Tutong - It is essential for everyone to develop a reading habit in order to keep themselves updated ahead of the times and rich with information in order to form a successful community, said Tutong District Officer Hj Idris Hj Md Ali.

He said that such are the requirements and determining factor for one to carry out any rational, mature and established decisions or actions.

"Knowledge is the main source in determining the quality of our human resources which in turn is very critical in ensuring a competitive force," he said during yesterday's launching of Tutong's library management workshop at Language and Literature Bureau's Tutong Library.

"Meanwhile, the management of a library, such as increasing the number of book collection and other reading materials, is very important to provide such (knowledge)," added Hj Idris.

He emphasised that a systematic and well-organised library is essential to fully satisfy the needs of its users which in turn will contribute to the creation of a knowledgeable community.

"A library has to ensure that all its books are arranged systematically so that they can be easily seen, borrowed and returned to cater to the needs of its users such as increasing one's knowledge as well as the sharing of data, information and other reference materials."

He spoke of how the expansion and improvement of library management services is hoped to contribute to the development of a more knowledgeable community.

"I believe that a developing and progressing country will have a community that is rich in knowledge and information and has a practical reading culture emphasising on the importance of data and documentation. readiness in sharing resources in addition to appreciating further education and life-long learning," he said.

"'Whether we realise it or not, our surroundings today change with such rapidness.

Everyday brings with it a variety of knowledge and recently discovered technology that is announced to the public by means of either print or electronic media," said the district officer, adding that among such information are influences that can affect our daily lives.

Hj Idris explained that if one is not able to get hold of such information, one would become non-competitive, isolated and left behind with current global developments.

The library management workshop, organised by the Language and Literature Bureau, is held over the course of three days to widen and improve the knowledge. skills and capabilities of librarians in the long run, particularly in areas of library management and planning.

As many as 35 participants, made up mostly of those working in libraries of Primary and Secondary schools, mosques and government departments in the Tutong District, are expected to attend workshop, held in conjunction with Brunei's Enhancing Reading Culture 2009 campaign.

Similar workshops are scheduled to be held for the Belait District (on August 11 to August 13) and Temburong District (October 5-7).

A Brunei-Muara District library management workshop had already been held on June 3-6.

-- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

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