Role of Libraries as Agent of Interfaith Harmony and Peace Building

Abstract

The role of libraries and information centers is very crucial as cultural heritage, knowledge disseminator, learning and skill development center, research promoter, and a space for spending leisure time in a positive way. Reading is the best way to spend leisure time and to avoid all types of worries and negative thoughts, while enhancing knowledge and skills. The current era is multi-dimensional in the sense of cultural mix. Libraries and information centers are the hub for all levels of persons without any discrimination of sect, breed, color, race, or community. Even though an illiterate person can also use libraries by listening audios, watching videos, films, and many more. The present study is qualitative in nature and a systematic literature review related to the function of libraries in promoting interfaith harmony. The study focuses on an insight into the literature on how libraries are playing their role in promoting peacebuilding in different sites. The present study explored the activities of libraries in organizing reliable information for the promotion of dialogue and ways to facilitate universal interfaith harmony. Firstly, it elaborated the points of view of some of the largest religions of the world on equality, brotherhood, living in peace, and the lesson of toleration to their believers. Secondly, the functions and duties of libraries in the light of international organizations such as UNESCO, the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA). Thirdly, the libraries play their roles in different situations in different countries for the promotion of interfaith harmony.