Here’s another one of those *do we really need libraries?* kind of articles from the Atlanta Journal Constitution.
“Several college presidents have said library buildings are not needed anymore. Elected officials have questioned the need for new or expanded public libraries.
It is true that technology has changed libraries and the way people use them. However, libraries are stronger than ever, with usage climbing and new buildings gaining national attention.” Read More. [You didn’t used to, but you will now need to register to view this article, but it’s free].
Bricks and morter libraries
At first I thought this was going to be a reference to the President of Drexel University’s comments.
I’m new to this site and to the whole librarian/information world…so forgive me if my reference to Drexel’s library is old hat by now.
The article you’ve given us the hyperlink here to is actually a very good one in outlining many of the reasons why real, bricks and morter libraries are needed, as well as how and why they are changing.
Satellite reference desks at supermarkets.
Our Cambridge Public Library in Massachusetts is building a major new addition to the main library. But we should be working out a way of setting up and deploying satellite reference desks at rapid transit stations, supermarkets and such, temporary tables that would make more library services available to more people who have not visited the library.
Really?
I wonder if these library killers are also ready to admit that college buildings are not needed as ‘the education can be performed via the internet’.
selling the experience
MIT’s Open Courseware program demonstrates that knowledge is a commodity – MIT is selling itself on the life experience and networking possibilities it offers. Should libraries offer something similar?
Libraries stronger than ever with budget cuts?
There is no doubt that technology has changed libraries. But I don’t know about libraries getting stronger than ever. I think libraries are actually getting weaker due to budget cuts and often careless withdrawal of items which are sometimes unreplaceable and out-of-print. I don’t understand how libraries can grow stronger while their budgets are slashed and opening hours are reduced. Buget cuts also mean staff cuts and this cannot be good either.