NPR. (January 15, 2013). A New Chapter? A Launch Of The Bookless Library. Retrieved from http://www.npr.org/2013/01/15/169412670/a-new-chapter-a-launch-of-the-bookless-library
Summary
One of the recent trends in the library world is the rise of the bookless library. Compared to an Apple Store, these bookless libraries feature personal computer stations, laptops, tablets, and pre-loaded e-readers, along with various other digital resources. Such a library has opened in San Antiono, at the cost of $1.5 million and is located in a community with little access to technology. While this new move has both opponents and proponents, the idea behind it is to bridge the digital divide and provide access to digital resources to those who do not have such access at home.
Evaluation
While I certainly appreciate any attempts at bridging the digital divide, libraries can always create areas within the existing collection where this is possible without the loss of books and other reading materials. One aspect that is lost when non-digital collections are made away with is browseability. The joy of finding materials through browsing is replaced by having to know exactly what one is looking for in order to locate it digitally. Also, while I agree that digital resources are a must in the modern era, there is no reason to replace one avenue of learning with another. As there are multiple forms of literacy, libraries must provide multiple resource formats. We cannot assume that the public can or should only get their information in one format, just as we cannot insist that libraries remain as hard-copy repositories forever. While the bookless collection is an innovative idea, it stops short of a truly inclusive community resource.
I think it is fine to have a bookless library or two in communities where lack of access to technology is a serious problem.
ReplyDeleteOur library recently hired a consultant to help us boost our efficiency, and he made a comment regarding the digital revolt- in other words, people are finding digital activities to be less fulfilling, and will only use them up to a point. He made this comment in the context of discussing libraries as community gathering places, but I wonder if the same applies to the collection...? Only time will tell- we will have to see what the new generation (children who are growing up with e-books, etc.) prefers when they reach adulthood.
I thought this was interesting because it presented both sides of the argument. I wonder if the library is still going all digital or if they have started to incorporate some physical print titles as well. Thanks for the suggestion
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