I saw the image above on Facebook Wednesday, 25 June 2025: “This is the largest library in the world. Just opened in China and has 1.2 million books.” My first thought: “Do you think the Chinese librarians counted the number of books right?”
To illustrate the
use of such a vast physical library – let us do an Internet search on the
definition and/or explanation of “knowledge” – ready?
“what is
knowledge” – the Internet said it found “35,900,000” entries, and how am I
going to read all those?!
“define knowledge”
– the Internet still had 154,300 search results, stil too many for me!
“explain
knowledge” – the Internet gave me even more, 6,610,000 search results!
Never
ever think you know everything about a subject because other people may know
more – or differently!
That is why when I
write, I never say something like, “This is it. If what others have written is
against it, they’re wrong!”
Suppose Maria Ressa, Filipino winner of the 2021
Nobel Prize for Peace says,
“Ferdinand Marcos Jr is a bad President.” Would you accept the judgment because
it is given with some authority?
I would not!
That is why I am
writing this article – if you want to judge people, you have to do it on your
own.
I practice my own,
which I call “THiNK! Journalism.”
True? If True, is
it
Helpful? If Helpful, is it
Inspiring? If Inspiring, is it
Necessary? If necessary, is it
Kind?
THiNK! Journalism.
On the Internet, I
just typed “wisest American,” and the Internet showed me the book “Emerson The
Wisest American.” That is the view of only one man, the author of the book, Philips Russell.
In any case, you
have the right to disagree!
The Library & Information Science Community
says (lisedunetwork.com):
A public library is a cornerstone of community
education and enrichment, offering free access to knowledge and resources. It
is an inclusive sanctuary where individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and
socioeconomic statuses can engage in lifelong learning and cultural exchange.
Beyond its traditional role of lending books, a public library facilitates
access to digital media, hosts educational programs, and provides community
services that foster literacy and digital competence. These institutions are
not merely repositories of books; they are vibrant, dynamic spaces that adapt
to the evolving needs of their communities, promoting equality of access to
information and empowering citizens in a democratic society.
What is a public library?
Library & Information Science
(lisedunetwork.com) says:
“Public libraries
play a crucial role in modern society, extending far beyond their traditional
function as mere repositories of books. Today, they serve as dynamic hubs of education,
technology, culture, and community engagement.”
That is to say, if the library does not
actively, readily and happily assist would-be learners in finding out something
or other, it is missing on its original function of helping readers search for
knowledge!
Library users, in the
meantime? “The Largest Library In The World” means nothing. Use your head!@517
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