Libraries are thought to be a vast sea of information that has accumulated over time as a result of scholarly output. These not only preserve scholarly content, but also pass it to future generations. Text books, research papers, research reports, edited books, research theses or dissertations, and so on are examples of scholarly outputs. The library is such a spot where a scholar finds rich information on his specific area of interest. The information resources are now not restricted to its boundaries but it has now been expended out of it. The academic community of an Institution are not entitled to kept documents in the libraries, but he does have access to other records held in libraries throughout the world. Information is no longer limited to print media; it may now be accessed through cloud computing. Libraries have long served as knowledge intermediaries. There are service providers for the parent organization's scholar community. As a result, there is no doubt that an academic institution would not be able to function without a library. Also, if an academic institution does not prioritise or neglect its library, it will be damaged or destroyed in a short period of time.
"The Kothari Education Commission (1964-65) took the importance of libraries in higher educational institutions extremely seriously, declaring that "nothing could be more detrimental to a growing department than to neglect its library, giving it a poor priority." As a result, the role of a library in higher education is viewed as considerably more significant. With the assistance and direction of the library, all educational programmes are successfully conducted. Under the direction of Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, the University Education Commission in 1948-49 stated clearly that "teachers must have the essential equipment for teaching purposes in the form of libraries and laboratories, as well as the right combination of learners." "The library is the core of the University's work," he says, "directly in terms of research and indirectly in terms of educational work, which derives its vitality from research. The Scientific research differs from humanistic research because scientific research requires both a library as well as its laboratories. The library functions as both a library and laboratory. In higher education and research, training is vital aspect which fully emphasis on learning of how to utilize different instruments and if libraries did not facilitate any instrument how can students learn to use them properly.''
The following remarks were made, When SR Ranganathan participated in a function held by UGC titled as 'Role of library in academic development' in 1957:
During the 1980s, significant advancements in higher education were created, and in the present context, with increasing innovations in ICT in the education sector and a better support from the MHRD, these advancements are becoming faster. Keeping in mind the value of libraries in the advancement of higher educational academic institutes, government agencies such as the UGC and ICAR have been consistently supporting to the libraries, so that informational resources available in any format can be properly utilised by the scholar community. Dr. S. R. Ranganathan, known as the "Father of Library Science," formulated "five laws of library science" that might be applied differently in the current situation as follows:
Education and libraries are referred to as two sides of the same coin. They are inextricably linked, as education without libraries and libraries without education are both paralysed. Education and libraries are inextricably linked. The supply of libraries is critical and indispensable to education all throughout the world. Libraries' function and responsibilities have grown in the ICT era, as informative sources have developed in online publishing and digital mode and are available on the web, in terms of managing material, assessing quality, ensuring access, storage and preservation, and other tasks. Digital resources have a direct impact on the productivity and efficiency of libraries, allowing them to provide twenty-four-hour service regardless of their operating hours. A library with high-quality resources can help an institution gain dignity and prestige by attracting and retaining ambitious faculty. Libraries are no longer merely places to store books; they have now gone beyond their original borders. Users' resources are no longer confined to in-house collections; libraries have expanded their collections through various library networks, consortia, e-reference services, and social media, and repositories, national and international collaborations.
It is impossible to overestimate the importance of libraries in the higher education system, which have long been regarded as the lifeblood of educational institutions. Libraries continue to be crucial tools that support academic success, critical thinking, and personal development in an era dominated by digital resources and online learning platforms. This essay examines the libraries' multidimensional value to the higher education system and focuses on how they help develop well-rounded, knowledgeable, and confident people.
This article explores the multifaceted importance of libraries in the higher education system and highlights their role in shaping well-rounded, informed, and empowered individuals.

Access to a Wealth of Information

Libraries serve as knowledge reservoirs by holding substantial collections of books, periodicals, research papers, and other academic materials. They give instructors and students access to a wide range of data that is essential for self-improvement, research, and coursework. Libraries organise and manage materials in an era where information is easily accessible online, assuring its quality and dependability, which is crucial for academic research.

Promoting Critical Thinking

The use of libraries encourages analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities. To generate well-informed perspectives, students must browse the library's resources, separate relevant information from unrelated data, and combine knowledge from diverse sources. This process encourages intellectual development and gives people the skills to properly analyse, assess, and apply information.

Quiet and Focused Study Environment

Libraries offer a concentrated, quiet study environment that is conducive to learning. With specific areas for secure study, students can avoid interruptions and focus on their academic work. Students can work more effectively in this setting and preserve their academic self-discipline.

Enhancing Research and Innovation

Libraries play a crucial role in facilitating research, which is the foundation of higher education. Academic journals, databases, and archives are just a few of the many study resources they provide. These tools play a critical role in assisting academic staff and students in carrying out ground-breaking research that advances our understanding in a variety of sectors.

Bridging the Digital Divide

Despite living in the digital age, not all learners have equal access to technology and online resources. By giving those who might not have them at home access to computers, internet connectivity, and digital materials, libraries contribute to bridging the digital divide. This guarantees that all students have an equal chance to acquire educational resources and succeed in their studies.
Finally, Libraries continue to remain indispensable components of the higher education system. They act as pillars of knowledge, promoting critical thinking, offering vital materials for research, and establishing settings for concentrated study and involvement in the community. Libraries are always adapting and developing to be at the cutting edge of academic success in an age of persistent technological innovation. It is impossible to stress how crucial they are to developing well-rounded, knowledgeable, and empowered people, making them a foundational element of higher education.

Email :---------------- sadakatakram6@gmail.com