books, other publications, specific sub-disciplines, and content analysis. They create brief stories, research the stories, and then print out the results for the users. The entities providing these services are such as the Scientific and Fisheries Information Centers. Some centers are part of the library and also part of entities in the organizations.
Public Library
This refers to the public library because it is available to provide service to people in all districts of the country including some districts in Bangkok. The public library is located in the community and close to students. So, it is a place that provides information resources for reading and research. The public library is established under the international system that provides a knowledge service for people in the community regardless of sex, age, race, religion, or activities to promote reading habits by appointing a librarian as a facilitator. Public libraries are run by regulatory agencies, such as the ONIE Office (all public libraries in the country) Bangkok, (Public Library in Bangkok), and Municipal (Municipal Public Library), etc.
Types of the public library (Office of Non-Formal Education)
Public libraries are divided by size into three categories:
1. Large public libraries are mainly provincially located in the major cities. Ratchamongkon Public Library of Klai Kangwon Palace, Hua Hin, is a major two-story building. The second floor provides books, documents, and media studies courses at different level. Non-Formal Education, audio room, room or book data center of Sukhothai Thammathirat and Ramkhamhaeng University are located in a corner of the local community. The ground floor provides services of books, documents, academic knowledge media, general fictions. books for children, youth media, and activities corner for the children.
2. Medium-sized public libraries are such as "Chalermratchakumari". It is a 2-story house renovated to a library. The building is similar to public libraries everywhere. The second floor provides the local data center services, the Non-Formal education room, knowledge media service room of Non-Formal curriculum. In addition, there are an audio-visual room and Thaicom satellite study room as well. The most important room is the honored room providing information about the Royal Family’s history and duties, with the book celebrating the initiative of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and the Royal Family. The ground floor provides services of the media literacy for young children as well as academic books, documentaries, and general knowledge for the public.
The "Chalermratchakumari" public library is a library that has been initiated by the King, for HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, on the occasion of the 36-years anniversary celebrations.
3. Small public library refers to a general district public library which provides book service, a children and family corner, journals and newspaper corner, the ONIE school, academic textbooks corner, documentaries, and reference books.
Importance of the public library
Public libraries are very important to the development of the community and the country in all aspects.
It is the central resource to gather and provide information services to the world and the public.
It is a resource of informal education by accepting the basic thinking of people to be the basis of intellectual and cultural growth throughout life.
It is a resource of the community information center to promote education and culture of the community.
It is a central resource to create reading habits, and encourage students to seek knowledge and information from research.
It is a place that people can use the books and other media to their full advantages in response to the needs and the nature of people.
It is a resource to support and publicize knowledge, attitude and experience through various media.
It is a learning resource that is linked to Non-Formal education, Formal education, and various other learning resources.
1. Library’s services
Public libraries of all types provide services appropriate to each library and according to the needs of the users.
1.1 Library reading services provide various working facilities, media in separated areas, and information for research.
1.2 Computer retrieval services; a library provides a computer retrieval service for quick access to information using the Public Library Program (PLS). Computers are provided for searching and giving suggestion to users.
1.3 The card catalog search service; library provides this service by setting all information on the list to be searched by the catalog cards that are categorized in cabinets. The catalog cards are classified as to author card, book title card, and various index cards to service users.
1.4 Borrow—return books and media service; each library will determine the appropriate rules and regulations of each and the use of technology for fast service.
1.5 Counseling services for the Non-Formal and Formal education to students and the public.
1.6 University Media Services; including Ramkhamhaeng University and Sukothaitammatirat University.
1.7 Information and research documents, including various reference books services
1.8 Learning computer programs, the internet with a variety of electronic media services.
1.9 Offers a variety of knowledge promoting activities services.
1.10 Education services to learners in public institutions, including people to understand how to use the public library.
1.11 Library services for the staff network to arrange, improve, and develop learning resources of the local libraries.
1.12 Training experience operating library service to students in various institutions.
2. Services outside the library
2.1 Mobile library service with local organizations.
2.2 Current service media in various forms such as backpack, box and bag etc. to the learning centers and family that are in remote areas.
2.3 Knowledge services through television, broadcast tower, hotline, and leaflet etc.
2.4 Various media service to the ONIE officers including teachers,
2.5 Lecturers and students in various groups.