SCIENCE LIBRARY

A library is the storehouse of knowledge, the flowing stream of living thoughts and an educational apparatus of considerable value. It is one of the most stimulating and potent instruments of dynamic developmental education in the school. It is the richest source of experience from which the teacher can choose at will, any number of learning task appropriate to the student initiated and activity centered style of pedagogy. Work and play go side by side in a typical progressive school library. Now a day we are emphasizing ‘education for democracy’ which, in turn warrants ‘democracy in education’. Library is the agency for experimentation in this ‘education for democracy’ and ‘education in democracy’.

From the beginning children need an environment enriched by attractive books and it is one of the duties of the school to see that this environment is provided. One of the important recommendations made by Secondary Education Commission was that every school has subject libraries, which are under the charge of subject teachers .It was felt that subject teachers could enrich their teaching, making use of small collections of books on their own subjects. Science being one of the most important areas of school curriculum, the content of which rapidly goes on changing, both teachers and pupils have to constantly go on reading books in the subject. This warrants provision of a rich and updated science library in every school. This is essentially needed to help the teachers and pupils keep abreast of the explosion of scientific knowledge. First of all let the teachers find out the latest books and update their knowledge. Then they can recommend some books to their students and encourage them to acquire the habit of extending and supplementing their knowledge by making proper use of science library. Science library thus can be a wonderful teaching-aid for realizing the demands of developmental education.

a)     The main objectives of organizing a Science Library

The following are the main objectives of organizing a science library in the school:

1.      To help teachers and pupils alike update scientific knowledge

2.      To facilitates ‘self studies’ and ‘learning to learn’

3.      To enrich curricular experiences

4.      To enable pupils participate in discussion and project works meaningfully

5.      To make co-curricular activities such as participation in science club activities more meaningful and dynamic..

6.      To create interest in science as a subject of study

7.      To develop the habit of concentrated reading of knowledgeable books with a purpose

8.      To develop in the students critical attitude and capacity for independent judgment

9.      To develop the habit of reading as a useful leisure time activity

b)    Important library resources for Science

1.      Book resource

A variety of books are essential for presenting different points of view and for providing adequate experiences for the learning of concepts, principles, and processes. In book resources we can include:

a)      Text books

b)      Booklets

c)      Library materials

d)     Reference materials

2.      Non- book resources

The field of science is connected with everyday life. The following non-book resources should be available in the library.

a)      Periodicals

b)      Pamphlets

c)      News papers

d)    Making Science Library popular

In order to attract students to the science library and to train them to properly use facility with a liking and will, the science teacher should seriously consider the following guidelines:

1.      One of the most important objectives is to develop in the children  interest in science

2.      The teacher should set an example to pupils in using the library

3.      Many opportunities should be provided to  the children to have a free and frank discussions with teacher about science books

4.      The pupils may be encouraged to start science magazines.

5.      A bulletin board should be placed in the science library.

6.      Pupils can be given assignments that require them to borrow books from science library

7.      Reading groups can be organized under the science club

Science library is a very important agency of a dynamic programmeof science education. Let us hope and trust that in the progressive schools of modern India, the significance and worth of science library service will be realized and practical steps taken for its implementation.