We've been discussing the long-term relevance of public
libraries and the funding thereof. It seems like this is
something that will likely be fading from municipal budgets,
largely from disuse and ease of other entities picking up
any such use that is shed in their absence.
Ebooks don't seem to have as broad an acceptance; likely because the licensing model is stupid:Â how can you have *one* copy of an ebook?
The author/publisher should, instead, charge PER USE. 200 patrons
waiting for one copy of an ebook -- at 4 week renewal times -- is
likely not going to result in more "sales". Instead, 200 patrons
ALL having access to 200 copies of the book WHILE IT IS IN DEMAND
seems like a better business model (are you going to wait a YEAR
to read an ebook?)
So, my questions, for those of you who frequent your public
library, what trends do you see and where do you see the
resource "evolving"? Bulldozed to make room for more parking
for the other nearby businesses??
We've been discussing the long-term relevance of public
libraries and the funding thereof. It seems like this is
something that will likely be fading from municipal budgets,
largely from disuse and ease of other entities picking up
any such use that is shed in their absence.
E.g., I visit the local (branch) library, regularly -- but,
mainly to rent DVDs. Nothing on their shelves is really pertinent
to my areas of research -- though they have often been called
upon to acquire a copy of a technical article or reference
from some other library (in some other state). From the reaction
I get when I make these requests, I suspect I am, by far, the
exception, in this usage.
The other main use I see is for "public computers". I suspect
that for people who can't afford an internet connection (or
one of sufficient bandwidth for their needs?) A sort of "PUBLIC
Internet Cafe".
Finally, "babysitting services", of a sort. "Storytimes" for
young children. "Lego club" for kids and young adults. Etc.
I rarely see someone browsing the stacks. Any print material
that I see taken out is often from "reservations" placed on those
materials, via their online portal. I.e., this could just
as easily be done with any other web-based provider (contracted
by the city to ACT as a library?).
[Note this is increasingly happening with video content as
physical media are being replaced with streaming services.]
Ebooks don't seem to have as broad an acceptance; likely because the >licensing model is stupid: how can you have *one* copy of an ebook?
The author/publisher should, instead, charge PER USE. 200 patrons
waiting for one copy of an ebook -- at 4 week renewal times -- is
likely not going to result in more "sales". Instead, 200 patrons
ALL having access to 200 copies of the book WHILE IT IS IN DEMAND
seems like a better business model (are you going to wait a YEAR
to read an ebook?)
So, my questions, for those of you who frequent your public
library, what trends do you see and where do you see the
resource "evolving"? Bulldozed to make room for more parking
for the other nearby businesses??
That differs from what we see, here. The trendline has been steadily downward
(from personal observations as well as comments from the librarians that
work at the local branch)
On 4/21/2025 8:23 PM, Don Y wrote:
We've been discussing the long-term relevance of public
libraries and the funding thereof. It seems like this is
something that will likely be fading from municipal budgets,
largely from disuse and ease of other entities picking up
any such use that is shed in their absence.
Six new town libraries are either under construction or recently opened in Massachusetts, at a total cost of maybe around $200 million, so maybe people in
different parts of the US tend to value different things..it something municipalities around here do continue to spend money on.
<snip>
Ebooks don't seem to have as broad an acceptance; likely because the
licensing model is stupid:Â how can you have *one* copy of an ebook?
The author/publisher should, instead, charge PER USE. 200 patrons
waiting for one copy of an ebook -- at 4 week renewal times -- is
likely not going to result in more "sales". Instead, 200 patrons
ALL having access to 200 copies of the book WHILE IT IS IN DEMAND
seems like a better business model (are you going to wait a YEAR
to read an ebook?)
Ebooks are hugely popular
So, my questions, for those of you who frequent your public
library, what trends do you see and where do you see the
resource "evolving"? Bulldozed to make room for more parking
for the other nearby businesses??
My librarian girlfriend read this post over my shoulder, rolled her eyes and after the fumes stopped coming out of her head noted dryly: "He declares public
libraries obsolete, after literally admitting he uses his local branch for two
or three different services." You're not alone..
Many town libraries in this area provide a lot of novel services: 3D printing/Glowforge , "Library of Things" free rentals of stuff like tools and musical instruments, study rooms for school...the big ones I've stopped into recently seem to have no shortage of patrons.
