To start off, here is my MUDDIEST POINT: First and foremost is the deadlines for readings and assignments. To my understanding the assignments have to be done by class start on Tuesday, which includes the reading thoughts. The due date is 9/2. The readings however I think have to be read by Friday, and as stated in class commented on by then as well?? Therefore do we have two separate due dates for the same assignment/discussion/thought????
Reading Thoughts: The articles make valid points for both the information technology industry as well as how libraries are adapting to them. The truth is, if libraries do not adapt with the times, they will obviously become (I believe) obsolete. Our libraries here at Pitt have done an exceptional job of making almost all of their material available online to us. Through all of this though, It still brings me to the thought of Who is actually going, physically, into the libraries now?? I know I do not. Not saying that is good or bad. I know some people do just for the sheer love of reading and books, but when it comes right down to it, if I can do something from the comfort of the web or with my available technology, that is more and more how it is done. I believe even as libraries change and adapt to provide the technology in house, students/people have the same opportunity outside of the library walls.
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I agree that libraries do have to adapt but I don't think that libraries should only be evaluated based on their ability to keep up with technological advances. Many people still visit the library not only for the love of books but also because they can't afford to independently acquire the hardware and/or resources. The library has always been a public space that provides access to information, both digital and analog. Even with their limited resources, they are helping close the "digital divide": kids who can't afford their own computers or certain software/program, people who can't afford to pay for Internet access, as well as older adults who are learning to use the technology for the first time. My worry is that people will think that because of libraries’ inability to keep abreast of the most current technological advances, they are obsolete and eventually shut down that avenue of free, public access. Let me know what you think.
Actually, there is data from the ALA showing that there has been an increase in people using libraries since all the technology was introduced.
"Far from hurting American libraries, the Internet has actually helped to spur more people to use their local libraries because it has increased our hunger for knowledge and information," said Loriene Roy, president-elect of the American Library Association."
ALA Study
I disagree with Petunia to a point. Many years ago people thought TV would be the end of movies & radio. They adapted and are still a thriving industries. In the 1908's the TV sit-com many thought was dead someone forgot to tell Bill Cosby that.
Years ago people thought the internet was going to be the downfall of libraries. However they too are adapting and thriving in many cases. There is still something that libraries offer that the internet or even on-line access cannot offer and that is the human factor. Be able to interact with a person to hear what they are saying, to see what can be done that you can't do from home. For me one of the great joys of my job is when I tell someone soemthing they didn't know about our library and they get understand. That look in their eyes when they get it you can't get from a computer screen.
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