4. INTRODUCTION
Library becomes an integral part of every good school. It is an important
function of the school to provide the children with extra information when they want it. For this
information, they may require to consult reference or general books. One of the important aims
of the school is to widen the outlook of the students and to create in them a love for extra
reading. Library service helps in putting progressive methods of teaching into practice. It
supplements the knowledge learnt in the classroom. The different types of books available in
the mathematics library helps the students in the promoting reading habits. It can be suitable
in a large class room or in a separate section in a mathmatics laboratory.
MATHEMATICS LIBRARY
Mathematics library is one of the important source of acquiring mathematical knowledge and
skill. It serves the purpose of inculcating good reading and study habits which help in promoting
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 cyber cafes, there is a growing declain in the
reading of books. The different types of books available in the mathematics library help the
students in promoting reading habits.
The topic of Mathematics library can usefully be divided into two parts.
5. (i) General school library
(ii) Mathematics department library
GENERAL SCHOOL LIBRARY
In general school library there should be a separate section for mathematical books. It
should contain general and reference books dealing with mathematical subjects. The books on
latest techniques of teaching mathematics should also find an important place in this library. It
should also contain a section of good text-books. Their selection should be carefully made.
Though there cannot be many general reference books or recreational books on mathematics,
yet as many of them as are available in market should be provided in the library. Some books
on the history of mathematics, lives and works of great and inspiring mathematicians may be a
good provision.
For lower classes there should be some collection of colorful and illustrated books. The
books selected must be authoritative and reliable sources of information.
MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENTLIBRARY
Mathematics department library can also be called the subject library. A mathematics
teacher should be made the in charge of this library. It should contain useful reference books of
daily use. The books selected should be according to the needs of the pupils and those of the
teacher. For the pupils, a collection of current popular books is desirable. Such books should be
6. readily accessible so that the students may easily consult them during their free time. For
teachers guidance there should be some latest books on methods of teaching mathematics.
Only standard books by well reputed authors should collect. Help-book like notes, guides and
keys must never be purchased. The mathematics teacher should try to remain in touch with the
various developments that are taking place in the spheres of mathematical literature and the
practical teaching of the subject. A number of copies of a good book should be brought, so that
it can be read by everybody. A few copies of the current text book may be purchased purely for
the use of poor students
NEED 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 special library for mathematics for the
following reasons.
(a) Mathematics library provides immediate access to the necessary mathematics
books
(b) It helps the mathematics teacher to get acquainted with the latest developments in
mathematics and innovative techniques of teaching, as the teacher is constantly in
touch with the new additions to the library
(c) It promotes efficiency in the organization of library services.
(d) It provides a scene of separate identity to mathematics and help to motivate the
students to learn mathematics with genuine interest.
7. The mathematics teacher should take the responsibility of organizing the
mathematics library and be in charge of such a library.
EDUCATIONAL PURPOSE
A mathematics library provides the extra information necessary for mathematics, since
a teacher of mathematics may not find time to go beyond the prescribed textbook.
A mathematics library helps in drill and practice as the students can refer a number of
books other than the prescribed textbooks.
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 facility for gifted students to satisfy their curious 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.
THE USE OF LIBRARY
Even though suitable books are collected there are still remains the necessary of guiding
the children in the choice of book or suitable passages in them. The teacher must himself read
the book as soon as it is purchased. Only then will be able to know what is worth reading in a
8. book. He should display on the notice board brief comments about every new arrival. Only a
well read teacher can create love for reading in his pupils.
The number of books posed by the school library is not so important as the manner in
which it is used and extent to which reading habits have fostered in the pupils. Inspiration
comes from a few masterpieces. It is better to have a few good books than hundreds of useless
books.
MATHEMATICS JOURNALS
The mathematics library must have journals to acquaint the teachers and students
with the current events and research finding in mathematics.
The mathematics Education(A quarterly journal)
The mathematics Teacher (A bimonthly journal)
Periodicals and Newsletters published by NCERT and SCERT from time to
time.
9. CONCLUSION
Mathematics library is one of the important source of acquiring
mathematical knowledge and skill. The mathematics teacher should take the responsibility of
organizing the mathematics library and be in charge of such a library. For lower classes there
should be some collection of colorful and illustrated books. The books selected must be
authoritative and reliable sources of information. . The teacher must himself read the book as
soon as it is purchased. Only then will be able to know what is worth reading in a book.
10. RFFERENCE
The Teaching of Mathematics
Kulber Singh Sindhu
Sterling publishers private limited
PP: 126 – 132
Teaching of Mathematics
Dr.Anice James
Neelkamal Publications Pvt Ltd
PP: 257 – 261
Teaching of Mathematics
Dr A.K.Kulshreshtha
R.Lall BookDepot
PP:479 – 481