On 4/21/2025 7:47 PM, bitrex wrote:
On 4/21/2025 8:23 PM, Don Y wrote:
We've been discussing the long-term relevance of public
libraries and the funding thereof. It seems like this is
something that will likely be fading from municipal budgets,
largely from disuse and ease of other entities picking up
any such use that is shed in their absence.
Six new town libraries are either under construction or recently
opened in Massachusetts, at a total cost of maybe around $200 million,
so maybe people in different parts of the US tend to value different
things..it something municipalities around here do continue to spend
money on.
Do they generate traffic? Or, just interest in spending tax dollars>
We have 27 different branch libraries, here. Serving a population
of about 500K -- so 15-20K patrons (on average) per branch.
The branches are sited in areas of wildly varying demographics,
wealth, etc. *MY* branch is always empty. No one sits to read the
daily newspapers flown in or browse the stacks (why not store the
books in less expensive space?). Perhaps half of the workstations
are in use at any given time.
Branches in the less afluent areas often see more use (of the
workstations).
(You'll also find hypodermic syringes in the parking lot and people
sleeping outside.)
But, the traditional role of a library seems to be preverted into
one of a social gathering place (for "activities") and internet
cafe. None particularly require a "library" for those purposes
(e.g., the local park district also offers activities as well
as special facilities for them -- potter's wheels, kilns, tennis/basketball/pickleball courts, exercise machines, meeting
rooms, etc.)
That differs from what we see, here. The trendline has been steadily downward
(from personal observations as well as comments from the librarians that
work at the local branch)
Maintaining a 3D printer would require someone on staff who could do so.
They have to contract for maintenance of the public PCs -- even the
terminals that are used to check out materials are unsupported,
locally: "The computers are down. We have to record your library card
and the 15 digit identifiers of any materials you are checking out
ON PAPER (and then reenter them, manually, when the computers come
back online)"
Tell your girlfriend not to move west (or, MARRY her and ensure you can support her!)
Six new town libraries are either under construction or recently opened in >>> Massachusetts, at a total cost of maybe around $200 million, so maybe people
in different parts of the US tend to value different things..it something >>> municipalities around here do continue to spend money on.
Do they generate traffic? Or, just interest in spending tax dollars>
We have 27 different branch libraries, here. Serving a population
of about 500K -- so 15-20K patrons (on average) per branch.
She found townspeople will turn to a good library for just about every service
under the sun, even ones that aren't really appropriate, like resume-writing and tax preparation! "Sorry we don't do that, here."
Being a town librarian in a well-trafficked library is a bit like working a generalized help desk, where people look for support with all sorts of life-problems, often but not always related to information gathering. She found
it easier to think of herself as some kind of "information broker" in the public service in that role, rather than as someone who specializes in just books.
For better and worse, on bad days being the help desk can be as lousy as any customer tech support job.
But along those lines large library science conferences these days seem to spend more time talking about AI than they do about the printed word.
The branches are sited in areas of wildly varying demographics,
wealth, etc. *MY* branch is always empty. No one sits to read the
daily newspapers flown in or browse the stacks (why not store the
books in less expensive space?). Perhaps half of the workstations
are in use at any given time.
What less expensive space is there to store books on a timescale of 50-100 years than public property? The capital is committed, no landlords to endlessly
raise rents. Over that time scale it probably amortizes out to pennies per sq ft/yr
Branches in the less afluent areas often see more use (of the workstations). >> (You'll also find hypodermic syringes in the parking lot and people
sleeping outside.)
But, the traditional role of a library seems to be preverted into
one of a social gathering place (for "activities") and internet
cafe. None particularly require a "library" for those purposes
(e.g., the local park district also offers activities as well
as special facilities for them -- potter's wheels, kilns,
tennis/basketball/pickleball courts, exercise machines, meeting
rooms, etc.)
Modern librarians don't tend to see that as "perversion" it's part of the plan.
THE COMMUNIST PLAN!! just kidding..
<snip>
That differs from what we see, here. The trendline has been steadily downward
(from personal observations as well as comments from the librarians that
work at the local branch)
Ya, towns tend to spend money on what their residents and their governance values. I believe most everywhere the public library system tends to operate under the purview of the town/county/municipality government, so if it sucks for reasons other than lack of funding, you know where the buck finally stops.
Cases of nepotism and mismanagement of town libraries happen even in enlightened MA though, and there is drama and in fighting like any other industry. Ineffectual management probably gets the boot quicker in wealthier towns up here compared to some other places, though.
