Yadhu-X
Libraries are often seen as the heart of an educational institution, a repository of knowledge that fuels the intellectual and creative growth of students. However, at the Department of Journalism in Osmania University, the library has become a symbol of loss — not just of books, but also of trust and opportunity.
On my first ever visit to our department’s library (brimming with wide range of books waiting to be explored), my excitement was quickly tempered by the librarian’s firm stance: no books can be taken out. When I pressed for a solution, I was directed to the Head of the Department. His response painted a grim picture of a legacy of neglect and misuse.
The Bitter Past That Haunts the Present
In his candid explanation, the HoD shared the department’s struggles with lending books. Over the years, students had borrowed books — some rare and valuable — and never returned them. Some students vanished altogether, not even collecting their mark sheets. These betrayals of trust had drained the library of its wealth, forcing the administration to take drastic measures to safeguard the remaining resources.
Compounding this issue is the lack of funding from the university. With barely any financial support to replenish or update the collection, the library is caught in a vicious cycle of loss and stagnation. The result? Students are deprived of access to essential resources that could enhance their learning experience. The inability to borrow books is a significant hurdle, affecting not just our academic performance but also our broader intellectual engagement with the field.
The Cost of Collective Punishment
While the administration’s concerns are valid, the decision to prohibit book lending penalises the majority for the actions of a few. It is a classic case of collective punishment, where current students bear the brunt of past mistakes. This approach not only creates resentment but also stifles the culture of academic inquiry that universities are meant to nurture.
At a time when the field of journalism is more critical than ever, students are being denied the very resources they need to become the storytellers and truth-tellers of tomorrow. It is high time all stakeholders recognise that knowledge is not a luxury but a fundamental right. Only then can libraries truly fulfil their purpose as gateways to enlightenment, rather than monuments to lost opportunities.
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