Recently, "Half Moon Talk" reported on the problem of declining borrowing volume in university libraries.

"In recent years, especially in the past three years, the borrowing data of paper books has shown a cliff-like downward trend, with some schools falling to half or even one-third of the peak."

Netizens exclaimed, "College students don't like studying anymore," which once aroused public attention and heated discussion.

　　The decline in borrowing volume in university libraries is actually not a very new thing, but as reading methods become more diversified, this trend has become more obvious.

Data shows that the number of books borrowed by a university in Northeast China was more than 240,000 in 2019, but by 2022, there will be only 80,000.

In the long term, I am afraid this data will continue to decline.

　　There is no doubt that libraries play an important role in university education and students' studies.

But we also have to admit that there are many alternatives today that can replace the functions of libraries in the past.

　　I remember when I was in college, if I wanted to read a book, whether it was to dive into professional books or to gain knowledge about different subjects, I almost had no choice but to go to the school library.

Later, when the price of online book shopping was relatively low, I bought a lot of books online. However, considering the storage space and price issues, I still had to go to the school library to read many books, especially old books.

Moreover, in an era before smartphones became popular, let alone e-reading, it was not easy to keep up to date with information trends on the mobile terminal.

The computer room attached to the school library can meet the e-reading needs of students - it can be said that students who love reading can't help but "go to the library".

　　However, today's college students can obtain the knowledge they want at a very low cost through reading software on mobile phones and tablets.

Although most reading apps require users to purchase memberships, compared to the price of paper books, this money is still very cheap and cost-effective.

This way of reading is both cheap and eliminates the isolation of time and space - you can read books anytime and anywhere, and communicate some content with friends in a timely manner through social platforms, which is extremely cost-effective.

Many of my book friends and I didn’t like e-reading at first, but as time went by, we adapted to the new way of reading.

In contrast, going to the library to read has become a cultural activity with a sense of ritual.

　　In fact, many college students now go to the school library not to read books, but to use the relatively comfortable environment of the library to prepare for exams, either public or postgraduate exams. Reading without utilitarian goals has become a "scarce product".

Looking back on the past and looking back on the present, I still feel that during my college years, I should have had a quiet time in the library to gain a pure reading experience.

These readings may not bring any specific help to one's test scores, but they can broaden one's knowledge horizons, cultivate a deep sense of insight, and gain the ability to think independently - all of which can benefit a person for life.

　　Although I like in-depth reading, I cannot deny that the "short and quick" knowledge-based videos provided by "knowledge zone bloggers" on some video websites are not without value.

They are actually more friendly to ordinary learners in terms of problem awareness, interest and popularity.

Moreover, a large number of young netizens communicate together in knowledge communities, which can also promote each other and avoid the problem of "study alone without friends".

It is conceivable that such a convenient way of acquiring knowledge and reading and communication channels are very attractive to college students.

　　Under the impact of the online reading trend, the functions of university libraries also need to be further adjusted and optimized.

For example, colleges and universities can open up special spaces in libraries and provide special study rooms for students preparing for exams.

And those students who just want to "hang out" in the library can also get more professional guidance from school teachers.

Improving the service capabilities of university libraries is also in line with the proper meaning of university education.

　　Huang Shuai Source: China Youth Daily