Books are the biggest joys of life

The Kathmandu Post

Mar 29, 2017

Pitamber Sharma is a noted scholar who has authored various books about the Himalayan region and the different facets of development in Nepal. A former professor and development worker, Sharma talks about his love for reading and the missing links he has spotted in Nepali literature and its readership in this conversation with The Post’s Samikshya Bhattarai. Excerpts:

·         Are you more passionate about reading or writing?

I write only once in a blue moon and mostly because it is an integral part of my profession. However, I am a voracious reader. I started reading back in my school days where we used to have compulsory library classes every Friday. The mandatory classes turned into routine and routine turned into fondness. By the time I started college, I felt the need to visit the library every day and just devour every good book that came my way. Even today, I dedicate few hours of my day to reading.

·         What importance does reading hold in your life?

For me, reading has always held the centre stage in my life. The beauty of reading is that the more you read, the more you want to read. You just keep craving for more because it makes you happy. Reading induces a sense of curiosity. For example, recently I finished reading a book about Ashoka the emperor and it got me so fascinated about the ancient civilisations that before long I started getting my hands on all kinds of book about Genghis Khan, Alexander, and Napoleon. Reading helps you expand your horizon. Reading also lets you experience things that you wouldn’t be able to otherwise. We as human beings are given only one life, but reading helps us experience multiple lives through written history and fiction. Hence, reading is an utmost necessity and one of the biggest joys in life.

·         How do you choose what to read?

Back in the day I would just browse books from the library. The choices were initially just hit and trial; but the more I read, the more I understood what I want to read. I discovered the authors worth reading and the genres that got me hooked. Today, the internet has made it much easier. I can easily look up reviews before getting my hands on a book. I am also a member of the Fullbright alumni community where I get instantly notified when a good book comes out in the market.

·         As a former professor, what do you think is important to encourage readership?

Accessibility plays a big role in developing a reading habit. Unfortunately, the number of libraries is limited and ever decreasing in our country. It is also sad that majority of the population does not have an easy access to free reading materials, thanks to lack of importance given to public libraries. And there are only few (if at all) book clubs that could encourage and ignite the passion for readership.

To encourage readership it is first important to create an environment where readers can thrive. Our country needs book clubs and libraries that can serve readers from all walks of life.  We need platforms where readers can engage in discussions and have ease of access to good reading materials.

·         What is your favourite genre?

I don’t have a favourite genre as such; I read all kinds of fiction and non-fiction books. But because of my profession, geography, economics and socio-political books do fascinate me more than others. Yet, I believe that every book comes with its own set of value and importance and it’s always a good idea to engage with as many genres as possible.

·         What for you makes good writing?

For me good writing is simple and comprehensive. A work of writing can be considered good if it resonates with the readers. It should be able to touch lives and make an impact. But, simplicity doesn’t mean frivolity. A work can be simple yet arouse good arguments and reasons. But then again, writing varies from one person to another and it would not be fair to point out only one way as the right way of writing.

·         What advice do you have for readers?

I would foremost advise the readers to read as much as possible. Reading is very important.  If you are confused about where to start, choose randomly and read a variety of books until you finally decide what genre and which author you connect to best.

Source: The Kathmandu Post (Online) 

7 Reasons Libraries Are Essential, Now More Than Ever

By SADIE L. TROMBETTA

I grew up down the street from my local library, so I spent a lot of my childhood there, either hidden away in the stacks reading books, using the internet to access Myspace, or meeting up with friends to work on school projects. I've always understood the value of such an institution, but in today's current climate of untruths, intolerance, and ignorance, it's becoming clear that libraries are essential, now more than ever.

Source: library nsu

2017 has been dubbed by many the year of resistance, and over the past three months, the country has seen that play out in an increasingly interesting number of ways. There's been no shortage of protests, marches, and strikes, but aside from the traditional demonstrations of civil disobedience, people across the country have come up with new and surprising ways to speak out against the dangerous political agenda of the current administration and stand up for their rights and the rights of others. There have been movements to bury the White House in books, a nationwide call to action for women to get involved in politics, and so much more. While millions of individuals have gotten involved in the resistance, entire institutions have dedicated themselves to it, too, including many libraries around the U.S.

Despite what you may hear about the death of print books and the lack of interest in libraries, there are actually more public libraries in the U.S. than there are Starbucks. More than just storage spaces for books, libraries are important community hubs that serve as centers of learning, professional development, healthcare, and now, resistance.

