Quote:
Originally Posted by khalleron
What there aren't enough of, I will admit, is backlist books - those that are still in copyright but have fallen out of print.
There should be enough old books to satisfy anyone who likes old books.
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I agree. I have a book that I've always wanted to read that was out of print since 1977. I found a "cheap" copy for $300 online. I plan to read it then sell it, but it's so old, I'm almost afraid to touch it.
Quote:
Originally Posted by beespeckled
OK my take on this is that it is fine as an added service but by no means serves the needs of a community. It only creates a service for those that can afford an ereader.
The traditional library branch offers equal access to all.
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They aren't eliminated paper books, they just aren't storing them in every branch. In the article it says that if someone comes into that branch and wants a book, they can order it and then pick it up at that branch.
Quote:
Originally Posted by tubemonkey
In this day of the Net, it's ridiculous to have a gazillion library branches scattered all over town. It's time to start shutting most of them down to save tax dollars. A few strategically placed branches are more than adequate to serve the needs of those who want them.
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I like having so many branches near me, but I don't use them that often because they don't have enough quiet/study space. I have 2 small branches, one around the corner, one right on the beach (literally, the only thing btwn that branch and the ocean is the parking lot) and a large main branch 2.5 mis away.
The small branch closest to me should just have computers. It's impossible to get on a computer in that place. The branch on the beach should keep paper books, if for no other reason than because they are right on the beach. It's use would be like Starbucks inside of B&N; grab a book, grab some sun, bring book back, or... if you like it, check it out. However, it's also where tourists go when they need access to a computer. The largest branch should keep all of their books on the 2nd floor with quiet study places on the perimeter and keep their computers downstairs where all of the noise is. The library is new, and has a ridiculous amount of unused space.