HOUSE OF THE WEEK
An abundance of space at FMI City
CERTAINLY, space is not a problem in this house – once you get there. Over the Hlaing River, 45 minutes from downtown, there is a large one-storey house in a big compound waiting for someone ready to trade time for space. ...moreLibrary to hold training programs
THE National Library is planning to host more training courses on library management skills next year, library president U Thein Shwe said last month.
U Thein Shwe said the aim of the classes was to increase knowledge about library science and to encourage an interest in the subject.
The library will hold the classes at the request of individuals or private parties, he said. “People can request classes at the desk and we will arrange for them depending on the number [of people]. The curricula include not only library management, but other fields as well.”
U Cho Aye, a member of the library management committee, agreed that interest in library management is lower in Myanmar than in other countries.
Even though the government supports offering diplomas, bachelor’s and master’s degrees in library science, it is necessary to promote public awareness, he said.
He said people who work in libraries and related fields should have some basic knowledge of library management.
“For example, classification, reference and cataloguing are very helpful to people in the news media,” he said.
The library has hosted basic and advanced classes in library management skills once a year since 2005 and will increase the classes in future.
Scholars can borrow books on the recommendation of a professor or a senior government official. Foreigners may also visit the library with government permission.
“The library also plays an important role in the nation. It can help people enrich their knowledge and support students in their research. It is a treasure trove of information and facts,” said the president.
The National Library originated from the Bernard Library, which opened in 1883 during the British colonial era. The Bernard Library was renamed the State Library under the management of the Ministry of Culture in 1952, and changed its name to the National Library in 1967.
The National Library was first located in the Town Hall and then moved to Pansodan Road and then Tarmwe township before finally relocating to its present home in Yankin township, at 85 Thiri Mingalar Lane, just off Kabar Aye Pagoda Road.
