Quote:
Originally Posted by J. Strnad
For decades libraries have defined themselves as "the place where the books and magazines are." Now they are no longer "the place where the books and magazines are" and they are left struggling to remain relevant as "the place where computers and the internet are."
Unfortunately, the people who can fund libraries have computers and internet access at home, leaving only those without money (who need the service) to fund them, which is not a strategy for survival.
They've been looking at their secondary function as community centers to remain relevant to a middle class clientele, but what do they offer that other community centers (such as parks, Boys and Girls Clubs, etc.) don't?
It's tough times for libraries.
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Books and magazines: much more so than the other places you mentioned. This is one of the areas that I'd support a local tax (probably already do) to provide for libraries in my city. The staff at a library would be a lot more helpful for someone seeking information or computer know how than most of the community centers I find in my area.