Quote:
Originally Posted by SteveEisenberg
Fines, where I live, are maybe 10 percent of revenue -- or were before eBooks. Also, being able to keep an almost-finished book, for a couple more days, at a modest fee, is a good feature for readers.
This can be good for the taxpayers, but not necessarily the libraries. And taxpayer benefit will be small without branch closings proportion to the eBook transition.
Brooklyn and New York have a much better eBook selection than Queens. That's good for people like me because I use the Brooklyn library to borrow eBooks. But the Queens library is more known for services to immigrants, such as learning English and help applying for jobs. I don't think that makes Queens less progressive.
Libraries don't have just one mission. And some of those missions, such as providing a place for children to do homework, require that employees and buildings not be cut. Even though I read a lot of Overdrive eBooks, I can't say it is all for the best that I be catered to.
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No where was I suggesting that library services be cut,. Although some services are added to keep libraries alive and maybe not properly their venue. I think that if a service is a library appropriate service it should be available at lall libraries where it is needed, not just those looking for extra funding. Not saying they should not offer it but if one library does why not all if it is considered a valid library service.
My current local library is open on alternate Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and they lend about 3 books a week according to the librarian who is paid $34 an hour and would dearly love more hours. The building is only used for this purpose and was recently acquired for $300,000. Can't even imagine what the cost per book lent out is.
I am not in favour of curtailing library services, I am just saying ebooks are often less expensive instead of the massive rip-off they are perceived as.
Helen