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Library's should be more than just books. When the idea of the public library was first conceived, information was published and disseminated using print media
by legostormtroopr 9y ago
Library's should be more than just books.
When the idea of the public library was first conceived, information was published and disseminated using print media - books, newspapers, magazines and the like. The role of the public library wasn't to give books to the public, it was to give information to the public. But at the time the best way to give access to this information was using a room full of books, they used the same name for both a room full of books (a library) and a place where the public could get information (a library).
Now days, since the source and publication of information has changed so dramatically, the role of the public library must stay the same - to provide free and easy access to information to the public. But how they perform that role must change.
- randyrand 9y agonot just information, but useful information. libraries have an important curation role as well, in addition to storage. We cant let the internet archive be the only modern day library.
- chii 9y ago> not just information, but useful information. all information is useful, as utility is dependent on the context for which the information is needed.
- wyattpeak 9y agoAll information is useful, but too much can be worse than none at all. When faced with too much choice, people tend to shut down a little. Curation is important. Edit: I've probably overstated my point. I'm not sure I believe too much is worse than none at all, but it's certainly worse than a well-curated selection.
- 7952 9y agoI think it depends on who is actually using the library. An elderly person looking for information on cancer, or a trashy romance novel probably just wants a book. A parent feeding their kids habit for book about fairies probably just wants lots and lots of books. It is easy to jump on bandwagons that may have limited appeal to existing users. Books are an excellent source of information in particular contexts. And using technology as a replacement is in its infancy for some type of book.