UNESCO's International Day of Education, observed every January 24, underscores the pivotal role education plays in fostering peace and sustainable development. This year, as we reflect on the transformative power of learning, let's turn the spotlight one of the most enduring and versatile institutions driving education forward: libraries.
Across continents, libraries have evolved into dynamic hubs that not only provide access to knowledge but also empower communities, bridge digital divides and promote inclusivity.
Let’s explore how libraries are advancing education on a global scale.
Information literacy and critical thinking: libraries help fight misinformation
Libraries and intellectual freedom create informed, engaged citizens
Libraries of 2024: pioneering spaces for the digital native and the lifelong learner
At their core, libraries are treasure troves of information. For centuries, they have housed collections of books, manuscripts, and other materials that educate, inspire, and inform. In the modern era, libraries have expanded their offerings to include digital resources, providing learners with access to eBooks, academic journals, multimedia content, and more. This accessibility is transformative, particularly in underserved regions where traditional educational resources may be scarce.
Public libraries often partner with schools, colleges, and universities to provide students with the tools they need to succeed. For example, the World Digital Library, a collaboration led by UNESCO and the Library of Congress, offers free access to significant cultural artifacts from around the globe, enabling learners to explore history, geography, and literature without the constraints of physical boundaries.
When Barack Obama speaks, his words resonate, particularly when addressing issues that shape education and democracy. In 2023, his open letter to the librarians of America garnered widespread attention, as he commended their unwavering commitment to defending intellectual freedom—a cornerstone of education and civic life.
Obama emphasized that, "In any democracy, the free exchange of ideas is an important part of making sure that citizens are informed, engaged and feel like their perspectives matter."
He highlighted the critical role librarians play, noting that they are "on the front lines — fighting every day to make the widest possible range of viewpoints, opinions, and ideas available to everyone. Your dedication and professional expertise allow us to freely read and consider information and ideas, and decide for ourselves which ones we agree with."
More than custodians of books, Obama underscored how librarians foster community and education:
You also provide spaces where people can come together, share ideas, participate in community programs, and access essential civic and educational resources. Together, you help people become informed and active citizens, capable of making this country what they want it to be.
Libraries, as he argued, are vital to a democratic society because knowledge is power. This principle is echoed by the American Library Association: "In a democratic society, individuals must be sufficiently knowledgeable to make informed decisions."
By curating diverse collections and ensuring free access to resources, libraries empower communities with the tools needed for education, engagement, and informed decision-making. Their mission ensures that intellectual freedom remains a shared value, reinforcing the foundation of democracy.
In an increasingly digital world, libraries play a critical role in bridging the gap between technology and education. Beyond providing access to computers and the internet, many libraries offer workshops and training programs to enhance digital literacy. These initiatives teach individuals how to use technology effectively, whether for academic research, job applications, or personal growth.
Consider the example of the Kenya National Library Service, which has implemented eSmart Libraries — a program designed to enhance digital skills among youth and adults. Such initiatives are vital in empowering individuals to navigate the digital landscape confidently, ensuring that education keeps pace with technological advancements.
The Association of College and Research Libraries defines information literacy as "the set of integrated abilities encompassing the reflective discovery of information, the understanding of how information is produced and valued, and the use of information in creating new knowledge and participating ethically in communities of learning."
Information literacy is crucial because it empowers individuals to learn independently, make informed decisions, recognize biases, evaluate context, and effectively use and communicate information. As a lifelong skill, it enhances education, careers, civic engagement, and personal lives.
Libraries can support this by offering workshops on evaluating source credibility, identifying biases, and using fact-checking tools. They can also create and share online resources or tutorials to help patrons distinguish reliable information from misinformation.
They can also collaborate with elementary school teachers or the local school librarian to integrate media and information literacy into the curriculum, helping students identify misinformation early.
To assist educators, PressReader offers a Media Literacy Toolkit with interactive activities such as:
Evaluating news: Students analyze newspaper coverage of recent events to enhance critical thinking and understand the press's role in informing the public.
