[READ] Are Public Libraries Obsolete? - Comments Page 2

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Posted by:

Richard Dengrove
03 May 2016

When I was working as a librarian for a government agency, it was a mantra that we don't need a library because we have the internet. Of course, you have to know where to look on the internet. Also, some sites are password protected and cost more money than an individual might shell out. I grew not to mind the mantra, though. While my government agency hated libraries, it loved the services I provided.

Posted by:

Citellus
03 May 2016

I am not in a library district. I can use the local libraries in my two near small towns, but cannot check out books. But we value libraries enough that we subscribe (pay) to our nearest city library, an hour away, and make much use of it.

Also, in my family history endeavors, we stop at small libraries all over the country. And we find valuable local things that might not ever get digitized and on-line.

Posted by:

Patrick Foltz
03 May 2016

I am a 'snow-bird' from Michigan to Leesburg, FL. The city library here is awesome. I am volunteering and using this library more than ever before.

Check out their site at http://www.mylakelibrary.org/libraries/leesburg_public_library.aspx

Patrick

Posted by:

Warren Ngo
03 May 2016

As an Edmontonian, I'm proud to say that in 2014, the Edmonton Public Library located in Edmonton, Alberta Canada (metro population, 1.2 million) became the first Canadian library to be named Library of the Year by Library Journal magazine and Gale Cengage Learning, the highest library honour of its kind.

Posted by:

Mark B
03 May 2016

The Greenville (SC) public library system has also seen an increase in usage, according to our local librarian, who attributed the increase to having public internet access, word processing, and $0.05/page printing. She thinks people are using the libraries for job searches and resume writing.

My family takes advantage of free movie DVDs and music CDs, in addition to books and internet. I would hate to see our libraries get cut.

Posted by:

Jana
03 May 2016

The library system is good. Even in the online groups knowing that many people do not recycle which is bad for the environment I encourage them to donate their magazines to either a medical facility if they have a family member or they themselves work at one knowing it would get recycled if it was given to an office for patients to read or take them to libraries to be donated after they are done. Same with books. The children in the Summer can always use the access to books that have been donated.

Posted by:

Diane
03 May 2016

I have had a library card since 1948. The library that I use is always busy: both the children and adults sections. So busy, in fact, that sometimes it's difficult to find parking space. I see many mothers teaching their children how to use the library. Great thing to watch! I'd say that the library system in my city is growing.

Posted by:

Penny M. Oade
03 May 2016

I recently had two medical operations that altered my eyesight significantly during the recuperation period of several months. I spent days sitting in a darkened room with a cold compress over my eyes. Any reading except for newspaper headlines was out of the question. Thanks to the Hernando County, Florida Public Library System I was able to enjoy listening to many biographies and current novels on CD.
Support your local library; it is a vital resource in any community and a beneficial use of tax dollars.

Posted by:

Mary
03 May 2016

Thank you, Bob, for helping to spread the word. Many people have no idea what public libraries have to offer today. Unfortunately, many of those are people who are in a position to affect funding. Thank you again, from a retired Librarian.

Posted by:

Eric
03 May 2016

I used to love going to the libraries around here... there are some very good ones in my region. There is something about reading in that environment, especially reading for studying purposes, that just makes for a more efficient reading experience--in my opinion, of course. The reason I quit going is because the environment changed for the worse. The cellphone era allowed for rude, inconsiderate people to ruin it (along with theaters and other places), and library staff wouldn't do anything about it. Needless to say, peace and quiet is a prerequisite to reading comprehension and/or enjoyment, so I simply quit going. So the main service I would prefer that they offer is to simply kick out the yappers, especially the cellphone variety... lol.

Posted by:

KRS
03 May 2016

In NYC, every library is jammed with minority striver kids studying in a quiet place where they have WiFi and help from librarians. I can't think of a safer place for them to go. The atmosphere is electric.

Libraries have free access to paywalled services such as JSTOR.

We can't do without them.

Posted by:

Jerry
03 May 2016

My city's public library is an attractive, inviting place, with many kinds of services and documents EXCEPT non-fiction books. This is a frustrating limitation, since it, effectively, is a site for recreational reading (above all) and Internet and AV usage. The duty to inform the public that a good non-fiction monographic collection provides is a duty that this local library SHIRKS.

Posted by:

David
04 May 2016

I am a cataloger at a major university library in California. We are part of a library system with 3 other universities as well as the county public libraries and city public libraries. This cooperative organization is happening in many places around the country. While I work on cataloging a hundred or so physical items per month, I also perform metadata operations on 1000s or tens of 1000s of items in networked/licensed content every month (so now I'm a cataloger and learning to be a metadata specialist). Since the 1980s library catalogs have been translated from paper cards to electronic databases, essentially as flat files equivalent to the single card. In the last several years though, libraries nationwide have been converting to cataloging in linked data structures using a new cataloging standard called Resource Description & Access. This is opening library research in much the same way that shopping at your local mall is expanded by shopping online. Information science has been exploding in the library world and shows no signs of slowing down. I'm close to retiring now, but still wondering about going back to school to continue studying the rapidly shifting landscape of information services offered by libraries.

Posted by:

Denis
04 May 2016

I think that this is the first of Bob's articles that there has been complete agreement amongst respondents, and I also agree that public libraries are great and should be supported. Don't let the penny pinching politicians and bureaucrats destroy a great community resource.

Posted by:

Paul
04 May 2016

I was in demand as a volunteer at our county libraries, assisting patrons by helping them with their computer and software questions.

If you read Bob Rankin (and you do), you should consider volunteering at YOUR library.

Posted by:

Mary S.
04 May 2016

The Chicago Public Library is also keeping up with technology. As with other libraries, ebooks, audiobooks and movies are available on-line 24 hours a day.

Free Wi-Fi and computers are available at the libraries. DVDs, CDs and players in addition to traditional materials are also available. Some branches have 3-D printers for public use. Another personal favorite are the knitting machines available at the main branch. The staff are trained to help patrons with the new technology.

Libraries have meeting rooms available to groups. They are official warming shelters in the winter and cooling shelters in the summer.

The part of my tax bill that goes to libraries is one of the few I don't mind paying!


Posted by:

Sujit Sengupta
04 May 2016

I am a retired librarian, residing at a small town in India. I regret to say that during my service, I have hardly seen a politician who has clout, favours propagation of the concepts of library movements. Now, I am afraid, it is still so everywhere.

Posted by:

rich-c
04 May 2016

Toronto is now the fourth largest city in North America (after Mexico City, NY and LA) The event was celebrated by the opening of the 100th active branch. Since I think NY and LA have scattered, freestanding regional libraries Toronto also has the lead in circulation and offers almost all of the features listed in all of these comments, plus a few of its own. Check it out!

Posted by:

Mary
04 May 2016

"Backpacks the size of fridges". They forgot to mention the aroma. There are so many homeless people these days, the local library is the default homeless shelter. They get out of the rain and cold and can bathe in the wash basins. So your tax dollars aren't wasted after all.

On a positive note, if you take your kids to the library, you can point out the homeless people and tell them if they don't study, develop good habits, etc. they will end up like them. Good motivation.

Posted by:

Steve
04 May 2016

Broward County Florida public libraries are definitely not dead.

I use mine for online classes, ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, and videos for my android devices, and even many print books each week.

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