Maintaining a 3D printer would require someone on staff who could do so.
They have to contract for maintenance of the public PCs -- even the
terminals that are used to check out materials are unsupported,
locally: "The computers are down. We have to record your library card
and the 15 digit identifiers of any materials you are checking out
ON PAPER (and then reenter them, manually, when the computers come
back online)"
Tell your girlfriend not to move west (or, MARRY her and ensure you can
support her!)
She did her time in the public service and she now works for a major research-oriented university and makes near six figures in the academia-support
role (a number of big schools have huge research libraries), she don't need my
"support", lol..
We've been discussing the long-term relevance of public
libraries and the funding thereof. It seems like this is
something that will likely be fading from municipal budgets,
largely from disuse and ease of other entities picking up
any such use that is shed in their absence.
E.g., I visit the local (branch) library, regularly -- but,
mainly to rent DVDs. Nothing on their shelves is really pertinent
to my areas of research -- though they have often been called
upon to acquire a copy of a technical article or reference
from some other library (in some other state). From the reaction
I get when I make these requests, I suspect I am, by far, the
exception, in this usage.
The other main use I see is for "public computers". I suspect
that for people who can't afford an internet connection (or
one of sufficient bandwidth for their needs?)Â A sort of "PUBLIC
Internet Cafe".
Finally, "babysitting services", of a sort. "Storytimes" for
young children. "Lego club" for kids and young adults. Etc.
I rarely see someone browsing the stacks. Any print material
that I see taken out is often from "reservations" placed on those
materials, via their online portal. I.e., this could just
as easily be done with any other web-based provider (contracted
by the city to ACT as a library?).
[Note this is increasingly happening with video content as
physical media are being replaced with streaming services.]
Ebooks don't seem to have as broad an acceptance; likely because the licensing model is stupid:Â how can you have *one* copy of an ebook?
The author/publisher should, instead, charge PER USE. 200 patrons
waiting for one copy of an ebook -- at 4 week renewal times -- is
likely not going to result in more "sales". Instead, 200 patrons
ALL having access to 200 copies of the book WHILE IT IS IN DEMAND
seems like a better business model (are you going to wait a YEAR
to read an ebook?)
So, my questions, for those of you who frequent your public
library, what trends do you see and where do you see the
resource "evolving"? Bulldozed to make room for more parking
for the other nearby businesses??
On 22/04/2025 01:23, Don Y wrote:
We've been discussing the long-term relevance of public
libraries and the funding thereof. It seems like this is
something that will likely be fading from municipal budgets,
largely from disuse and ease of other entities picking up
any such use that is shed in their absence.
Closing a public library tends to go down badly with the community. The authorities have however hit upon the money saving scheme of making all their librarians redundant and replacing them with unpaid volunteers.
(under threat of closure in no-one does volunteer)
Book check-in out is now all self service robotic and no one remaining still has any true librarian research skills. Magnetic tags in the spine of the books
and NFC loops at the doors do the rest.
Last time I got something difficult on loan from the national collection was just before lockdown. It came in on the day that they were told to lock up. Chief librarian gave me a call to say if you want it you have to come now and collect immediately - we won't be opening our doors tomorrow. Lockdown also meant I obtained electronic access and enough expertise to track down all but the most exotic reference sources.
It was a 3 week loan that lasted 6 months. The complex returns paperwork was ignored when they reopened. It was throw it in this big box with everything else and we will look at it in about a week when any Covid viruses have time expired.
E.g., I visit the local (branch) library, regularly -- but,
mainly to rent DVDs. Nothing on their shelves is really pertinent
to my areas of research -- though they have often been called
upon to acquire a copy of a technical article or reference
from some other library (in some other state). From the reaction
I get when I make these requests, I suspect I am, by far, the
exception, in this usage.
It is unusual requests for rare books that cause most trouble for the willing unpaid volunteers. No longer affects me I do my own.
The other main use I see is for "public computers". I suspect
that for people who can't afford an internet connection (or
one of sufficient bandwidth for their needs?)Â A sort of "PUBLIC
Internet Cafe".
That is quite well used in mine as are the 3D printers mainly for schools use (we repair them from time to time, likewise their computers). It hosts a "Repair Cafe" every other month shared with another venue we can fix (or condemn) most things. I do computers and mobile phones we have wood workers, and several automation specialists.
Most amusing recent ones were a huge parasol 20' across, a full size artist's dummy and next month we are promised a skeleton to mend.