In today's political climate, libraries have become centers for the movement that supports women, immigrants, people of color, the LGBTQ community, and those facing religious persecution. They are free public spaces that allow everyone to feel safe and to find opportunity. Now, more than ever, they are vital American institutions, and here are seven reasons why:

1.    They offer free educational resources to everyone.

Public libraries in the United States play an essential role in providing safe, accessible, and 100% free educational resource centers for every member in communities across the country. At a library, it doesn't matter how much money you make, because every resource there is free of charge, including books, internet access, and educational and professional training programs. Individuals and families, no matter their socioeconomic status, can count on their libraries to provide them with the resources they need to succeed and the answers to important questions they can't otherwise find.

According to the ALA, librarians in public and academic libraries across the country answer nearly 6.6 million questions every week. If everyone who asked a question formed a line, it would span all the way from Miami, FL, to Junot, AK. These questions aren't just about card catalogs and book recommendations, either. Librarians help their patrons not only find their next reading selection, but they also answer questions about computer and internet training, job applications and resume writing, and filling out government forms, including tax and health insurance paperwork, all of it for free.

2.    Libraries are safe refuges for the homeless and underserved populations.

Libraries in the United States provide a crucial service for poor and homeless people across the country. Not only do they offer a safe and free refuge for those who need shelter, but they offer support to those in need. Each morning when public libraries open their doors, they become shelters, learning centers, and employment centers for the most underserved population.

In many areas, homeless shelters partner with libraries and provide transportation between the two locations every day. At locations like Washington, D.C.'s Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, which to the dismay of its patrons will be closing for renovations for three years, hundreds of homeless men, women, and children visit every day, and most of the time all day, to seek shelter and take advantage of the resources the library has to offer. For the homeless or the very poor, libraries provide them with access to the internet for job searches, books for educational and job training, and essential programs designed to bring them up from poverty.

3.    They help boost local economies.

Because they are free for patrons, not many people consider the role they play in the economy, but libraries play a key role in financially strengthening local community. They provide a work space for telecommuters, supply free internet access for people looking for employment opportunities, and offer job and interview training for those in need.

According to the ALA, 73% of public libraries assist their patrons with job applications and interviewing skills, and 48% provide access and assistance to entrepreneurs looking to start a business of their own. In many cases, like the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, local governments work together with libraries to help small business owners by providing them with online and in-person resources, including financial guidance, contract opportunities, market information, business plans, and much more.

In helping individual community members financially succeed in their lives and small businesses, libraries help entire communities succeed at boosting their economy and growing their local wealth.

4.    They play an important role in English language learning.

The diversity in America, one of the things that makes this country so great, continues to grow more and more every year, and libraries play a key role in that development. People from all over the world come to the U.S. looking new opportunities for them and their families, and often times, English is not their first language. Before they can find success, they need to find a place to learn a new language.

Libraries provide English language learners with the opportunity to immerse themselves in their new language, whether it be through periodicals, books, audiobooks, or resources online. Many libraries also offer multilingual books for adults and children that are designed to help new English learners master the language in a fun and engaging way. Increasingly, libraries are also expanding their collection of non-English books to help create a more inclusive environment for every kind of reader, no matter where they are from.

In addition to the physical resources libraries offer ESL learners, they also provide educational ones, including free language classes, bilingual housing and employment help, resource and contact information for adult education courses outside of the library.

5.    Libraries make communities healthier.

When you think of a library, you probably don't think of it as a center for health and wellbeing, but in many cases, it is exactly that. Through their community programs, direct librarian assistance, fitness classes, and basic internet access, libraries provide important equal access opportunities to those seeking health information and services.

According to a study by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, 59% of libraries help patrons find health insurance resources, 18% bring in healthcare providers to offer free limited screening services, and 23% provide free fitness classes. Together with local governments, healthcare providers, and medical professionals, libraries keep communities healthier and increase their vitality in a way that makes a serious impact.

6.    They preserve history, and more importantly, truth.

The preservation of truth is important, now more than ever. Libraries, which house centuries of learning, information, history, and truth, are important defenders in the fight against misinformation.

By providing free access to educational, news, and historical resources, libraries help keep the public informed with facts, rather than confused with fiction. They act as a hub of information, and their leaders, the librarians, torch bearers for facts. While they might have a robust fiction section, libraries are still some of the greatest champions of truth.

7.    Libraries help connect communities.

More so than a community center, town hall, or public park ever could, libraries connect their communities in a way that benefits everyone. They pool local resources — from educational offerings to job training to homeless outreach to ESL learning — and put them all under one welcoming roof for everyone to share.

