Libraries as Custodians of Local Knowledge, Preservation, Conservation, Cultural Heritage and Transformation

Abstract

The study focused on the role of libraries as the custodians of local knowledge, preservation, conservation, cultural heritage and transformation. Libraries are reservoirs of accumulated wisdom passed down from generation to generation. Culture is a binding force holding the society together. A society is noted by its culture. Different societies are influenced by their culture: education, occupation, recreation, vocation, marriage, beliefs, dressing, food, economic activities, and other aspects of life are shaped by it. In our contemporary society, public libraries preserve and conserve the cultural accumulated heritage of the community more than other types of libraries as it serves as a source of knowledge and memory banks for man’s recorded idea. Public libraries serves a far wide range of patrons than other kinds of libraries, such patrons include; all members of the community, children, young adults, adults, people with disabilities, different occupational groups for their jobs, illiterate people aspiring to be literates, farmers and business men etc. the study recommends that libraries and librarians should engage on preserving and conserving cultural heritage of the communities where they established for posterity. Librarian’s particularly public library librarians should embark on training within or outside in order to acquaint themselves on modern techniques of preserving and conserving our cultural artifacts. 

Key words: Behaviour, community, culture, conservation, cultural heritage, information, integration, library, preservation, society.