MULTIMEDIA RESOURCES IN THE MODERN LIBRARIES: Beyond books

          

INTRODUCTION 

           Libraries have long been repositories for knowledge, but in today's digital age, they are reinventing their function. From video archives to VR experiences, modern libraries offer multimedia resources that cater to a variety of learning methods. Technology and innovation have transformed the way people learn, making multimedia materials a valuable tool for library users.This study used multimedia materials, including audio podcasts, audio-narrated slides, short video segments, and full-video lectures, to enhance learners' comprehension. 

          As earlier stated, multimedia effectively engages learners in the teaching process by combining various media elements. Multimedia relies on visuals to visually convey messages. These photos include both graphics and still images. An image is a key component of multimedia that depicts a physical or fictional item. This is especially beneficial when the physical object is unavailable or inaccessible.A still image on a computer screen uses pixels, brightness, and color to effectively represent a phenomenon or item.

CONCEPT OF MULTIMEDIA 

         The word multimedia

combines two words “Multi” and “Media”. Multi means several or multiple while media is the channel for storing or transmitting information. Multimedia refers to the use of several media formats, such as images, text, video, simulation, and animation, to transmit information.Multimedia technologies encompass CD-ROMs, CD-I (compact disc interactive), DVI (digital video interactive), rewritable compact discs, presentations, and video demonstrations.

THE RELEVANCE OF MULTIMEDIA RESOURCES TO USERS 

The application of multimedia in libraries helped in creating and curating digital collections. Libraries can offer a vast array of eBooks, audiobooks, digital images,videos, and music, providing users with convenient access to a wealth of multimedia resources. Libraries can utilize multimedia to conserve and distribute cultural heritage by creating digital archives. Libraries can increase access to historical documents, images, and recordings by digitizing them. By digitizing historical documents, photographs, and recordings, libraries can make them accessible to a wider audience. These multimedia archives ensure the preservation of valuable artifacts while allowing users to immerse themselves in the past and explore different facets of history.

TYPES OF MULTIMEDIA RESOURCES IN THE LIBRARY 

1.Visual Materials

DVDs, CDs, music collections, and streaming services.

2. Interactive Resources

Virtual reality (VR) setups for immersive learning experiences.

3.Makerspaces with 3D printers, robotics kits, and other creative tools.

4. Specialized Collections

Local history archives, oral histories, and digitized rare manuscripts.

STEPS ON HOW TO ACCESS MULTIMEDIA RESOURCES IN THE LIBRARY 

* Register to get a library card and obtain other credentials that will make it possible to access books in the library.

 

In-Library Access 

* Locate the multimedia section or ask the librarian for assistance 

* Use the computer, tablet or other devices to access the multimedia resources 

* Use your library card to borrow CDs, DVDs and other physical multimedia materials 

Online 

* Search for valuable multimedia materials using the library website or online catalog 

* Use keywords, author, title to search for the materials 

* Check if it is available online, In-Library or through interlibrary loan

* Use your library card or other credentials to access multimedia resources 

YouTube Links for better understanding 

Multimedia resources

Finding Multimedia resources in the library

Types of Multimedia resources

GENDER BASED VIOLENCE: Understanding and preventing physical violence in our community

People often mistaken Gender-based violence as women's issue only, they tend to forget that the word 'gender' refers to both women and men, especially young boys are also victims of the same.Gender-based violence is a global pandemic, anyone can get affected by it, irrespective of age, race, gender or social status. 

Physical violence can take place at home, school, in our environment or community. Being aware about Gender-based physical violence will enlighten individuals and communities about the dangers and how to prevent it before it occurs.Before we go on let's take a look at the meaning of gender-based physical violence. 

Gender-based physical violence refers to the brutal act, physical harm or abuse directed at a person because of his or her sex or gender to cause harm or injury. It can take various, including :

1.Domestic violence:It can occur between a parent and child, siblings or even roommates. This form of violence occurs behind closed doors and encompass various abusive actions including:physical, emotional, sexual or financial abuse e.t.c.

Globally, in 2021,it was estimated by World Health Organisation(WHO) that about 1 in 3 women have experienced physical or sexual  intimate partner violence in their lifetime. 

