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As a student, building a personal library is a valuable
investment in your education and future. It allows you to have easy access to
reference materials and books that interest you, and helps you develop a love
for reading and learning. Here are some principles to consider when forming your
personal library.
Books are for use, not decoration. A true collector will have many fine
editions, but it's not enough to just buy books for their cost or fancy printing
and binding.
Don't collect books for the sake of having them. If you buy books that you don't
plan on reading, they will just clutter your shelves and go unused.
Only buy quality books. Instead of spending money on expensive editions of
second-rate works, invest in cheap editions of good books that are often
available in paperback form.
Your personal library can be divided into four categories: reference, special
subjects, hobbies and games, and novels.
Having access to encyclopedias and reference books is important, but you don't
have to spend money on them. However, it's still useful to have a couple of key
reference books on your shelves that you can use when you can't visit the
library. These books will vary depending on your interests, but for an English
language and literature student, the following reference books are recommended:
Oxford Companion to English Literature
Oxford Book of English Verse
Oxford Book of English Prose
Gurney-Benham's Dictionary of Quotations
Concise Oxford Dictionary
Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable
The majority of your library should consist of books about your special
subjects. Essential textbooks should be borrowed or purchased as needed, but
your own library should include standard background books that will help you
keep a perspective in your subjects and better understand the set books. For
example, a student of 20th-century European history may want to collect Sir
Winston Churchill's war books and memoirs of great generals and statesmen.
However, they should be careful about "historical fiction," especially the
romantic type.
Everyone has a hobby or interest, and there are many books available that can
help you pursue these activities. These books are generally cheap and can be a
fun addition to your personal library.
Many people collect paperbacks, novels, and novelettes, but they are usually not
worth keeping in your personal library. The test is to ask yourself if you'll
ever want to read the book again. If the answer is no, you can give or throw
away the book after reading it. However, good novels, especially those of social
importance or significance, are an essential part of a well-balanced selection
of books.
In conclusion, building a personal library is a valuable investment for
students. By following the principles of buying books for use, avoiding clutter,
and investing in quality books, you can create a library that will benefit you
for years to come. |
