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A few days ago, I briefly, for a half-second, reverted to a bookstore mentality while at my local library and tried to decide whether or not to "buy" a book I was browsing. How freeing it is to not be limited in knowledge due to a lack of money! This moment combined with the sight of many people of all ages enjoying the library gave me a renewed appreciation for this institution.
Category All / Fantasy
Species Mammal (Other)
Size 1002 x 1280px
File Size 608.8 kB
This is true! I read half my books on a Kindle app on my tablet now. But even still, I think the library is more than just a resource for books and media, it's kind of a sanctuary- somewhere anyone can retreat to study or read or relax. There's something great about a place that's so quiet in a world that's just getting louder and louder.
It's funny to hear kids coming with their parents to the library for the first time asking if they can buy the books. It really is great to have those repositories of knowledge as small havens from the logic of the marketplace, where people can just come and drink coffee, read books and magazines and don't have to worry about buying anything to justify their presence.
I remember going to libraries. But I haven't stepped foot in a physical library in years... My local library system rents out E-books and audiobooks online. Newspaper archives on microfilm are so...in the past, because you can view old newspaper archives now on Google. I get all my news online. The only reason I could ever thing about going to a library is to find out of print books that don't have electronic versions available online... And even then libraries eventually get rid of older books through book sales to make room for new.
Libraries are neat but about as outdated as a video/book store.
Libraries are neat but about as outdated as a video/book store.
I agree that they are an incredibly roundabout way of getting information. I just borrowed my first e-book from my library a few weeks ago and I loved it. I really enjoy being able to look at old magazines and newspapers on Google.
However, there are still many resources that are not available in streaming formats or on the Google newspaper archive, which stopped updating in 2011. All it takes is a change of ownership for an online content provider to withdraw access to entire archives of content, or to put it behind a paywall. I do hope that everything can be scanned and archived eventually.
Eventually, I hope that all libraries can reinvent themselves as gathering and learning places where you can connect with people, and not just retrieve information.
However, there are still many resources that are not available in streaming formats or on the Google newspaper archive, which stopped updating in 2011. All it takes is a change of ownership for an online content provider to withdraw access to entire archives of content, or to put it behind a paywall. I do hope that everything can be scanned and archived eventually.
Eventually, I hope that all libraries can reinvent themselves as gathering and learning places where you can connect with people, and not just retrieve information.
Libraries are trying to reinvent themselves, but it depends on the area. Like I said my area already rents out digital media free of charge for library card holders. Also the libraries host tutoring and studying nights, as well as family nights. I think its a great idea that along with schools that one would go to the library to receive free tutoring.
It's just kind of hard to get people to go to a library itself when you offer services like this to members heh. http://www.mdpls.org/databases/digital_library.asp
It's just kind of hard to get people to go to a library itself when you offer services like this to members heh. http://www.mdpls.org/databases/digital_library.asp
I remember searching for newspaper articles on Microfilm! That was crazy, and then you print the page and the whole thing shrunk for a second and made a clunking noise.
My local library is great, it has a massive graphic novels section, and every David Sims book for some reason. I'm really bad at returning my books on time though.
My local library is great, it has a massive graphic novels section, and every David Sims book for some reason. I'm really bad at returning my books on time though.
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