Is anybody else tired of watered-down libraries?

Question

Is anyone else out there tired of the shrinking literature collection and the growing video & pop-book collections in libraries? Perhaps it's just in my library, but it seems to be lacking the classics.

Answer 1

The easiest way to get what you want out of your library is to go straight to the librarian and ask for it. That's what librarians are supposed to do: give the public what they want.

How a library performs also depends on where it's located. Where I live, we have one of the best library systems around. You can check out ANYTHING. (Including gardening tools.) My library is also part of a large system of other libraries. You may want to investigate if your library is part of a similar system. In fact, almost all libraries participate in what's called Interlibrary Loaning. It's usually free (or very inexpensive). You simply ask for any book you want and it's the librarians job to find another library that has it and is willing to loan it do you. I used to do this all the time when I lived in a rural area with a small library. Sometimes I had to pay a couple of dollars for postage, but it was worth it.

Also, don't forget the Internet. Any book written before 1923 is in the public domain. That means you should be able to find and read it (or print it) on the Internet. Most of the classics are available online for free.

The reason most libraries skimp on materials and only buy pop collections is because they don't have enough money to buy more obscure books. And the reason they don't have money is because no one in the community appreciates the library. This can be remedied by creating greater awareness of the things a library can do for a community. Libraries are a great place for students to go after school if they don't have other things to do. (I would have never gone to college if it weren't for my public library.) Libaries are also crucial for those who want to learn how to start a small business. Also, many libraries provide services where children can go and have book read to them. This is a great way for people to teach the value of reading to their children (and get a brief break from the kids). For more information on how to promote libraries in your community, go to www.ala.org (American Library Association).

Contrary to what most techies think, the library not going to become extinct any time soon. Especially if a community understands how valuable they are. They're a place where the poor can get access to educational materials and Internet access. Libraries are an important democratic institution -- they're meant to provide access to any kind of information to anyone, regardless of their wealth. Where I live, there are 25 books checked out per capita at any given time!

The web can't answer every question out there for you. For example, take a question like: "What's the best marketing strategy out there for selling bottled water?" You're not going to find this answer on the Internet . . . unless you want to pay an online marketing agency $1,500 for the answer. But, if you ask nicely, a librarian should be able to help you find that answer. Try it. :) Also, think about Wikipedia.org. We've all heard about how it can be unreliable sometimes. So maybe all the right answers aren't out there on the Internet. Librarians are trained to help you find the right, unbiased answers. They usually just a phone call away.

Sorry for the preachiness.

Answer 2

The libraries near where I live are horrible! The closest thing that comes to a "real" library is the one at the local community college. I miss the huge library at the university where studied for a couple years. It was awesome. There was room after room of books. It made you feel like you were going into some "secret" place that no one else knew about. I could spend hours just wandering around, looking at all the books.

Answer 3

Well, I don't go into libraries much--I'm poor, but I have an overwhelming desire to own every book I read!

I do understand what you mean, though. I have this exact problem in book stores. Ok, it's nice to buy CDs and DVDs in bookstores, no doubt, but I'm disappointed that, often times, I can't find many classics. I barely ever go into Waldenbooks much anymore, because of their underwhelming selection. I've had pretty good luck at Borders, though, I must say; On the other hand, the adult fiction/literature area in general in the new Barnes and Noble by my home was insanely small.

Anywho, I think part of it is just that stores/libraries aren't getting "customers" who want these books anymore. I go to a library sale near my house, and they often times get rid of their old books that no one borrows for a long time. Last time, I got a complete 4 volume unabridged edition of the Thousand and One Nights--I have NEVER seen one of those before in my *life*. And here, it was only $5, because no one wanted to take it out of the library!

Answer 4

I still find the classics but the collection is slim. I think it is the book sharing program. The libraries don't have to keep large inventories. They just get the book from anothe library. Now, you can do it yourself on the computer at the library and pick the book up two to three days later. Also so many books are available on-line.

Answer 5

Yes, dang it. It sucks when my shoes squish down the wet carpet, and when all the books I try and take off the shelves disintegrate into mush from all that water. *s*

Anyhow, I don't mind vidoes, and cd's in libraries, as long as they don't cut back on their supply of books to compensate. I don't like the idea of classics disappearing from the shelves, however, I don't think that we should shun new authors simply because they are as yet, untried.

But I will agree, there is a lot of scubulos being put out!

Answer 6

Libraries tend ot stock what people take out and use. If you ask for the classics they keep them. Some larger library systems keep the types of books that people ask for at the libraries that most often check them out but any local branch can get them for you. AT your branch people obviously check out the videos and current books.

Answer 7

How the heck are you saving cash in line with gallon? The cost of fuel in line with gallon is ready on the pump and not anything you do for your vehicle will difference it. Maybe you imply miles in line with gallon... You might probably get extra miles in line with gallon by way of making sure you vehicle is in well situation, for illustration: inflated tires, steady oil alterations, track americamileage chips in EFI procedures, and so forth.

Answer 8

Sadly, libraries are a thing of the past....doomed to extinction.