“Knock” the reading culture in Vietnam National University, Hanoi
Vietnam National University (VNU) develops a strong reading culture among students by creating a wide diversity of “playing field of knowledge”.
Books are an infinite source of information. Reading books allows people to absorb knowledge while also learning and cultivating more knowledge and nourishing their souls.
In an interview with Mrs. Kim Anh, Deputy Director in charge of serving readers at Vietnam National University (VNU) Library Center, she stated that the number of students accessing and reading books at VNU libraries has been decreasing, especially since the Covid-19 epidemic, whereas usage of digital libraries has been increasing. Recognizing this change, VNU and its member universities have developed many initiatives to form and improve students’ reading culture.
VNU – a journey from reading culture to experience
In recent years, VNU has held a contest for all students from member universities called “Ambassador of Reading Culture.” The number of entries increased from 169 in 2020 to 4173 in 2021, in which VNU students won high prizes, demonstrating the program’s great attraction to improving the reading culture. Furthermore, the Library Center celebrated Vietnam Book and Reading Culture Day on April 21 by inviting bookstores to sell books at a discount and inviting book authors to share, which has attracted a large number of students.
“ULIS Book Corner” – the place where books are not just knowledge
Referring to the University of Languages and International Studies (ULIS), it is impossible to ignore the activities that promote reading culture. The Center for Information Technology – Communication and Learning Materials, in collaboration with the ULIS Reading Club, has organized a variety of activities such as Weekly Book Reviews, Book Contests, and document exchange. The most prominent of which are the ULIS Book Fair 2022 and ULIS Book Corner.
University of Law, VNU – books and the weaving of a dream
The Book and Action Club, University of Law – VNU was established with the mission of spreading the love of books to students through practical programs and actions such as the “Garden of Memory” table book, Book day, Book night, Book Talkshow, and Book Contests, which attract a large number of book lovers and interested readers. Regarding future plans, The Book and Action Club’s president stated that the club will collaborate with the University of Law to build a private library for students and organize numerous cultural promotion activities to spread the reading culture among students.
University of Social Sciences and Humanities (USSH), VNU – the place to keep memories
With the assistance of Hanoi Books and Action, the USSH Book and Action Club has promoted reading culture among students through various activities such as Book Reviews, Book Nights, and Debate Book Contests.
The effect of the above key activities is an impressive increase in the number of digital library visits in 2019, reaching 5,524,735 (in 2018 reached 2,991,784 visits), especially in which the number of visits by students of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities was the highest in the Hanoi National University system with a total of 242,388 visits, an increase of 11,576% compared to that of the previous year (visit VNU LIC).
The activities to improve reading culture and the change in the VNU Library Center’s service are hoped to develop the center into a VNU Center of Digital Knowledge, serving and meeting VNU’s development needs in the new epoch.
“We hope that through the book corner activity, students not only maintain their love of reading but also serve their study and work in the future,” said Ms. Linh, Vice Director of the Center for Information and Communication Technology and Communication Materials. She noted that the center will order a book corner at Foreign Language Specialized School – ULIS, and give the students the right to manage the “ULIS Book Corner”.
The current era, with its rapid advancement of technology and changes in audiovisual culture, has had a significant impact on the reading habits of many people, particularly the younger generation. Agencies and book lovers have brought intellectuals closer to people in a practical, close, and oriented way toward good values in life through new and creative ways.
“Give books, sow hope; read books, nourish the soul.“