Role of Libraries in Governance

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Since the discovery of the computer, internet connectivity in libraries has been enormously felt in every part of the world especially in countries with advanced democratic governance (Elsevier, 2004). Formerly, internet technology was restricted to the military and the government only. The drastic use and rise of the internet has been made possible by the increase of telecommunication corporations that enjoy monopoly over other businesses in the management of the internet. In the United States, almost every library is equipped with state-of-the-art computers that have internet connections. It has now become a common practice for many library patrons to serve the internet with ease thanks to the presence of libraries in every locality. Nowadays, major libraries allow their clients access to important university libraries known as virtual libraries. Government use of libraries has become intense especially during election processes as electorates can cast their votes in simpler fashions.

Internet use in libraries is vital for education and other sources of information as well. Underprivileged citizens that cannot afford to have computers and internet connectivity at home can now sit in libraries with ease and enjoy the good that come with the internet. However, restrictions apply to sensitive web sites that are regulated by government. Internet use in libraries allows citizens to correspond with their elected representatives with ease, stay informed of prevailing global political, social, and economic conditions, and as well pursue education of choice.

Reference

Elsevier, A. (2004). The impact of technology on information literacy education in libraries. The journal of Academic Librarianship. Vol. 30, no2, pp. 151-156