Going Digital but Not Bookless

Nicole J. Hoback

Reference:

Polanka, S. (2012). Going Digital but Not Bookless. In No Shelf Required 2: Use and

            Management of Electronic Books. (pp. 1-16). Chicago, IL: ALA Editions

Summary:

Chapter One of Polanka’s book discusses the changes libraries are going through to ensure that they are staying relevant with the current times and for their patrons. The text discusses several libraries across the nation, both academic and public that are finding themselves at a crossroads of where to focus their attention and funding. The struggle for many libraries is not just budgets, but space, and the lack of it. Libraries are now turning to electronic material rather than filling up their shelves. Many libraries across the nation are finding that the square footage they have is just not enough for all the print material. Both academic and public libraries are storing print collections in storage facilities and instead of refilling the shelves; they are rethinking their space. In California a public library branch announced that they would be turning one of their branches into a technology resource space, which enraged branch users. As Polanka explains, the difficulty with eResources is getting the public on board, which can be difficult, because when one thinks of a library they imagine a large space filled with books. Transforming libraries spaces and reinventing them will be a difficult task not only for libraries, but for users to grasp as well.

Evaluation:

Overall I really enjoyed this book chapter, because the author not only discussed the positives of eBooks, but also the negatives. There was a balance to the arguments made and the struggles that libraries are facing. No matter the downside to eResources, for libraries to remain relevant in a digital age it is important that libraries explore all of their options when selecting new material. I am personally very prone to using print material, but I also understand that digital is the future. As the author stated it is hard for users to go away completely from print and print may always remain, but there has to be a variety for users and allowing patrons to have a selection in reading format.