Maybe there needs to be a shift in how libraries operate? While having a physical copy is nice, I think a move to digitize at least a portion of the library, namely magazines and videos would help. It would be cool if I could log in to my local library using my library card and pick a book, magazine or video to borrow and have it auto-return. I know Amazon has implemented a system like this already this summer. Libraries could even offer in building e-readers with the entire library downloaded for browsing.
These posts make me miss the joy of running into the library while my mom waited in the car so I could check out another Animorphs book... good times. I think it would be just swell if Libraries would offer digital downloads of books to those with cards. They could probably implement some kind of self-deletion to get around silly copywrite stuff. I have no idea how libraries work :| If libraries could move away from being solely physical buildings and into the digital age they could be HUGE expanses of knowledge, as opposed to the pretty big expanses they are now. They should still stay physical, though. There are tons of folks without interwebs at home still.
I can't imagine being without a library. As far as I know, there are no community centers in my city - the YMCA is for physical exercise, the library is for mental exercise. These are supplemented by the parks and rec department, which offers arts and crafts, as well as the colleges in the area, which offer extended learning. If we were to remove the library, its services would have to be split among the other organizations, and I'm not entirely sure they'd do as good a job. (We have a really good library system though.)
Reading a book is so much better than reading on IPad or Kindle. I rather go out and check out a book or buy a book. The feeling of turning a page can never be replaced. It's similar to buying CD. I would buy CDs but I would never buy music off iTunes. The texture, the material, the design, the size, the thickness, the cover ... all of which can never be replaced by digital products.
Libaries still have a good 30 years left in my opinion, as long as over 50s read and the majority don't buy ipads.
Definitely we'll always need libraries.
Libraries allow everyone access to education, literature, beauty, etc.
If libraries didn't exist, the illiterate portion of the population would only increase. Plus, then I'd have to start paying for music.
Agreed. Besides, where else would all the homeless dudes in my city go online for their porn?