IN DEFENCE OF THE TRADITIONAL LIBRARY
Man's
desire and effort to document his life and preserve his culture and
knowledge predates civilization. Pictorial representations of early
human culture etched and engraved on rocks, stones and caves as discovered by archeologists show man's early efforts to document history.
The
hunger to preserve and pass on knowledge further gave birth to the
papyrus, the parchments, the scroll, the codex and other early media of
documentation.
These
had their shortcomings as the materials tore and disintegrated with
time, while the ink faded and the writing became illegible. The few
reading materials that existed were hand-copied as there were no means
of mass-production and even these ended up in the hands of a privileged
few.
However, the invention of movable-type printing in the 15th century
by Johannes Gutenberg revolutionized record-keeping and began to turn
out huge copies and volumes of books. The printing and distribution of
the Bible gained much from this impetus as it became the most
widely-circulated book in the world.
Scholarly
and scientific activities also gained momentum as scholars and
scientists found an easier and faster medium to express their thoughts
and publish their findings. Libraries assumed greater dimensions,
housing the great number of books written on all subjects of life -
books produced with longer lasting material and printed with indelible
ink.
Coming
on the heels of mass printing were faster and easier means of transport
and communication which served as dispersal agents across the globe for
the huge number of volumes and copies of books, touching on all aspects
of life.
With
the advent of the internet and e-library, many feared that the era of
the traditional library was coming to an end. They argued that the
virtual library has rendered the traditional library obsolete. But
recently, The Vice Chancellor, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Professor
Isaac U. Asuzu, in a library launch, made a strong case for the
traditional library. A guru in his field
of
learning, Professor Asuzu has extensively and intensively made use of
both types of libraries in the course of his numerous research efforts
and therefore can speak authoritatively on the relevance of each.
According
to him, one major source of relevance for the traditional library is
that not every book we need to consult on any subject is found on the
internet. This is due to regulations that prohibit free access to books
on the internet. Already there is a prohibition on full access of
copyrighted books through Google Book search.
Another
thing going for the traditional library as elucidated by the vice
chancellor is the fact that digital libraries are not on the internet.
One might be on the internet but the restrictions placed on access to
published books might prevent him from using the books.
One
more merit of the traditional library is that while internet service is
seemingly free, registration and subscription requirements place a
restriction to a deeper access to books, journals and other research
materials; whereas one would only need to present a valid identity card
and a whole catalogue of research materials is at one's disposal.
There
is also the problem of technical glitches on the computer, which can be
quite frustrating when you desperately need to work. Hear Prof. Asuzu:
“Often, when I need to use the dictionary on my computer and cannot get
in for any reason, I will just reach up the shelf and a dictionary is in
my hands for use.” The usefulness and convenience of the conventional
books library cannot be traded for the technological fad that has seized
the society in our modern times.
The two can at best complement each other. In defense of the conventional library, Professor
Asuzu
has this to say: 'Society is not ready to abandon the library, and it
probably won't ever because libraries can adapt to social technological
changes but they can't be replaced.’
UNVEILING ANOTHER PROFESSIONAL BODY IN FUOYE.
A
member of the Association of Nigerian University Professional
Administrators, (ANUPA), Mrs. Rachael Apuabi has stressed the need for
regular improvement of staff professionalism and competence. She made
the call at a pre-inauguration meeting of the association which took
place at the Federal University Oye-Ekiti main auditorium recently.
In her maiden seminar, 'The Role of Aministrators in Service Delivery,'
Mrs. Apuabi stated that the major task before administrators is to
ensure the smooth implementation of plans and policies of management.
According to her, 'administrators are key in facilitating an environment
for academic excellence where staff and students can flourish and
compete favourably in the knowledge market'.
Furthermore,
in order for administrators to achieve this good quality service
delivery, there is need for them to acquire adequate training and
skills. The personnel department is expected to identify training needs
for members of staff and at the same time management of the university
should sponsor members of staff to conferences both local and
international. She added that the aim of the forum was to create a
robust interactive session in other to generate and intimate staff with
new trends in the discharge of their responsibilities as quality
education providers.
High
point of the occassion was unveiling of the professional body,
Association of Nigerian Professional administrators (ANUPA) Federal
University Oye-Ekiti Chapter and appointment of interim leaders. Head,
Pre-degree Unit, Mr. D.A. Fatuase, emerged as chairman, Mrs. Apuabi,
Secretary, Mr. Femi Adeboye, Tresurer, Mrs. Tessy Eze, Financial
Secretary, Mrs. Ndidi Ibenyenwa, Training Officer and Mr. Lumuagun, PRO.
In
attendance were the acting Registrar, Daniel Adeyemo, Heads of
departments and units and a majority of administrative officers in the
university.
IRE BURNT-BRICK FACTORY SEEKS TO BRAND FUOYE
The
management of Ire burnt-brick industry paid a courtesy visit to the
Vice chancellor on Friday May 22, 2015 to present samples of the
products to the university community. It was disclosed by the management
team of the factory that the company has just been resuscitated after a
long lay-off. The presentation event which took place in the Vice
chancellor's conference room had in attendance the representative of the
vice chancellor Engr. Adebayo who is also the head of physical planning
unit of the
university,
the university's acting registrar, Mr D Adeyamo, the special assistant
to the Vice Chancellor Mr G.A Mbakama and a team from Ire clay led by
Mr. Biodun Adedeji.
In
his opening speech, Mr. Adedeji reminded his audience that the company
was founded in 1981 to produce burnt bricks that can be used to build
houses from the foundation up to the roof but in 1998 it was shut down.
In 1991, the government sought the collaboration of private sector
investors and this led to the involvement of Oodua investment group that
came on board to revamp the company. It later went down again in 1998.
The moribund company has just been revived once again and the first
batch of its products is what was brought to showcase at the university.
Consequently, the management of Ire clay factory decided to propose the
branding of future buildings of the university with the burnt bricks.
He described the bricks as being stronger than the regular blocks used
in construction and equally cost effective. He proposed to the
university the use of the factory as a Research & Development centre
in the nearest future.
The
acting Registrar while reacting to the opening speech from Mr. Adedeji
reminded him about the cooperate brand of the university which is lemon
green and gold color. (the bricks are predominantly red). He expressed
fears that the colour of the burnt bricks would conflict with the
corporate profile of the university.
He
also talked about the due process that the university operates by via
the directorate of procurement, promising that management of the
university would look into their proposal. Engr. Adebayo also wanted to
know whether the bricks can be painted into the university's colors. She
also asked about the strength of the bricks.
Responding, Mr. Adedeji said the bricks were burnt at a high temperature (9500c)
hence, they are very strong. He also said the bricks can be painted on
the threading where the cement joins two bricks together with the
university's colors.
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