Quote:
Originally Posted by tubemonkey
I'm all in favor of this move by TPL, because it's the future. I also support shutting down more neighborhood branches in large urban areas and consolidating services in regional branches instead. That's how library systems will be able to open a few more digital media centers outside of the main branch.
In these tough economic times, consolidation is the answer.
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I beg to differ. In a big city like Toronto (pop. 2.5 million), made up of many neighbourhoods, the convenience of a library within walking distance is a major factor in its continued popular support. The fact that its entire catalogue is on-line, and any book can be reserved for pickup at a local branch, is also a major factor in its usefulness. Every branch has computers, and, recently, wireless access was added. Have a look a the
list of branches, it's too many for me to count.
"In 2001, Toronto Public Library becomes the world's second most used public library by circulation after Hong Kong." They must be doing something right.
The ebook collection is sort of pathetic right now, but it's improving. But I can access the Oxford English Dictionary online, using my library card number to sign in. That's pretty neat.