Quote:
Originally Posted by Calenorn
Many school libraries have been called 'media centers' for many years. Their role in support of classroom teachers has been steady, even as the technology has changed. They will adapt.
Public libraries in the US have increasingly become resource centers for people with limited computer access or technological knowledge. As society increasingly relies on electronic communication and record keeping, public libraries have become a safety net for those without the financial means to stay connected on their own. They, also, will adapt.
Really, in both cases, the books were a tool to do a job, and the job remains.
|
Yes, my local branch of the Ottawa library was expanded recently. I estimate that the floor space was tripled, but the stack area stayed about the same size; most of the new space is for computer use. At the same time, they switched to electronic check-in and check-out, and they offer borrowing of chromebooks. The library staff now seem to spend much more of their time assisting users with digital media or computer problems.