Exploring author bias: Students investigate a writer's background to detect potential biases in their stories.
Spotting fake news: Students learn to verify sources and identify fake news or images by examining clues in stories, videos, or photos.
This toolkit supports developing critical media literacy skills in classrooms, libraries, and homes.
Libraries are uniquely positioned to foster cultural understanding and empathy through their diverse collections. By curating materials that reflect a wide range of perspectives, libraries encourage readers to explore stories, histories, and ideas from around the world. This exposure broadens horizons, challenges stereotypes, and cultivates a sense of global citizenship.
The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) advocates for libraries to include multilingual and multicultural materials, ensuring that individuals from all backgrounds feel represented and valued. From Indigenous literature to translations of global classics, these collections serve as bridges between cultures, fostering mutual respect and understanding.
Education does not end in the classroom, and public libraries play a vital role in fostering lifelong learning by offering services that cater to curious minds and promote personal development. Examples include hosting guest speakers and events to inspire learning, providing personalized reader advisory services to align with patrons' interests, and partnering with community organizations to expand resources and opportunities.
Public libraries also support career development with resources for job searches and skill-building and offer language learning materials to serve multicultural communities. Additionally, they create designated learning spaces for study and collaboration and facilitate book clubs to encourage intellectual exchange.
Collecting feedback ensures local libraries can remain responsive to their communities' evolving needs.
Libraries can work alongside local school districts, educational institutions and organizations to offer programs such as high-school equivalency classes, literacy initiatives, and continuing education courses.
The Open University in the United Kingdom, for example, collaborates with public libraries to provide open educational resources that support adult learners in acquiring new skills. Similarly, mobile libraries in rural areas bring books and learning materials directly to communities, breaking down geographical barriers to education.
In the United States, the San Diego Public Library has collaborated with Gale's Excel Adult High School program to provide patrons aged 19 and older with a self-paced online diploma-completion opportunity. This free program includes job training and assistance with job placement upon completion.
Misty Jones, director of the San Diego Public Library, shared with San Diego Downtown News: "The library has always been about trying to provide resources for people in order to help them be more successful. We are all about literacy courses and for us, this high school diploma program when it was brought forward, was just the next logical step to help people."
For researchers and academics, libraries are indispensable. They provide access to specialized databases, archives, and interlibrary loan systems, enabling scholars to conduct groundbreaking research that transcends national borders. The role of libraries in facilitating international collaboration and academic success cannot be overstated; they connect researchers with resources and networks that drive innovation and discovery.
One notable example is the European Digital Research Infrastructure for the Arts and Humanities (DARIAH), which integrates libraries, museums, and research institutions across Europe. By pooling resources and expertise, DARIAH enables scholars to collaborate on projects that advance our understanding of human culture and history.
Inclusivity is a cornerstone of modern library services. Community libraries strive to ensure that their resources are accessible to everyone, regardless of language, ability, or socioeconomic status. Many libraries offer materials in multiple languages, as well as resources in braille, large print, or audio formats for individuals with visual impairments.
The publishers of School Library Journal have created an online course to equip librarians with the skills to promote inclusivity and accessibility within their communities and workplaces. Participants will explore accessibility audits, universal design principles for library programs and spaces, and strategies for supporting neurodivergent individuals. The course emphasizes creating a welcoming environment for disabled and neurodivergent patrons and staff.
Additionally, libraries often serve as safe spaces for marginalized communities, providing programs that address specific needs—such as literacy classes for immigrants or support groups for LGBTQ+ youth. By fostering an environment of inclusivity, libraries serve to make education more equitable and empower individuals to thrive.
As we celebrate the International Day of Education, it is crucial to recognize the multifaceted contributions of libraries to global learning. They are more than repositories of books; they are vibrant centers of innovation, inclusion, and inspiration. However, to continue fulfilling their mission, libraries require sustained investment and support from governments, organizations, and communities.
In a world where education is increasingly recognized as a universal right, libraries stand as beacons of hope and opportunity. By championing their role in advancing education, we pave the way for a brighter, more equitable future for all.