Whether you're a family looking for a fun story time, an immigrant in need of language resources, an unemployed individual searching for job help, or a community member who needs help on their taxes, you can all go to one place: the library. There, communities come together to learn, share, and celebrate where they live, who they are, and what they want to become.

Libraries truly are remarkable places, and in today's world, we need them now more than ever. Find out how you can support your local library and get to work protecting one of America's most important public institutions. The country needs it.

Source: bustle

8 Psychological Tips for your Marketing Strategy

by Eden Ames,

American Marketing Association

Key Takeaways

What? Eight reminders for marketers on the critical role psychology plays in consumer behavior.

So what? Understanding the psychology behind consumer behaviors and decision-making  can provide guidance when developing an effective marketing strategy.

Now what? Marketers should keep up with psychological research in order to assess and encourage certain consumer behavior.

“According to psychological research, “the reptilian” brain (the neocortex) expresses itself in: people's obsessive-compulsive tendencies, the flight-or-fight response and the actions people take in response to urgencies. These are precisely the factors that inspire impulse purchases.”

A recent article from Entrepreneur highlights eight useful reminders that can help you to implement psychology in your marketing efforts.

1. The human mind is prone to impulsivity.

Regardless of demographic, most people make impulse purchases, as shown by data from Chase, Gallup and Harris Interactive. This is why it works to ask customers to subscribe, buy and try it now.

2. Images are processed faster than text.

A picture can say a thousand words—and it only takes a fraction of the time that it would take to read those thousand words. More importantly, it’s been shown that people think in pictures. Powerful visuals go a long way. Sometimes, the image makes or breaks the deal when consumers are considering an online purchase.

3. Blue is associated with trust.

An infographic from KissMetrics shows that blue is significantly associated with a sense of trust. Marketers can make use of the research available on color psychology. Of course, marketers should be aware that social factors are at play in these associations. For example, in American culture, white symbolizes purity making it a preferred color for wedding dresses. In contrast, Chinese culture attributes death, mourning and loss to the color white and use red in weddings because of its association to luck.

4. Trust can be fostered by products and websites associated with appropriate words.

Words can lay the foundation of trust, especially when they are crafted thoughtfully. According to Entrepreneur, these are the words that work well consistently:

·         authentic

·         certified

·         guaranteed

·         loyal

·         official

5. Saying yes once means a high likelihood of saying yes again.

Otherwise known as the foot-in-door technique (FITD), salespeople have been taking advantage of the phenomenon that customers who say yes to a small request like an e-mail sign up are far likelier to say yes again.

6. The first number a customer sees can impact how the customer evaluates price in the future.

For example, a consumer in search of an affordable television with a budget of $1000 may see a TV is priced at $3,999 and consider that much too high. However, if that same consumer were to see that same television marked down to $1,499, the dramatically reduced price has an effect that may compel the purchaser to buy the TV even though it is over the original budget.

7. Every decision is based on emotion.

According to Entrepreneur, neuroscience has proven that every single decision—even those made by more “rational” types—are informed by emotions. Marketers illiciting emotional responses as a way to gain more sales should instead approach this method as a way to align products/services and campaigns appropriately to the emotion to which customers might be most prone.

8. People often act according to how they’re labeled.

We see ourselves through the eye of the other, making the expectations and perceptions placed on us crucial to the formation of our behavioral inclinations.

“The message here is that it’s okay to tell your customers who they are, what they believe and how they will act. Your labelling will impact their decision to buy or not buy your product or service.”

Source: American Marketing Association

INGO's in Nepal

• ASB Nepal -        Humanitarian and development aid, disaster risk reduction, including disability inclusive DRR (DiDRR)
• ACTED   -              Emergency Response
• Action Contre La Faim, - Action against Hunger & Malnutrition focusing children & women
• ActionAid Nepal -            Education, Woman, Food and Land, Health, Local Democracy, Conflict Management and Peace Building
• Adara Development -    Holistic Community Development in Humla, Child Protection & Development Child Repatriation, Education, Primary Health
• ADRA/Nepal -   Health, Education, Economic Development, Good Governance & Emergency management, Agriculture, Environment, Woman/gender, Children, Ethnic Minorities, Saving/Credit/ Micro finance, Institutional development, Social Mobilization, Livelihood, Water & Sanitat
• Aide et Action International Nepal - Women, Children & Education
• Ama Foundation -           Children & Education
• AMDA MINDS -                 Promote health and well beings of underprivileged people through their empowerment

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