It Started in Chicago
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Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 3,476
Likes: 224
From: Frequently frozen MN
It Started in Chicago
I don't think that this is political -- at least I hope not.
Anyway, a local Chicago news station ran a story suggesting that libraries are a waste of money. Complete with '60 Minutes' style trickery -- shots of unpopular library sections presented as evidence of no patronage.
And, of course, some shots of kids using the computers for games.
It prompted at least one editorial here ( in MN) in support of libraries, which generated a fair number of negative (and some positive) comments.
As a life long power user of libraries, this just seems amazing. I have certainly gotten my tax dollars back from the libraries, and it's not at all hard to do.
There are a quite a few areas that I would cut before libraries. Of course not police/fire/schools. But, possibly ADMIN staff, new stadiums, and some of the other odd areas that seem to crop up.
End of rant. I'm sure that this was just a slow news day story, but I welcome comments from the great FTE masses.
hj
Anyway, a local Chicago news station ran a story suggesting that libraries are a waste of money. Complete with '60 Minutes' style trickery -- shots of unpopular library sections presented as evidence of no patronage.
And, of course, some shots of kids using the computers for games.
It prompted at least one editorial here ( in MN) in support of libraries, which generated a fair number of negative (and some positive) comments.
As a life long power user of libraries, this just seems amazing. I have certainly gotten my tax dollars back from the libraries, and it's not at all hard to do.
There are a quite a few areas that I would cut before libraries. Of course not police/fire/schools. But, possibly ADMIN staff, new stadiums, and some of the other odd areas that seem to crop up.
End of rant. I'm sure that this was just a slow news day story, but I welcome comments from the great FTE masses.
hj
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 5,983
Likes: 2
I'm kind of mixed on this one. Libraries just SEEM like what is a part of a great culture. However... With the advent of the Internet are they still cost effective? I beleive the public libraries provide Internet access to those who would otherwise not have access so there's another reason to have them.
Moderator
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 158,573
Likes: 12,043
From: Greenfield, MA
Good point Herman...it's unfortunate that budgets are such that libraries may be pushed to the side. The local public library has drastically cut back their hours due to budget cuts. There are a lot of things that can't be duplicated by the internet...the childrens reading time comes quickly to mind.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
Likes: 3
From: Atlanta GA
Libraries were started to benefit the poorest people that could not afford to buy books. That still holds true today, even when talking access to the internet. But, one of the biggest benefits of a library today that is often overlooked, is the printed word can not be changed as easily on a massive scale that electronic content can. Printed words can easily last 100s of years, most CDs and such have a life of 15-20 years, if, the readers are still around.
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 17,400
Likes: 319
From: Whittier, CA
I am one of those that believe public libraries have become obsolete. Yes, some people still use them. But we all have to pay for them, and probably 1 of 100 or less ever visit them.
Exceptions are schools. Every school has an on campus library. I have no problem with that.
Exceptions are schools. Every school has an on campus library. I have no problem with that.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 20,589
Likes: 2
From: Charlotte, NC
I believe in public libraries....But in the case of Charlotte, we just have too damned many! I mean, c'mon....24? 19 of them in the city limits. There was a big to-do down here a couple of months ago about the county planning on closing 12 of them (and canning 124 employees) due to a 2-million shortfall in county funds....I think they forestalled that, but it illustrates the problem with government in over-building and over-employing....in GOOD times....and when times get bad? Then you're talking layoffs and closings.
Around here, several big libraries scattered regionally would have more than sufficed....and would have been much more efficient (i.e.......landscaping several properties instead of 24.......)....and with a good mass transportation system....more than accessible for anyone without a car or other way to get there......
Around here, several big libraries scattered regionally would have more than sufficed....and would have been much more efficient (i.e.......landscaping several properties instead of 24.......)....and with a good mass transportation system....more than accessible for anyone without a car or other way to get there......
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 17,400
Likes: 319
From: Whittier, CA
Libraries are just a really poor use of resources these days. Unless you are homeless, then the free internet comes in real nice. I don't care to pay for that. Get a friggin job!
I can see a market for an internet based library. Think Amazon, but instead of selling books you borrow them. Need a Haynes manual? Rent it. Just like Netflix, but for books.
It's just stupid to have a huge library of books sitting around in every neighborhood, just on the off chance that someone might want to borrow it.
Old fashioned ideas die hard, especially if they are government supported.
I can see a market for an internet based library. Think Amazon, but instead of selling books you borrow them. Need a Haynes manual? Rent it. Just like Netflix, but for books.
It's just stupid to have a huge library of books sitting around in every neighborhood, just on the off chance that someone might want to borrow it.
