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Considering the surge in digital data following the internet boom in the last twenty years, and the burgeoning influx of online resources, it comes as no surprise that internet-based research is now an important component in both school-based and higher education. Whilst in the eighteenth century libraries were renowned as the sole hoards of learning and knowledge, attracting correspondences from all over the world; nowadays it is far easier to search up information on the internet than to physically travel to a library to browse or borrow books.

However, whilst use of the internet has risen rapidly as we move firmly into the current digital age, the library continues to play an important role in the 21st century. This is because books or articles found in the library tend to be of a much higher writing standard than the majority of articles found by searching the Net. This can be attributed to the fact that it is far easier to host information on the internet than to be able to publish a book and have it displayed in a library. Whilst any individual with a working knowledge of computers and the ability can publish an article on the Net; to be published into a book or research journal, a piece of writing requires a much higher benchmark.

With the introduction of internet encyclopaedias, online journals and electronic books (e-books), internet information has gone a long way to increasing its respectability, but again only to an limited extent. This is because internet information is digital by its very nature, and is hence far more vulnerable to illicit alteration and modification.

Consequently in the global education sector, published books tend to be viewed far more highly as sources of reliable information than articles on the internet. Libraries, as collections of these books, thus continue to play a pivotal role in the education system today.

Additionally, digital information is only available to those with access with a computer and whilst this proportion of the population has soared, many in developing countries (or indeed those experiencing financial difficulty) may find libraries and a hard-copy of information far more accessible.

While it is undeniable that the internet today plays an important and irreplaceable part in our daily lives, the role of the library in the education sector remains as significant as ever. Libraries worldwide form an integral part of our education system, and although we have undoubtedly moved into the digital age, the library continues to play a unique role in our global culture today.

Learn more about this author, Anthony Khoo.
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