Finally, "babysitting services", of a sort. "Storytimes" for
young children. "Lego club" for kids and young adults. Etc.
I rarely see someone browsing the stacks. Any print material
that I see taken out is often from "reservations" placed on those
materials, via their online portal. I.e., this could just
as easily be done with any other web-based provider (contracted
by the city to ACT as a library?).
There are plenty of people in and out. Just no paid employees any more.
[Note this is increasingly happening with video content as
physical media are being replaced with streaming services.]
Ebooks don't seem to have as broad an acceptance; likely because the
licensing model is stupid:Â how can you have *one* copy of an ebook?
The author/publisher should, instead, charge PER USE. 200 patrons
waiting for one copy of an ebook -- at 4 week renewal times -- is
likely not going to result in more "sales". Instead, 200 patrons
ALL having access to 200 copies of the book WHILE IT IS IN DEMAND
seems like a better business model (are you going to wait a YEAR
to read an ebook?)
eBooks here and eJournals took off spectacularly during lockdown. Print magazines never recovered our public library used to have a decent range - now
they are online only. Same for streaming over internet vs DVDs.
So, my questions, for those of you who frequent your public
library, what trends do you see and where do you see the
resource "evolving"? Bulldozed to make room for more parking
for the other nearby businesses??
Being run by well meaning retired volunteers who are basically there to open up
and lock up again but have little or no training in library research work. Company where my wife used to work did away with their research librarians (skilled researchers with domain knowledge and decades of experience winnowing
wheat from chaff). That was a big mistake for them. Paid for research archives
charge for each document downloaded and the scientists grabbed everything their
improperly formatted searches threw up. Fees for that exceeded librarians salaries!
(to say nothing of their time wasted fighting the various specialised search engines which have the most arcane cryptic syntax I have ever seen)
I see that as the main risk to outsourcing the entire operation.
The lack of a gatekeeping function could lead to misuse. E.g.,
I regularly take out 10 or 12 DVDs... and return most of them
a day or two later (having changed my mind as to whether or
not I actually want to watch them; or, realize I've already
SEEN a particular title)
Volunteers tend to be retirees. Often, folks with nothing else
to keep them busy. As they tend to be older and often suffer
from physical ailments, their long term availability is questionable.
We use our library mainly for the following:
(1) Conveniently, most of the libraries in our state are on the same
catalog system, so I can put holds on books from the university and
other places, and get them shipped for free to my library. I use this
and ILL to occasionally get technical books, like math or electronics,
which are usually not in my library collection. Books in our state
system can be checked out (with renewals) for up to three months, so
this saves me buying a lot of otherwise very expensive books.
(2) My wife checks out a lot of DVDs for the kids to watch, and
occasionally a movie for us. This is because we do not subscribe to any streaming services.
(3) Each visit my wife will check out about 40 picture books for the
little kids to read. I can't tell you how many mind-numbing childrens
books I've read over the last few years, at bedtime.
(4) The local chess club and some chess competitions meet at the
library.
Personally, I refuse to use any DRM or JavaScript based Ebook services,
but my wife does occasionally. She reads a lot of paper fiction as well, usually checked-out from the library.
There are a number of things I really don't like about libraries, but
since it is there that is what we use it for.
We've been discussing the long-term relevance of public
libraries and the funding thereof. It seems like this is
something that will likely be fading from municipal budgets,
largely from disuse and ease of other entities picking up
any such use that is shed in their absence.
E.g., I visit the local (branch) library, regularly -- but,
mainly to rent DVDs. Nothing on their shelves is really pertinent
to my areas of research -- though they have often been called
upon to acquire a copy of a technical article or reference
from some other library (in some other state). From the reaction
I get when I make these requests, I suspect I am, by far, the
exception, in this usage.
The other main use I see is for "public computers". I suspect
that for people who can't afford an internet connection (or
one of sufficient bandwidth for their needs?) A sort of "PUBLIC
Internet Cafe".
Finally, "babysitting services", of a sort. "Storytimes" for
young children. "Lego club" for kids and young adults. Etc.
I rarely see someone browsing the stacks. Any print material
that I see taken out is often from "reservations" placed on those
materials, via their online portal. I.e., this could just
as easily be done with any other web-based provider (contracted
by the city to ACT as a library?).
[Note this is increasingly happening with video content as
physical media are being replaced with streaming services.]
Ebooks don't seem to have as broad an acceptance; likely because the >licensing model is stupid: how can you have *one* copy of an ebook?
