A signboard points the way to the National Library’s new location. Pic: Hein Latt Aung

THE latest technology, side by side with ancient texts, will be the hallmarks of Myanmar’s National Library. Now established in its new home in Yankin township, the library is looking forward to expanding its electronic services.

The library moved from its former premises in Tarmwe township to its current home at 85, Thirimingalar Avenue on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road between April and August this year. The library remained open during the move to allow access to its materials.

“We didn’t close the library during the moving period because there are people who read books, write theses or following up references,” said U San Win, the director general of the Department of Archaeology at the National Museum and Library.

He said the National Library is offering e-books, e-newspapers and e-journals by setting up computers in all sections, offering an online catalogue and installing a local area network, and will set up an internet connection.

“We are planning to offer an e-library soon. The library is for the benefit of people who want to enrich their knowledge. We will promote our library facilities step by step to reach international standards,” he said

“The library will set up a website and introduce inter-library loans,” U San Win said.

The library houses more than 220,000 books, divided into 10 sections.

The ancient texts include 16,066 palm-leaf inscriptions, 1972 parabaik (folded writing tablets made of paper, cloth or metal), and 345 handwritten scripts of famous writers. These are tended with care, and regularly treated with protective zabalinsi (lemon grass oil).

The National Library also publicises information through the media to increase public awareness.

Scholars can borrow books on the recommendation of a professor or a senior government official. Foreigners may also visit the library with government permission.

“The library plays an important role in the nation. It can help people enrich their knowledge and support students in their research. It is a treasure trove of information and facts,” U San Win said.

He said students and others should familiarise themselves with the library’s procedures.

The National Library originated from the Bernard Library, which opened in 1883 during the British colonial era.

The Bernard Library was renamed the State Library under the management of the Ministry of Culture in 1952, and changed its name to the National Library in 1967.

The library was first located in the Town Hall and then moved to Pansodan Road before finally relocating to its new home in Tarmwe township.