2. INTRODUCTION
Mathematics library is one of the important sources of acquiring Mathematical knowledge and skills. It serves the purpose of inculcating good reading and study habits which help in prompting self-study and independent work among students. The students, at a young age should be exposed to the joy of reading and should be equipped with adequate reference skills. However, with the advent of information technology and ajber cafes, there is a growing decline in the reading of books. The different types of books available in the Mathematics library help the students in prompting reading habits.
NEED AND FUNCTIONS OF A GOOD MATHEMATICS LIBRARY
Even though there is a general library with a separate section for Mathematics department in every institution, it is necessary to have a separate library for Mathematics for the following reasons.
•
A mathematics library provide immediate access to the necessary mathematics books.
•
It facilitates timely use of the books and inculcates reference skills. As the Mathematics teacher is in charge of the Mathematics library, the students can seek the teacher’s help and guidance in locating and selecting the relevant books.
•
It helps the Mathematics teacher to get acquainted with the talent developments in Mathematics and innovative techniques of teaching, as the teacher is constantly in touch with the new addition to the library.
•
It provides the Mathematics teacher with an important role in the selection of relevant books for the Mathematics library.
•
It promotes efficiency in the organisation of library services.
3. •
It provides a sense of separate identity to Mathematics nd helps to motivate the students to learn Mathematics with genuine interest.
The Mathematics teacher should be take the responsibility of organising the Mathematics library and be in charge of such a library. Mathematics library can be situated in a large classroom or in a separate section in the Mathematics laboratory. The effective use of the library by the students can be ensured by allotting a separate period in the timetable for library work. The Mathematics teacher should motivate the students to use the library time more productively.
A MATHEMATICS LIBRARY SERVES THE FOLLOWING
EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES
•
A Mathematics library provides the extra information necessary for Mathematics since a teacher of Mathematics may not find time to go beyond requires a lot of drill and practice a particular set of textbooks cannot service this purpose. A Mathematics library helps in drill and practice as the students can refer a numbers of books other than the prescribed textbooks.
The different types of problems and approaches available in different books help the students in developing their problem-solving ability and adopting different approaches to problem-solving thus making them more open-minded and independent.
Class room teaching may leave many gaps and doubts unclarified. A good library provides opportunities for filling up the gaps and removing the doubts.
It provides facilities for the gifted students to satisfy their curiosity and thirst for knowledge.
It provides adequate materials and information necessary for completing the assignments and homework.
It helps in developing reference skills necessary for higher education.
4. ORGANISATION OF MATHEMATICS LIBRARY
In Mathematics library there should be a good collection of useful books in Mathematics. The Mathematics teacher should be responsible for making a wise selection of books for the library. Books of ancient Mathematicians, books regarding the history of the development of Mathematical knowledge, etc..can be stored. The library should be attractive and should provide an atmosphere conductive for reading. it can be declared with visual aids and pictures of Mathematicians, charts and posters about their contributions, information on historical development of certain Mathematical concepts, theorems and so on. The seating arrangement must be comfortable for the students to sit and rad. Above all, the books selected for a Mathematics library should be relevant, interesting and useful and should enthuse the students to read. While selecting the books, the emphasis should not be merely on quantity but also on quality. The books and materials for a Mathematics library can be collected and categorized under the following heads and can be arranged in different cabins, bureaus and almirahs.
1. Text books: For any subject text books is very important. There should be provision of all the textbooks related to Mathematics for each class of the school according to prescribed syllabus.
2. General Books: Books giving general information related to the subject matter eg: book of general knowledge containing information of day to day happening and discoveries.
3. Reference Books: Books which are meant for further study. Tables of constants, logarithms, Books containing Mathematical terms in other languages. Mathematics dictionaries etc.
4. Inspirational Books: The books which inspires teaching and learning. For example wonder of mathematics, puzzles in Mathematics, tricks in Mathematics, magic of Mathematics, fun in Mathematics etc....
5. 5. Practical Books: Books which provide detailed information of experiements. For example books containing particular utility of learnt Mathematical facts, figures and principles.
6. Background Books: It gives the information about the historical development of notation system, various systems of weights and measures. Historical development of different branches of Mathematics, biographies of the great Mathematicians etc...
7. Popular Mathematics Books: Popular Mathematics containing latest ideas about the discoveries and inventions in the field of Mathematics.
8. Source Books: These should include books on methods and technique of teaching. There are reference books for teachers to acquaint them with innovative methods and techniques of teaching Mathematics.
9. Mathematics Magazines and Journals: These are very important in a Mathematics library to develop among the students the thirst for knowledge of Mathematics.
Moreover, there should also be books with collection of puzzles and games for the students. These activities may be basically a series of games, puzzles and experiments. The corners of a library might be furnished with several chairs and tables where the pupils can sit right down and real.
EFFECTIVE USE OF MATHEMATICS LIBRARY
The Mathematics teacher should take up the responsibility for organising the Mathematics library and be in charge of such a library. Mathematics library can be situated in a large classroom or in a separate section in the Mathematics laboratory. The effective use of the library by the students can be ensured by allotting a separate period in the timetable for library work especially in higher classes. The Mathematics teacher should motivate the students to use the library time more productively. definite rules should be set up as to when pupils can engage in the various activities and how they are to be checked out.
6. CONCLUSION
The Mathematics library should be attractive and should provide an atmosphere conductive for reading. It can be decorated with visual aids and pictures of Mathematicians, charts and posters about their contributions, information on historical development of certain Mathematical concepts, theorems and so on. The seating arrangement must be comfortable for the students to sit and read. Above all, the books selected for a Mathematics library should relevant, interesting useful and should enthuse the students to read.
REFERENCES
1. Jame, A (2006) “Techniques of teaching of Mathematics’, New delhi: Neel kamal Publictions, Pvt.Ltd.
Dr.Somon, K and Dr.Sivarajan, K”Methodology of Teaching and Pedagogic Analysis”, Calicut University.
3. Mangal, S.K. “Teaching of Mathematics, Ludhiyana: Prakash Brothers EducationalPublishers.