Mourin Nindo is an example of a woman who experienced domestic violence at kisimu town, one of the 47 countries in the republic of Africa. At the semi country within kisimu lives Mourin Nindo,a strong survivor of a painful thorn in the flesh, who was butchered by her husband because, he was not ready to be called a dad and because his friends made jest of him for getting married to a minor(source:Terry's View). Domestic violence is a dangerous and life threatening issue, it must stop. 

2.Sexual violence:This is an act of showing sexual advances or having sexual intercourse with a person without his or her consent. This includes:rape, sexual harassment,forced sexual acts amongst many others. 

Sexual violence often jeopardize the life and future of its victims. As a result,some students(boys and girls) might drop out of school due to psychological trauma, while some girls might drop out of school due to early teenage pregnancy. Some might get infected by deadly diseases such as:HIV, AIDs, STIs and STD which may eventually lead to death of lives, and also some couples might opt for divorce because the victim might not be able to endure the touch of anyone(man or woman), after being sexually abused.

3.Female genital mutilation(FGM):It is also known as female circumcision it involves the partial or total removal of the female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for cultural or non-medical reason. This is another deadly violence directed at a girl child. 

FGM is done to girls to ensure virginity before marriage and fidelity afterwards.it is an harmful traditional practice and it must stop for sake the sake of women and girls wellbeing. 

4.Forced marriage:This is a type of marriage whereby one or both parties are coerced, intimidated or pressurized to be in the relationship without their consent or against their will.A marriage can also become a forced marriage if both enter with full consent and then one or both are later forced to stay in the marriage against their will. 

Apart from children, adults can also be victims of forced marriage. Boys are victims but  women and girls are the main victims of forced marriage, they might enter into a marriage in exchange of their family debt payment, and if it is a widow, she might get inherited by another person if her husband dies. Girls and women might enter into a marriage due to traditional pressures, to maintain and enhance their family reputation or to free their family form the shackles of poverty.

An arranged marriage can also be forced, if a person feels pressurized or is expected to marry against his or her wishes. A child who is forced into marriage is likely to go through physical, sexual or emotional abuse. Forced marriage is a grave violation of human rights and it is illegal in nearly all counties. 

The causes of gender based physical violence (GBPV) is multifaceted and can be take various forms, including :

1:Gender inequality:This is one of the primary causes of GBPV. It mostly happens in male dominated  countries. Most of these countries are locate in Asia, with a few countries in europe and west africa (source:world Atlas). In such countries men may hold more power and privilege in many societies which may of ten encourage them to be more aggressive and dominant while women are expected to be submissive. 

2.Lack of education:Individual with little or no education, may be unaware of their legal rights and may not know that GBPV is a violation of those rights. 

3.Cultural norms:Some countries culture and traditions allows the violation of girls  and women rights . Addressing cultural norms is essential to fight GBPV, it does not only affect the economy of a country it also affects the future generations. 

The consequences  can be physical, psychological or economical.The consequences of GBPV includes:

1.Physical injuries:The victim might sustain minor or severe injuries. Examples are: scratch, cuts, burns, fractures of the mose, jaw, ribs or limbs e.tc. some physical injuries might lead to death. 

2.Psychological injuries:The victim might be psychologically traumatized whenever he or she is reminded of the traumatic events. Psychological injuries often leads to Depression, post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD), anxiety disorder and low self-esteem  amongst  many other. It can also lead to the poor-day-to-day functioning of some. 

3.Economical injuries:It can negatively affect the financial stability of some of its victims

Some of it consequences are:job loss, medical expenses,property damage and

 legal costs. 

Preventing GBPV is clearly not an easy task,but then it is not impossible. Here are some tips on how to prevent GBPV. 

1.Engage men and boys:patricia  shea said" The and of violation against women and girls begin with men and boys. The involvement of men in this issue will really help to reduce the rate of gender-based violence issue because some men listen to men especially boys. It is important for fathers to respect women, be a good role model and instill good behaviour in his kids especially the boys,so in future his sons will not end up becoming abusers and his daughters will not end up becoming victims.  

2.Education and awareness:Individuals should be educated and aware of  the dangers of GBPV so they can prevent it before it occurs. 

3.Promote Gender Equality:Creating a more equitable society is essential for preventing and addressing gender-based physical violence. 

Everyone should be given the same opportunity be treated fairly irrespective of age, race gender of social status. 

Gender-Based Physical Violence is a violence against human right, age notwithstanding, it's a serious issue in the society that need's to be addressed.