There is a whole internet out there with opinions on whether or not libraries are obsolete. Below are two links, the first saying no and the second saying yes.
http://www.ala.org/ala/alonline/selectedarticles/10reasonswhy.cfm - 10 reasons why the internet is not a substitute for the library
http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2006/oct/02/libraries_are_limited_obsolete/ - Libraries are limited and obsolete, a residents opinion.
I personally do not know what I would do with myself if libraries were no longer around the corner. It is comforting to be in a library surrounded by an enormous amount of knowledge. Don’t get me wrong, I still use the internet. When I need to do intense research, I head straight to my library. To have multiple books in front of me and being able to read all at the same time is calming.
I am not going to rewrite what the articles in the links say but I will reiterate my favorite parts. Internet, while more easy to access, is not portable. I cannot carry my computer in my purse and if I did have internet on my phone, I could not read a whole book on that small screen. Books, however, are portable. I always have one with me and while people are complaining in a long line, I have managed to read a few chapters.
On the other side of the coin there are those who feel the internet has replaced the library and there is no need to build new ones. A waste of public funds. The writer does bring up a valid point, kids seek fast convenient information. But we are making the kids want fast information because they are not given any reason to slow down. The adults are the children’s examples and if they are demanding instant answers, it is because that is how life has been modeled for them.
So yup, libraries need to stay and they are NOT obsolete.
I love libraries, and, as of now, the internet isn't even close to a substitute. Maybe one day if all books are digitized or whatever, then the internet will have done so. And, of course, all the microfilm and what not. I can't say I'm really looking forward to that though. Books are already on the road to going digital. Me, I like paper.
"What a man does for pay is of little significance. What he is, as a sensitive instrument responsive to the world's beauty, is everything!"
H. P. Lovecraft
I just do not see how they do it!
Our local newspaper has articles going back to 1985 on line, the article I needed was from 1981. I got to use the microfilm for that, talk about a throw back to past years, LOL.
Shameless plug
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/almostdone
"A library is a hospital for the mind." Anonymous
Reading really long pieces on computer screen tends to give me headaches. @-)
"What a man does for pay is of little significance. What he is, as a sensitive instrument responsive to the world's beauty, is everything!"
H. P. Lovecraft
I would personally be very upset if libraries were truly obsolete. Where else can I read for free and learn all this information? The Internet is a condensed version. There are times that the internet is better, such as a state flowere, but when it comes to long explanations on ideas and fictional stories, you can't beat a book. And libraries have plenty.
Also, I feel as though books are more reliable than the internet. Books have to be edited whereas anyone can publish info on the web and make it look official.
Like what you've read? Well, then here's more:
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/tricia0711