Agency Tool: 'Library'

‘Library’

I began my investigation by speaking to residents to explore where they find ‘information’ with a mobile map providing the vehicle for consultation. With the help of a translator I was able to speak to people in various locations around G & G and question where they sourced ‘Information’ in relation to where they lived. The sources of information were mapped in six separated categories; Magazines, Newspapers, Literature, DVD, Political Literature and Internet. General discussions were held in consultations to find out more about ‘library’.

The second part of my investigation was to visit 2 information institutions which contained a ‘library’ to find out in depth exactly how they functioned. How are people able to access the facility, how is it run, where do the books come from, who reads the books – if at all.....etc

The main conclusions which I can initially draw from my investigations are as follows:

What works.

· The Main library at Maltepe is accessible for those who can travel there.

· The Political centres provide bookshelves which represent the institutions, with books,magazines and political newspapers readily available

· Word of mouth

· Religious centres with links to public information courses. (Cem house

· Many have private connection with several internet cafes providing for those who are computer literate.

· Private Libraries apparently exist for those who know of their existence.

· Daily newspapers and magazines readily available from shops for those who can afford.

What doesn’t work.

· There is no provision of non religion or non political ‘library’ within G & G, with no cultural centre for social interaction or knowledge exchange.

· There are bad attitudes. People say they don’t need to learn, and don’t want to learn. Thereis little habitual reading for pleasure, which could be generation economic problem.

· School Libraries are not being utilised within the curriculum. Children are not reading.

· The selection of books which are available are old and outdated.

· There is little communication of the sources of information.

· Few social interaction tools

· No secondary school in G & G.

What should a ‘Library’ be in G & G?

An accessible network of information which informs people about the source of available information; Maps, Website, Display, Mobile Library, Dukkani....

Tim