The author/publisher should, instead, charge PER USE. 200 patrons
waiting for one copy of an ebook -- at 4 week renewal times -- is
likely not going to result in more "sales". Instead, 200 patrons
ALL having access to 200 copies of the book WHILE IT IS IN DEMAND
seems like a better business model (are you going to wait a YEAR
to read an ebook?)
So, my questions, for those of you who frequent your public
library, what trends do you see and where do you see the
resource "evolving"? Bulldozed to make room for more parking
for the other nearby businesses??
Volunteers tend to be retirees. Often, folks with nothing else
to keep them busy. As they tend to be older and often suffer
from physical ailments, their long term availability is questionable.
i.e. people that don't ask for much and can be pushed around.
There are no shortage of library science-degreed "real librarians" willing to work in a public library for modest wages. But they tend to fall into two camps: women who also have their "Mrs. degree" and (as you implied earlier) have their engineer husband as the primary bread winner. But there's only a glut of those in very affluent areas like say Cape Cod.
And also younger freshly-minted degree-holders looking to improve their resume;
library science isn't like comp sci they don't start headhunting even outstanding students from prestigious schools for cushy jobs at FAANG corporations out the door.
There are roads to well-paid jobs but newbies are expected to pay their dues and working full time at a public library is sorta like the library science equivalent of a combat tour on the resume, particularly if they can point to concrete numbers "Increased patronage 30%. Re-organized media inventory for maximum efficiency. Implemented techniques to..." etc..
But some towns aren't going to like hires like that either, they know their value and can't be pushed around, and will likely be on to better things sooner-or-later.
One of the benefits of library computers is access to the
catalog. Most technical stuff or 2nd language content is in the
stacks at a central branch or even in different cities.
This reduces 'shelf browsing' considerably, if you know what
you're looking for, even for fiction or 'other' entertainment.
Hence the 'reserved' service use.
My neighborhood tends to be both migrant and immigrant - scrambling
to save every cent - so library services and hardware may be
the only ones available that don't require you to buy something,
just to sit down. Also a quiet place for students and gig 'workers'
to do their stuff, via wi-fi.
Time-limited E-books, music and video files require extra hardware,
but they're cataloged much the same. This is useful for families
without extensive internet/cable entertainment data packages.
Being warm, dry and public, libray washrooms and seating will
always be in demand by those with few alternatives.
Users feeling guilty about taking advantage of the services
should also feel free to donate, when they can.
About the only place I see people "browsing" is in the DVD
sections -- they are looking for something that is available NOW.
catalog. Most technical stuff or 2nd language content is in the
stacks at a central branch or even in different cities.
We have a spanish language (and lately hindi) items sprinkled
throughout. The branches interoperate from a single collection.
So, if what you want is "elsewhere", it is retrieved to your
branch (unless you want to drive to the branch that currently
has it shelved) and you are notified.
You return the item to any branch -- though typically your own.
It sits on THAT shelf until demand for it cause it to be moved
to a different branch. (silly to move items to particular
branches unless there is a demand).
A transport service regularly visits all of the libraries to
shuffle items in/out. An item available at one branch may take a
couple of days to make its way to your branch (there are 27
branches in the system so the "shuttle" can't visit all of them
every day)
This reduces 'shelf browsing' considerably, if you know what
you're looking for, even for fiction or 'other' entertainment.
Hence the 'reserved' service use.
My neighborhood tends to be both migrant and immigrant - scrambling
to save every cent - so library services and hardware may be
the only ones available that don't require you to buy something,
just to sit down. Also a quiet place for students and gig 'workers'
to do their stuff, via wi-fi.
WiFi is available at all branches as well as many commercial establishments >around town. It's not uncommon to see someone sitting in a car, outside, >using the WiFi from their phone (it is left running 24/7 and not just
limited to library business hours)
One can reserve one of two meeting rooms for quiet work or small
meetings. But, these are time limited; you wouldn't be able to
put in a day's work, there.
OTOH, you could find a quiet corner and hope not to be disturbed
(kids entering/exiting "storytime" tend to be the biggest/loudest >disturbance).
Internet access is restricted, though. You won't be visiting "blacklisted" >sites (unless you have your own VPN).
And, the few times I have seen folks watching porn, they have been
politely asked to stop -- or leave.
Time on public computers is doled out in 1 hour chunks. You can
typically renew for a second hour. Beyond that, it is up to the
local traffic and the mood of the staff.
