THE role of librarians, as those who organise information and help people find books, should encompass knowledge of the latest books and information as well as developing a rapport with the visitors especially students, and not just sitting behind the reception desk.
Students from various secondary schools in Brunei yesterday told The Brunei Times that librarians should ensure that the library is a welcoming place where people can frequent more often to be able to improve their reading habits.
Nurul Ain Md Jaafar, 17, a Lower Six student from Sixth Form Centre Berakas (PTE), said that she has been going to libraries in Brunei since she was young and has found that some libraries lack the facilities and that librarians should think about improving their services.
"Frankly speaking, they can do better. Librarians don't just categorise books and sit behind the reception all day. They should be more familiar with book genres," she said.
According to Nurul Ain, librarians should develop good relationships with students,avid book readers and visitors to the library in general, so that they know their needs and preferences when it comes to books and in turn become more knowledgeable and find some room for improvement.
Aliff Afifi H M, 12, from Tutong Mahad Islam Brunei is a regular library-goer who loves to read horror books. He also agrees that librarians should be more knowledgeable when it comes to books so that they would be able to recommend the latest books to their visitors.
"Librarians should be informative and act as friends who are able to help you with your book preferences," he said, adding that he also wished that there were more stock of books in the libraries.
Abdul Azizul Jabar, 17, from Awang Semaun Secondary School, said he did not normally go to libraries citing the outdated books and facilities which were are found in some libraries as being the reasons.
"It is the librarian's responsibility to ensure that the library is up-to-date with new books. I would have gone (to libraries) constantly if I knew that there was a better selection. I'm not just saying this for myself, but I think it would attract more students too," he said.
He also said that not only were they lack of books but also textbooks as well.
"I usually come (to the library) to study with my friends. Sometimes when I need a textbook, it is not there," he said.
He also said that sometimes the librarians did not display proper customer service, saying that the librarians can sometimes be quite rude.
Norafizah Samat from Awang Semaun Secondary School, often goes to the library and also agrees that the librarians can be really rude sometimes.
"There is nothing wrong with speaking with courtesy. Be more professional when it comes to handling people," she said.
The 17-year-old also said that she loves reading and has finished a novel collection in an undisclosed library in Brunei but has been waiting endlessly for the arrival of new books.
She also stressed that one of the most important roles for librarians is to ensure that they share a love of books as well.
"I am an avid reader but sometimes I would like to see some book reviews. They should be steps ahead when it comes to informing me about books so they are able to recommend it to me," she said.
Some students, however, are perfectly satisfied with the library service in Brunei, such as Ahmad Adiib, 1-year-old a former student of Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien (SOAS) College.
Ahmad Adiib said that he has always enjoyed visiting libraries since he was young.
According to him, librarians in general have done a good job in making libraries in the sultanate a resourceful place to visit.
He said that the facilities in libraries in the country are quite convenient.
He added that some have proper visual aids such as literature on DVD as well numerous information that students can use for research.
He also said that the librarians i are like "older sisters" to him and that they can be very informative and helpful when it comes to informing the public about the arrival of new books.
"When Harry Potter came out, they informed us about it, which I thought was quite efficient," he said.
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