Nurturing a culture of learning and reading in a virtual environment

The cultivation of learning and scholarship has been the raison d \u27etre of libraries since time immemorial. Reading is the skill needed to understand and appreciate the contents of written or printed text and images in order to learn and acquire knowledge in the process of building up scholarshqr. Reading and learning in this context are complementary processes. Nurturing or inculcating a love of reading and pursuit of knowledge is an essential pre-requisite to learning just as a literate user population is an essential pre-requisite to the development of libraries. Librarians therdore have a vested interest in a reading and information-literate population and must play a proactive role in the development and acculturation of the reading habit. The revolutionary changes brought about by the rapid development of ICT, digital and multimedia technology and the internet presents challenges for libraries in continuing to play this role in society while at the same affording opportunities to be more creative and effective. Librarians however, must be aware, understand and appreciate the capabilities of available new technology to be able to optimize its use it planning new services and products to meet the changing needs and expectations of the communities they serve. It is imperative that Librarians develop and acquire new ICT and communication skills necessary in order to compete with other professionals, collaborate and establish strategic partnerships with relevant organizations to achieve this. There must be synergy amongst the library profession and professionals in this role in order to make the necessary impact in society and ensure the continued relevance of libraries