Computers are sited adjacent to each other. You likely wouldn't
want to do your taxes, there (no space and no privacy).
Time-limited E-books, music and video files require extra hardware,
but they're cataloged much the same. This is useful for families
without extensive internet/cable entertainment data packages.
DVDs seem to be the big draw -- especially in those areas of
town that are less affluent. I suspect "everyone" has a DVD player
(or, HAD one). So, they are the most portable medium.
I've not seen any numbers on how often the titles offered via
streaming (contracted with third party providers) are referenced.
There, you are stuck either watching on a computer/phone OR a
"smart TV" (something that limits appeal)
Being warm, dry and public, libray washrooms and seating will
always be in demand by those with few alternatives.
Yes. These have often been abused; people BATHING in there,
etc. As there are typically only two bathrooms in each facility,
it isn't hard to create a bottleneck for people who *need* them
for their "intended functions".
Users feeling guilty about taking advantage of the services
should also feel free to donate, when they can.
This also depends on the amount of free time of the patrons in
question. Often, the people who NEED these facilities don't have
the spare time to donate. Observation suggests that it is
largely "seniors" who are supporting the library with volunteer
labor. And, they come and go -- as their various ailments
(and death!) dictate.
[Hanging around with old people can be depressing, for this reason;
"Where's Dorothy?" "Oh, she died two days ago..."]
On 4/22/2025 1:43 PM, legg wrote:
One of the benefits of library computers is access to the
Yes, but one can access that from home (computer, phone). Hence
my comment regarding storing books in "high cost" spaces instead
of "in a back room"; if the staff are the ones who will be
PICKING the books, then there is no need for the co$metic$ of
public stacks.
On Tue, 22 Apr 2025 14:40:29 -0700, Don Y
<blockedofcourse@foo.invalid> wrote:
On 4/22/2025 1:43 PM, legg wrote:<snip>
One of the benefits of library computers is access to the
Yes, but one can access that from home (computer, phone). Hence
my comment regarding storing books in "high cost" spaces instead
of "in a back room"; if the staff are the ones who will be
PICKING the books, then there is no need for the co$metic$ of
public stacks.
Anything that requires home hardware or internet payments is shifting
the publicly costed structure onto the backs of a public that can not
always afford it.
It's the reason public libraries were developed by altruists
in the first place.
On 4/22/2025 10:01 PM, legg wrote:
On Tue, 22 Apr 2025 14:40:29 -0700, Don Y
<blockedofcourse@foo.invalid> wrote:
On 4/22/2025 1:43 PM, legg wrote:<snip>
One of the benefits of library computers is access to the
Yes, but one can access that from home (computer, phone). Hence
my comment regarding storing books in "high cost" spaces instead
of "in a back room"; if the staff are the ones who will be
PICKING the books, then there is no need for the co$metic$ of
public stacks.
Anything that requires home hardware or internet payments is shifting
the publicly costed structure onto the backs of a public that can not
always afford it.
It's the reason public libraries were developed by altruists
in the first place.
But, by that reasoning, shouldn't healthcare, transportation,
potable water, food, education, etc. ALSO be "free" to those
populations?
Yet, you wouldn't want to shame them into admitting their *need*...
I've always seen the libraries as something that serves the ENTIRE
public, not just a portion thereof.
But, what do you see in terms of investments, other traffic, trends,
etc.? Are they making changes that increase their relevance? Or,
destined for obsolescence as the services they offer prove to no
longer be uniquely provided by that sort of organization?
I think they are trying to become more "relevant" in various ways. A lot
of that are trends that I don't like...
(1) Increased promotion of DRM/JavaScript laden ebook rentals (I hate
DRM). The catalog system directly links with the ebook offerings, so
that something like 1/3 or 1/2 the results are ebooks or other digital resources.
(2) An increased focus on providing a social space for young people, including dedicated teen areas, and more pornographic and occult fiction materials.
(3) An increased focus on propaganda displays where books with trans,
CRT, and other left-wing agendas get a great deal of special attention
in the middle of the library.
Our library recently had a major renov. The main features added were a
cafe, selling the usual overpriced, under-satisfying dainties that
people love to get at a cafe; more space for the teen area; more space
in the young childrens area; and more meeting rooms.
Their "poor man's box office" DVD collection is very popular at my
library (I think they have a blue ray section too) and it doesn't seem
like it will be going away anytime soon. I keep wondering if this will
be the year that streaming services kill off DVD production, but so far
it hasn't happened.
