Quote:
Originally Posted by kovidgoyal
Now for out-of-copyright or open access works, libraries are useless.
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Why so, why the present tense?
There are probably millions of out-of-copyright works that are only currently only available within libraries, and are unlikely to be digitised anytime soon. Without libraries these would be lost.
Where are the digital solutions giving blind readers access to huge amounts of material?
How will the less tech savvy readers get hold of obscure books at reasonable prices without a library service?
What about the poor who can't afford to buy all the books they want to read?
Who'll bother digitising local history archives that are of interest to a very small clientele?
eReaders are a new option, but that doesn't automatically mean they're an alternative to reading printed books - reading for recreation can still be enhanced by the tactile and visual appeal of a beautifully produced book.
Libraries are too precious to surrender willingly; and we should remember that Western civilisation only survives to the present day because of the heroic librarians of the past. They may yet be called upon again, we cannot afford to be without them.
Is there something sacred about libraries? Yes! Imho, they are more sacred than cathedrals.