Old fashioned ideas die hard, especially if they are government supported.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 23,849
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From: McKenzie River
I guess I am just a little too old school............a society that starts closing libraries seems doomed. I guess in the age of instant gratification, researching and reading are too much trouble........Its easier to wade thru the spam on the net.
Something just does not sit right with me about it.
Something just does not sit right with me about it.
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Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 17,400
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From: Whittier, CA
But most importantly, I believe in the concept of paying for services that you personally use. I pay for libraries, but I never use them.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,550
Likes: 5
From: Lancaster County PA
Our little local library, which I frequent, on average, probably once a month is always busy. I donate financially and support it by donating books that I have read and do not want to keep. I also buy used books for $.50 per paperback and $1.00 per hardback from the used book store they operate and donate them back when I am done with them, unless it is an author I am collecting.
Recent budgetary woes have resulted in them shortening their hours of operation and closing on Mondays entirely.
I think it all has much to do with the decrease in the number of folks that like to read for pleasure.
But judging from the activity in my library, our community still has many folks that enjoy borrowing books to read.
Just because one doesn't use a public service, doesn't mean the service should be discontinued. I never use public transportation with any kind of regularity, but I understand how important it is to those who do and thus don't mind my tax dollars being used to help subsidize it, for exams.
Recent budgetary woes have resulted in them shortening their hours of operation and closing on Mondays entirely.
I think it all has much to do with the decrease in the number of folks that like to read for pleasure.
But judging from the activity in my library, our community still has many folks that enjoy borrowing books to read.
Just because one doesn't use a public service, doesn't mean the service should be discontinued. I never use public transportation with any kind of regularity, but I understand how important it is to those who do and thus don't mind my tax dollars being used to help subsidize it, for exams.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 7,298
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From: Southern California
The difference between the internet and the library is the net is information and the library is literature. If we give up literature as a fine art in exchange for information that is mostly commercially sponsored, we are doomed. Librarys are like art museums for the printed word. Except you can take it home with you.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 23,849
Likes: 20
From: McKenzie River
The difference between the internet and the library is the net is information and the library is literature. If we give up literature as a fine art in exchange for information that is mostly commercially sponsored, we are doomed. Librarys are like art museums for the printed word. Except you can take it home with you.
Did not the communists and the ***** close libraries, called them cesspools of dangerous thought and not for the common proletariat masses?
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 20,589
Likes: 2
From: Charlotte, NC
Couldn't have said it better, Scott.
Again....I'm a believer in libraries....and again....I just think my area, at least, went overboard with it......
I like actual books. Same with newspapers. I like (love) the internet....but actually sitting down to a good book, or a newspaper, does it for me.
Libraries aren't just a means of renting books.......They are a sign of civilization. And yes......free to those without the means of otherwise educating themselves. Tiny percentage? Sure.....But still.
Again....I'm a believer in libraries....and again....I just think my area, at least, went overboard with it......
I like actual books. Same with newspapers. I like (love) the internet....but actually sitting down to a good book, or a newspaper, does it for me.
Libraries aren't just a means of renting books.......They are a sign of civilization. And yes......free to those without the means of otherwise educating themselves. Tiny percentage? Sure.....But still.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
Likes: 3
From: Atlanta GA
Horsepuller/scott
I went to rep you,couldn't, I have to spread the love. But, that post blew my mind. 100% correct and I had not even considered that angle. I think you just did great service to the memory of Ben Franklin.
I went to rep you,couldn't, I have to spread the love. But, that post blew my mind. 100% correct and I had not even considered that angle. I think you just did great service to the memory of Ben Franklin.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 6,473
Likes: 4
From: Lafayette, IN
I got him for you, Rebo.
You can't take away our libraries. If you did, my daughter would have nothing to do! A few weeks ago, I had to get on her about how many books she had checked out when I saw large stacks of them piled in her room. My son chimed in, "She's got 72!" Apparently the limit is 75...
Anyway, it's sad to see the tradition of the library dying. I think one of the contributors is the amount of disposable income most people have in this country. They'd rather buy and own the latest and greatest books than take the time to check out time-tested good books from the library. The side effect of that is that now everyone's an author--it's like a get-rich-quick scheme. Anybody who has survived some trial of life and gotten their face on TV now has to write a book about it.
Jason
You can't take away our libraries. If you did, my daughter would have nothing to do! A few weeks ago, I had to get on her about how many books she had checked out when I saw large stacks of them piled in her room. My son chimed in, "She's got 72!" Apparently the limit is 75...
Anyway, it's sad to see the tradition of the library dying. I think one of the contributors is the amount of disposable income most people have in this country. They'd rather buy and own the latest and greatest books than take the time to check out time-tested good books from the library. The side effect of that is that now everyone's an author--it's like a get-rich-quick scheme. Anybody who has survived some trial of life and gotten their face on TV now has to write a book about it.
Jason