September 8 is International Literacy Day. The event calls attention to the global effort to promote literacy and education. For those of us who are literate, the event may not mean a lot, but for millions who cannot read or write even their own name, this is an occasion that provides hope. In today's society, such people often understand, through painful experience, that there is no area of their life that is not impacted by their lack of literacy skills.
The lack of basic reading and writing skills still affects many adults in Malta today. While the results of the 2005 population census are still being processed, the previous census (1995) had indicated that over 36,000 persons (aged 10 years and over) were illiterate. Even if this figure is halved when the result of the 2005 census are out, illiteracy would still be a major concern given that we have had compulsory education for nearly half a century.
It is quite easy, in this day and age when technology seems to be the be-all and end-all of our lives that, as the saying goes, we miss the wood for the trees. Even technophiles will have to admit that a prerequisite for using all the technology available today is the ability to read. A lot of people, however, have a real need to carry out mundane tasks. The detrimental effects of illiteracy can be combated in various ways and libraries can (and should) play a central role.
Historically, libraries and librarians have supported the objectives of literacy but the main focus has mostly been on children's and schools services. Some may argue that the raison d'etre of libraries has always been of providing tools to enhance literacy. What we are talking about here, though, are programmes targeted to specific pockets of our society that have a clear disadvantage because of their lack of literacy skills.
Public libraries in various countries are providing various programmes to promote literacy for different ages and using different approaches.
Despite our limited resources, there are examples that should serve as best practices and that, with some modifications, could be adapted to the local scene. The first step to do locally, though, is that public libraries acquire a broader vision of their role. We must move beyond the notion of public libraries being seen only as book depositories. Of course, the politicians must play their part. As the MaLIA Report On The State Of Maltese Libraries had amply demonstrated, a serious investment in the public library system by the government is needed so that libraries can first supply basic services and then implement new services. This has to be supported by improved management of the resources available and by a wider vision of what public libraries can and should offer to Maltese citizens.
Public libraries should advocate a culture of literacy by speaking out on the issues related to the demands of an information society and the debilitating effects of parents with low or no literacy skills. The provision of services such as introducing a low literate adult to his/her first book could be an occasion to raise the profile of public libraries. It could also mean a new life to the person concerned, the opportunity for social inclusion and, subsequently, new opportunities for a better life.
Although the government has carried out literacy courses for adults, there are people who feel uncomfortable in a formal learning environment. Libraries could provide the ideal non-formal environment for such people. The facilities, the collections, the network available and professional commitment from library workers could prove to be important assets in the provision of literacy services for those in need. A strategy of cooperation that would bring the capabilities of libraries to work hand in hand with other organisations and institutions might be the best solution.
This, of course, presupposes the required investment in our public library network and training to all staff.
Emphasising the educational role of public libraries, especially (but not only) for adults, has the potential of gaining new users, cultivating economic and political support from non-educational sources, and enhancing the library's position as a vital community institution.
Mr Mizzi is chairman of the Malta Library and Information Association (MaLIA).