Re:Garbage collectors open a library with abandoned books
by saltcured on Tuesday January 30, 2018 @01:09PM
(#16267425)
I think that you saying you are not served by libraries is about like saying you aren't served by publically-supported vaccination. We are ALL served by having human knowledge available to ALL of us.
Unfortunately, every library cannot necessarily afford to be the best university library. That's largely a public policy issue where funding is directed elsewhere and then librarians have to perform triage to keep operating.
I do think there are interesting questions about how the information age could or should change the face of libraries. But I certainly hope it isn't by closing up shop and saying we can just use Amazon or pound sand. Something like the Google book scanning project seemed like a perfect idea for me, particularly if it went after the rare/university library scenario to have a back catalog that would not quit.
Unfortunately, every library cannot necessarily afford to be the best university library. That's largely a public policy issue where funding is directed elsewhere and then librarians have to perform triage to keep operating.
I do think there are interesting questions about how the information age could or should change the face of libraries. But I certainly hope it isn't by closing up shop and saying we can just use Amazon or pound sand. Something like the Google book scanning project seemed like a perfect idea for me, particularly if it went after the rare/university library scenario to have a back catalog that would not quit.