Four years ago I posted an entry on the future of public libraries and outlined some of the many services offered with the use of the free library card (Here). Since then I have discovered that the services locally have been expanded and there are more reasons than ever to use this very accessible facility. This may be true at your local library as well.
My concern for the future of the library in that earlier post was somewhat focused on the younger generation. But, after talking with some adults older than the millennials, this focal point seems less accurate. Some did not even know where the library was located; and we are in a small town! There is a continuing sense that everything that we need to know is on the internet. And, to some extent there are reasons to use search engines and Wikipedia, but there are limitations.
What happens when you do an initial search? You get a million hits in .46 seconds and 99.9% are useless and do not pertain to the search. Promoted links and unrelated data abounds. So, you refine your search and if you are proficient, you may find useful information. But, is the information accurate? It is fairly easy to find mistakes on many sites and even Wikipedia. So, what does this have to do with your local library? You have the opportunity to talk to a librarian who knows not only written material but the internet as well. And, these librarians are well trained and professional and they are human! They can guide and refine the search criteria by actually speaking to you. Local libraries also have access to college and university material that can be borrowed on the inter-library program.
Local libraries are also public spaces where classes can be taught, music and poetry presented live, and many have WiFi free. And in our local library they even have a 3D printer! So, it’s time to check out your local library and maybe a book, CD, movie, e-book or something else that is interesting…
My concern for the future of the library in that earlier post was somewhat focused on the younger generation. But, after talking with some adults older than the millennials, this focal point seems less accurate. Some did not even know where the library was located; and we are in a small town! There is a continuing sense that everything that we need to know is on the internet. And, to some extent there are reasons to use search engines and Wikipedia, but there are limitations.
What happens when you do an initial search? You get a million hits in .46 seconds and 99.9% are useless and do not pertain to the search. Promoted links and unrelated data abounds. So, you refine your search and if you are proficient, you may find useful information. But, is the information accurate? It is fairly easy to find mistakes on many sites and even Wikipedia. So, what does this have to do with your local library? You have the opportunity to talk to a librarian who knows not only written material but the internet as well. And, these librarians are well trained and professional and they are human! They can guide and refine the search criteria by actually speaking to you. Local libraries also have access to college and university material that can be borrowed on the inter-library program.
Local libraries are also public spaces where classes can be taught, music and poetry presented live, and many have WiFi free. And in our local library they even have a 3D printer! So, it’s time to check out your local library and maybe a book, CD, movie, e-book or something else that is interesting…
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