Are Libraries just for Reading?

[mr ploppy]

My local library has a Wii you can play with. I don't know how long it's been there because I haven't used the library for over 10 years now. When I asked why it was there they said it got people through the door.

[witeowl]

Originally Posted by vxf

From the latin 'librarium', or 'chest for books'.

I don't see why we have to call a computing lab or a community center a 'library'.

Do I think that's a good initiative? Certainly. But why call it a 'library', if not to blow smoke in the eyes of donors?

I personally think that public libraries exist to promote literacy within the community, particularly in a way that provides "equal access". Do you not agree? It seems to me that computer literacy and a sense of community are both valid functions of a library.

And, really, if it's a choice between ten multi-function libraries or zero book-only libraries (the twenty being shut down when community support dried up), I'll go with the ten multi-function. Would I rather have twenty multi-function library? Without a doubt. But then, I would also rather have the body of a 20-year-old athlete and a multimillionaire husband who always believes that I am right.

[SolRaven]

Brilliant! Libraries for learning and as much as I love and value books and literacy, I also value computers and computer literacy. Everyone agrees that literacy is important, but if you aren't computer literate, you may as well not have a HS diploma. Our children should be in a more evolved and more current library system than the one we went to, or our parents went to. Evolving libraries equals increased attendance equals more funding, which could lead to extended hours and more branches.

[vulcan_girl]

Originally Posted by SolRaven

Brilliant! Libraries for learning and as much as I love and value books and literacy, I also value computers and computer literacy. Everyone agrees that literacy is important, but if you aren't computer literate, you may as well not have a HS diploma. Our children should be in a more evolved and more current library system than the one we went to, or our parents went to. Evolving libraries equals increased attendance equals more funding, which could lead to extended hours and more branches.

You can't even apply for a job or unemployment in some places without access to a computer. It's all well and good to decry the numbers of computers in libraries, but they do serve a purpose to the underserved. Heck, I have two computers in my house and there have still been times when I had to go to the library and use theirs.

[OtterBooks]

Originally Posted by tubemonkey

At Tacoma Public Library, a new digital lab offers space where teens can create, learn



So, are libraries just for reading? and is this a proper use of tax funds when basic funding is being stretched to the limit? Keep in mind that this same library system shut down two branches earlier this year because of poor funding.

Wasn't most of the funding for the computer stuff from a private grant?

[maianhvk]

the library of l'espace which I sign in is labeled 'multi-media'. besides "normal" books, it has comics, newspapers, magazines, DVDs, CDs, computers with internet access and children's corner...

[tubemonkey]

Originally Posted by OtterBooks

Wasn't most of the funding for the computer stuff from a private grant?

It was a 50-50 split. Half from the foundation and half from the taxpayers.

[crich70]

Originally Posted by Penforhire

Even many years ago libraries were not just for reading, at least in my neck of the woods.

These days it makes sense to spend tax money on computer hardware and software at libraries to keep the playing field even. There are still kids without PC's or internet connection at home. Maybe not the majority but certainly the disadvantaged ones.

True. When I was a kid the public library not only had reading programs but occasional field trips to sites of interest to kids (planatarium, zoo, a live play of Treasure Island and other things like that). Plus even when I was a kid they had other media such as records and movie reels (for projectors) that you could borrow. The one in my hometown even had a copy machine (back in the 70's) that patrons could use. The media changes but not (I hope) the content.

[ebusinesstutor]

I like that this library evolved but I am concerned that it means closures of other branches and takes away funding for books and ebook lending.

Another concern of mine is ebook lending from libraries. What happens if larger libraries have a much larger selection of ebook lending titles available so people starting joining the larger ones instead of the local ones?

[SandyHarper]

It sounds great. This is the future.

[Penforhire]

ebusinesstutor, e-book lending is by county here in So Cal, not by actual library. Why would individual libraries maintain separate servers for such a central activity? Down the road a library could be less expensive to operate because no actual building is required, excepting a location to lend e-readers or PC's to the have-nots.

[jtdolphins]

Originally Posted by SolRaven

Evolving libraries equals increased attendance equals more funding, which could lead to extended hours and more branches.

Obtaining funding to open more branches is highly unlikely. In my area its about saving jobs, staying open and getting new books. Thats not in any particular order, but its survival. They have been slashing staff and hours here. I was talking to the staff one day and they were explaining how they plan certain events based on attendance for the funding reporting. Depressing!

I rarely went to the library as a kid. As a dad, I'm in the library almost every week with my kids. Its part of our school week and the kids love it. I never hear the end of it if we skip a week either. Never forget when my 4 and 5 year olds got their library card this spring. They were so proud of them.

I look at libraries very different now.

[mtwd]

Libraries have had video collections for viewing and borrowing for at least 25 years that I know of. I remember watching documentaries at the university library for my Associate Diploma reports.

My local library also has Wii, Xbox and PS3 available, they have music sundays, writing workshops, all sorts of community focused events.

Are they just for reading? No, they are a community resource that is promoting literacy through preschooler reading mornings, morning tea with a librarian chats for stay at home parents, free internet access and activities for teenagers.

[Latinandgreek]

Originally Posted by vulcan_girl

You can't even apply for a job or unemployment in some places without access to a computer. It's all well and good to decry the numbers of computers in libraries, but they do serve a purpose to the underserved. Heck, I have two computers in my house and there have still been times when I had to go to the library and use theirs.

I didn't get a computer until I was in my M.A. program, and had to type university and high-school essays on the library computers. I have had to go to the library to use the free wi-fi connection not too long ago, too.

Also, the computers can be handy to type up notes from books that cannot be taken out of the library as a loan.

[pholy]

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.

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.