They have been doing "educational gaming" childrens computers for ages,
I think, but a more recent addition is tablets that you can check out,
if the desk computers are all in use.
One of the benefits of library computers is access to the
catalog. Most technical stuff or 2nd language content is in the
stacks at a central branch or even in different cities.
This reduces 'shelf browsing' considerably, if you know what
you're looking for, even for fiction or 'other' entertainment.
Hence the 'reserved' service use.
I would say the state-wide catalog system is the biggest feature for me.
Most of the stuff I want is at the university library, and it is
difficult and expensive to get good parking there. Also, many of the
biggest and most well-funded libraries in our state are in South-Central Alaska, which is 300 miles from where I live. So it is pretty handy to
be able to get any of those books shipped to my library for free, and
then take advantage of the same renewal policy — one month checkout with
up to two renewals. I checkout a lot of engineering, science, and math
books this way.
ILL is nice too, though the checkout times are much shorter usually,
like three weeks and no renewal.
legg <legg@nospam.magma.ca> writes:
One of the benefits of library computers is access to the
catalog. Most technical stuff or 2nd language content is in the
stacks at a central branch or even in different cities.
This reduces 'shelf browsing' considerably, if you know what
you're looking for, even for fiction or 'other' entertainment.
Hence the 'reserved' service use.
I would say the state-wide catalog system is the biggest feature for me.
Most of the stuff I want is at the university library, and it is
difficult and expensive to get good parking there. Also, many of the
biggest and most well-funded libraries in our state are in South-Central >Alaska, which is 300 miles from where I live. So it is pretty handy to
be able to get any of those books shipped to my library for free, and
then take advantage of the same renewal policy — one month checkout with
up to two renewals. I checkout a lot of engineering, science, and math
books this way.
ILL is nice too, though the checkout times are much shorter usually,
like three weeks and no renewal.
On Tue, 22 Apr 2025 22:46:34 -0700, Don Y
<blockedofcourse@foo.invalid> wrote:
On 4/22/2025 10:01 PM, legg wrote:
On Tue, 22 Apr 2025 14:40:29 -0700, Don Y
<blockedofcourse@foo.invalid> wrote:
On 4/22/2025 1:43 PM, legg wrote:<snip>
One of the benefits of library computers is access to the
Yes, but one can access that from home (computer, phone). Hence
my comment regarding storing books in "high cost" spaces instead
of "in a back room"; if the staff are the ones who will be
PICKING the books, then there is no need for the co$metic$ of
public stacks.
Anything that requires home hardware or internet payments is shifting
the publicly costed structure onto the backs of a public that can not
always afford it.
It's the reason public libraries were developed by altruists
in the first place.
But, by that reasoning, shouldn't healthcare, transportation,
potable water, food, education, etc. ALSO be "free" to those
populations?
Yet, you wouldn't want to shame them into admitting their *need*...
I've always seen the libraries as something that serves the ENTIRE
public, not just a portion thereof.
Hence they should continue to serve those without home computers
or expensive internet service contracts.
I'm not discussing health care, civic infrastructure, food marketing
, government education policy or etceteras; only the current function
of public libraries ( in light of their immediate conventional
purpose ).
Libraries, by themselves, don't NEED a public, and for millenia did
not serve them in any direct manner. There are many libraries today
that have no obligation to allow your (or anybody elses) access .
On 4/22/2025 10:01 PM, legg wrote:
On Tue, 22 Apr 2025 14:40:29 -0700, Don Y
<blockedofcourse@foo.invalid> wrote:
On 4/22/2025 1:43 PM, legg wrote:<snip>
One of the benefits of library computers is access to the
Yes, but one can access that from home (computer, phone). Hence
my comment regarding storing books in "high cost" spaces instead
of "in a back room"; if the staff are the ones who will be
PICKING the books, then there is no need for the co$metic$ of
public stacks.
Anything that requires home hardware or internet payments is shifting
the publicly costed structure onto the backs of a public that can not
always afford it.
It's the reason public libraries were developed by altruists
in the first place.
But, by that reasoning, shouldn't healthcare, transportation,
potable water, food, education, etc. ALSO be "free" to those
populations?
Yet, you wouldn't want to shame them into admitting their *need*...
I've always seen the libraries as something that serves the ENTIRE
public, not just a portion thereof.
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