Evolving reading habits call for blending digital and traditional library resources
As both physical and digital formats have their own challenges, finding a balance could be key to reigniting a love for reading in an increasingly distracted society.
SHAH ALAM - With reading habits in Malaysia on the decline, incorporating digital resources into libraries could encourage a new interest among readers by blending traditional and digital options in easily accessible settings.
This trend raised questions about the best way to encourage more reading.
Should efforts focus on promoting the sensory experience of physical books or should they pivot towards the ease and accessibility of digital books?
As both formats faced their own challenges, finding a balance could be key to reigniting a love for reading in an increasingly distracted society.
Bukit Bendera MP Syerleena Abdul Rashid expressed her love for reading and preference for physical books, emphasising the importance of fostering a strong reading culture.
"While digital devices have become dominant for reading, the demand for physical books and well-maintained libraries remains strong.
"A way forward is to integrate digital resources into our libraries, creating spaces where people can enjoy both traditional and digital formats.
She said the Penang Digital Library was a great example of this approach, providing a space focused on books yet equipped for community discussions and strong digital connectivity.
Syerleena explained that this approach could serve as a blueprint for other states, combining the charm of books with modern amenities to create a vibrant community hub.
On the other hand, Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching believed that people’s reading habits and ways of accessing information have evolved.
"Reading physical books remains an important way to gain knowledge, but now we also have e-books, podcasts and free resources like YouTube documentaries, which offer information in accessible formats.
"Libraries still hold sentimental value, yet it is essential to not judge on the number of physical books people read and more on how much time they spend acquiring knowledge, whether through traditional reading or digital platforms like e-books and podcasts," she said.
Meanwhile, speaking on Malaysian students' reading habits, Parent Action Group for Education (Page) chairman Datin Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim said it was crucial for children to start with physical books from an early age.
She said research indicated that prolonged exposure to devices at a young age was associated with symptoms related to autism.
"Ideally, screen time should be limited to a maximum of two hours a day. Parents should prioritise physical books as the primary medium for reading, using devices only as a supplementary tool.
"Australia has recently banned device use for students under the age of 16 and several other countries have introduced similar policies with varying levels of restrictions.
"These decisions are likely based on extensive data supporting the need for such actions.
"If local research is available, we should consider it carefully to guide our own approach in safeguarding mental health, regardless of the cost," she added.
Azimah also highlighted that the government's book voucher initiative was a positive step, helping to alleviate the cost of physical books.
She suggested schools follow suit by creating libraries that are conducive to reading, ensuring the environment is comfortable and that the collection includes a wide variety of books.
"Moreover, once students purchase books using the vouchers and have read them, they can donate them back to their schools, thereby expanding the range of available reading material.
"In the meantime, schools should also develop digital platforms while ensuring that screen time is limited," she said.
This article is part of Sinar’s Roundtable Discussion Programme on Creating Resolutions, which addressed the topic "Malaysia's Education System: After 60 Years, Where Did It Go Wrong?."
During the discussion, 20 key recommendations were proposed to improve the system.
One of the major suggestions was to make the school assessment system more comprehensive, ensuring it reflects all aspects of life.
This would move beyond merely focusing on the number of A's or high Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA), as these alone do not fully define a person’s success.
