I'm sure all of you are aware of the fact that libraries are in serious trouble. Today books can be downloaded via computer, journals can be read on-line. Why does anyone have to go to the library? Sure it provides a place to study or a common place to meet with groups and do projects. But, When was the last time you checked out a book? or used MadCat to hunt down an old journal? If any of you out there are like me, it has been quite sometime.
Today people have all kinds of resources at their fingertips. You are able to buy books from amazon or have them downloaded to your ebook. Does anyone know if there is a book version of netflix? Because that could be a good idea, especially if reading ever becomes a hit again.
The annotated bibliography that is due in about 8 hours is what got me thinking about this. Twenty years ago a person in my position would be using the dewey decimal system trying to track down books in the stacks, instead I am at my computer typing in keywords from the comfort of a Lay-Z-Boy.
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Indeed, the internet, scholarly databases, etc, are a matter of
ReplyDeleteawesome convenience. I still check out a lot of physical books from
the Madison libraries because my interests are a tiny bit obscure (Old
English studies). I'm sure that's changing even as I type this!
When I'm at home, I use Project Gutenberg or Google Books instead of
heading to the local library to check out physical copies. I can
definitely see how non-specialized or non-university libraries are in
big trouble.
This is so true. I remember in elementary school when we were (or at least I was) taught how to find a book on a bookshelf using the card catalog by our school librarian. Now, the only time I go to the library is to study. I think I have checked out 1 book in college...which seems a little unreal seeing how much research we all have done for classes.
ReplyDeleteWord to the wise...use JSTOR for looking up articles. I am doing a history based final project and using your WISC id you can login and access journals and books in their entirety from way long ago to the present. It saved me!
ReplyDeleteya i remember those days too of going to the library in elementary school and we had to check out a book every week. Using the cards in the Rolodex to find the books on the shelf. I'm so happy though that were technology has gone which we don't need to go to the library as often it has helped save so much time in my life.
ReplyDeletePS: I hate going to the library haha
Very good point...I rarely check out books, but ironically this morning I spent 3 hours at Steenbock library researching fashion books for another class....IT SUCKED!!!! You are right, we do have so many sources at our fingertips, but I feel like sometimes its easier to find scholarly sources at the library.
ReplyDeleteI don't think libraries will go extinct. I believe this for two reasons. The first is that some people will never stray from having an actual book in their hands. There is a personal connection you get when you see, feel, even smell the book in person. A computer screen, or even an e-book reader, provides a cold and lifeless alternative. This is especially true for old or rare books. I have checked out some older books from the UW libraries. I own a new copy of The Catcher in the Rye, but there is a novelty attached to owning an early edition. It's not easily explained.
ReplyDeleteMy second reason is that libraries will eventually evolve. Until the printed word becomes extinct, libraries will still have a purpose. I feel that most libraries will end up keeping their physical collection, but will also offer an easier digital alternative. When e-book readers become cheaper and more everyday, we'll be able to hook up to a computer at the library and transfer books to our readers. The job of a librarian may even evolve. Since hardly anyone will be checking out physical books, and a new system of distribution will be in place, they will be given the job of maintaining the new system.
This is all probably far off, but I think this is generally what will happen. And I look forward to it.
Hey there, I use madcat.
ReplyDeleteBut you are right, I think that the ability to access secure sites such as JSTOR and EBSCO host from home really have limited the amount of time needed to be spent researching at the library.