By Bernama,
Yangon : Myanmar official media Thursday called for efforts for the development of self-reliant rural libraries to widen the scope of knowledge of the rural people.
“Knowledge and thinking power of the rural people will be enhanced with the efforts of local and social organizations, the people and service personnel to develop libraries,” China’s Xinhua news agency quoted the New light of Myanmar daily as saying in its editorial.
According to the editorial, five tasks were laid down for the development of the self-reliant rural libraries in the long run and the tasks are to be carried out with application of four strengths.
The editorial added that basic library science courses are being conducted, aimed at turning out good librarians to contribute to such development.
Myanmar has extended opening of libraries to help enhance the intellectual power and knowledge of rural residents and the number of such self-reliant libraries in the rural areas has so far reached 55,755 out of over 60,000 villages, thanks to the combined efforts of the government and the local people as well as the contribution of well-wishers, according to the official media.
Meanwhile, Myanmar has striven to launch a digital reference library to promote research on modern Myanmar literature and compilation has been underway since late 2004 on a database containing information of over 300 authors including biographies of some famous authors.
The digital reference library will serve as a comprehensive source of information about Myanmar literature from the 20th century to the contemporary era, according to local journalists.
To encourage preservation and promotion of literary and cultural heritage, the Myanmar government annually presents literary awards to successful winners.
Besides, the Sarpay Beikman (Myanmar Translation Society), established in 1947, has published numerous magazines, lexicons, illustrated journals and volumes of Myanmar encyclopedia as well as extends its manuscript award to literary talents every year.