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One of the big problems with maintaining public resources like libraries, public parks, public transit, etc. is that some people with money actively avoid and a

• JoeAltmaier 9y ago
  That's the part you fastened on to? I reiterate: most of us are not served. So I choose to quit going. Good for the rest of them; I harbor them no ill will. Yet I believe there are other facilities to house the homeless (I'm sure of it; my church sponsors one) and educate the young. Why warp libraries to serve this role? How can that help them justify their existence? Doing something badly that other public institutions already do?
  • saltcured 9y ago
    I think that you saying you are not served by libraries is about like saying you aren't served by publically-supported vaccination. We are ALL served by having human knowledge available to ALL of us. Unfortunately, every library cannot necessarily afford to be the best university library. That's largely a public policy issue where funding is directed elsewhere and then librarians have to perform triage to keep operating. I do think there are interesting questions about how the information age could or should change the face of libraries. But I certainly hope it isn't by closing up shop and saying we can just use Amazon or pound sand. Something like the Google book scanning project seemed like a perfect idea for me, particularly if it went after the rare/university library scenario to have a back catalog that would not quit.