I came across this article (New library emphasizes computers over books. – 12/14/07– the site doesn’t let you link directly to it, for some reason) recently, commenting on the library building projects in Fargo, ND. The author disapprovingly comments on the high number of computers one of the Fargo libraries has. He believes that public libraries are focusing to much on providing patrons with computers. (or movies, games, and audiobooks for that matter) He insists that libraries should be focusing most of their resources on books, and on preserving them. The author goes on to explain that the public should be going to coffee shops and public schools (what? really?) for internet access.
I know there are people out there who believe libraries should just be for housing books. Sorry, but you are wrong. By the very definition of the word, libraries are here to house knowledge, in any, and every format. Whether that knowledge is coming from books, the internet, or even video games, librarians spend their time figuring out how to store, catalog, and retrieve all this information for the public to access.
It is heresy for most public [libraries] to pick and choose the information they offer to the public. Libraries just do not do that. In a library, all people, rich or poor, young or old can use computers (or any information) for educational, or recreational usage. Hopefully, a library is an environment where people from all backgrounds feel comfortable getting help, and using new technologies. Just today, Library Link of the Day, posted an article from Minnesota Public Radio explaining the importance of computers in libraries to help bridge the digital divide. The article points out statistics showing how big the gap of technology is between those of different ages and ethnic backgrounds. It is clear that libraries have a duty to provide digital information to those who wouldn’t otherwise have access to it.
The author of the Fargo article goes on to state that, “while it may be appropriate for a library to have some computers available for Internet access and for searching the card catalog.” Computers, and the internet, can be so much more then just research. Many disapprove of using library computers to play games. Frankly, this is annoying and demeaning. Who is to say that those games are less important than work anyone else may be doing? In case anyone hasn’t heard, there is a plethora of new research coming out that stresses the benefits and positive educational consequences that can come from video games. Steven Johnson, author of Everything Bad is Good for You, goes as far as to say that video games are teaching children necessary problem solving skills, making them perform higher on IQ tests then their parents would have at their age.
In the end, libraries are for everyone. Whatever an individual’s information needs may be, and however a person chooses to absorb that information, it is the job of our public libraries to provide access to that information. Like most people who work in libraries, I am a stringent defender that everyone should read everything they can get their hands on. But, going further then that, I think everyone should also watch, listen to, play, and absorb everything they can. Once you start to do this, it is amazing how all knowledge, everything, everywhere is related to each other. This includes all information and resources available through computers.
Filed under: By: Hip Shhusher, Intellectual Freedom, News | 4 Comments
Tags: books, computers, digital divide, everything bad is good for you, games, iq, libraries, steven johnson, technology
This is a case of someone who doesn’t understand what a library is. He’s really talking about an archive, but too ignorant to know that. He wouldn’t know that technology is what is ultimately going to save the profession since he doesn’t even have clue about what the library was. Sad.
Indeed, why would libraries shun new technologies and render themselves obsolete? I’m not a huge fan of replacing shelf-space with computers, but with the internet becoming more and more of a necessity just to get through the day– the library has to be there.
I moved recently to a new city, and for the first few days did not have internet in my home, or wireless access. The only place I could use the internet was the public library. I couldn’t even rent time on a machine anywhere else in the city. So basically, what this guy seems to be saying (without saying it outright), is that if you can’t afford a computer and internet subscription– you shouldn’t be allowed on the internet.
It’s gotten to the point where some information is only available digitally. I support saving paper as much as the next person, but if I hadn’t been able to use a computer, I would not have known where the post office was, the grocery store, the DMV– necessary things. I would have had to drive around, lost for who knows how long.
Woeful got it exactly right when he/she said that this guy does not know what a library is; unfortunately, he’s all too willing to share his ignorance.
Has the author ever stepped into a library?
I hope and truly believe that the good people of Fargo do not agree with this complete and utter nonsense. Then again, all I know about Fargo I learned from the Coen Brothers.