Author Topic: Libraries (Read 4140 times)

Blue Ridge Wheeltor · **on:** January 11, 2011, 02:11:02 am

A few weeks ago I went I helped a lady move. She had several heavy boxes of National Geographics. NG's are the type of magazine you hate to throw away, but what are the chances of her ever reading them again? The next week I saw in Sam's Club a 4 disc set that has EVERY NG on them since FIRST published. It didn't weigh much.

Last year they built a million dollar Library in a section of my small town. I went in, they had a couple of librarians working, and a janitor. Everything was bright and new, The books were old and decrepid. There were a few old people reading magazines, one on the computer.

I couldn't help but think these books could be on CD's, on line, and the library be eliminated or reduced in size with a few computers for people to access. The library system is archaic. Ask a kid today what the Dewey Decimal System is and they'll think it's a rock group.

We don't have the money to keep supporting these archaic systems, and they need to be streamlined or eliminated.

singhg5 · **Reply #1 on:** January 11, 2011, 02:22:56 am

@BRW:

I just came back from the library with some DVDs, I had gone there to return some books.

Do you remember another piece of technology called Feesh or feish ? I can't even spell it anymore

. All the newspapers and many books were transferred to that 'thing', then placed on a plate, and moved to bring the image on screen and then turn the knob to focus it ! Wow, that was considered an advancement and a big space saver.

Inspite of the fact that I can read all the news on my computer, but there is a different kind of enjoyment flipping the pages of The New York Times or any other paper newspaper

. But they are so expensive that I do not buy anymore.

Lahti35 · **Reply #2 on:** January 11, 2011, 02:38:49 am

Quote from: singhg5 on January 11, 2011, 02:22:56 am

@BRW:

I just came back from the library with some DVDs, I had gone there to return some books.

Do you remember another piece of technology called Feesh or feish ? I can't even spell it anymore . All the newspapers and many books were transferred to that 'thing', then placed on a plate, and moved to bring the image on screen and then turn the knob to focus it ! Wow, that was considered an advancement and a big space saver.

Inspite of the fact that I can read all the news on my computer, but there is a different kind of enjoyment flipping the pages of The New York Times or any other paper newspaper . But they are so expensive that I do not buy anymore.

Micro Fich (fish? feeeeeeesh?)! I hated using that stuff in high school!

The brain chip is only months away.... the ultimate space saver.....skynet will become self aware!

redcat · **Reply #3 on:** January 11, 2011, 02:59:28 am

I just hope, for the next generation's sake, the light's stay on.They only know about 8:45,they don't no nuthin 'bout quarter till nine.

scoTTy · **Reply #4 on:** January 11, 2011, 03:09:42 am

i would rather read a book in my hands that look at a computer screen..

at least I know if we have a natural outage.. I have something i can contemplate on.. rather than looking at a dark screen..

I would rather read a book, than watch TV or watch a DVD..

whereas others I know are just the opposite

with saying that I don't even own a TV

Blue Ridge Wheeltor · **Reply #5 on:** January 11, 2011, 04:32:29 am

Quote from: scoTTy on January 11, 2011, 03:09:42 am

i would rather read a book in my hands that look at a computer screen..

at least I know if we have a natural outage.. I have something i can contemplate on.. rather than looking at a dark screen..

I would rather read a book, than watch TV or watch a DVD..

whereas others I know are just the opposite

with saying that I don't even own a TV

And that's wonderful Scotty. But should the taxpayers have a million dollar building and a staff so one or two (there was 2 people in the library when I went in) can read a newspaper or turn the pages on a book? Should the library have hundreds of National Geographics on their shelves, when they can have it on disc, so someone can enjoy turning the pages? Should the post office deliver 7 days a week, because someone enjoys receiving mail? See what I mean? We have to tighten our belts, and taking advantage of modern electrics and saving money will help.

scoTTy · **Reply #6 on:** January 11, 2011, 04:41:34 am

on a twisted note.. do you think the elected officials are interesred in saving money? especially if it affects them? of course not.. that being said , I havn't been to a library in over 40 years.. they never had the books that interest me... guess that's why i sell books in my shop.. even though no one buys them.. they are too esoteric

REpozer · **Reply #7 on:** January 11, 2011, 04:55:41 am

I check out free movie DVDs.

" If only one child uses the library, it"s worth it"

Your not a child hater are you?

scoTTy · **Reply #8 on:** January 11, 2011, 04:59:26 am

I am my only child.. we get along real well together

Ice · **Reply #9 on:** January 11, 2011, 05:13:17 am

Our local library is very popular with the youth of our town.
It’s a place of part social gathering and part self education.

A sign of hope.

2bikebill · **Reply #10 on:** January 11, 2011, 09:23:44 am

A friend showed me her new Kindle electronic reading gizmo the other day. I thought, hmmm, well, ok - maybe it'll catch on in time. It's easier to read than a pc screen, you can increase print size etc, and she told me that there was a huge number of books available to download.
I thought no more about it until a few days later, when I was reading a 600 page novel with fairly small print, impossible to prop up to read at breakfast, and a bit of a strain on my ancient eyes. So I got on line to do a bit of research (only half an excuse needed here to get a nice new gadget). I discovered that there are over 775,000 books available for Kindle. Not the book I am currently reading, and none of the books I am interested in reading next.
It's an impressive sounding number, but less than a drop of a drop in the ocean of published books in the world. There are 200,000 new books published each year in the UK for instance. For this reason alone I think it's going to be a while until electronic reading gizmos are a realistic alternative to actually opening a book. The choice is extremely limited - classic literature (out of copyright, so free) and best sellers have priority it seems. I daresay there will be more and more less mainstream books available as time goes on - but I doubt I'll see the end of the paper book in my lifetime.
A pity - I can definitely see the advantages of the Kindle, and I'd like to have one.

2bikebill · **Reply #11 on:** January 11, 2011, 09:33:38 am

".....But should the taxpayers have a million dollar building and a staff so one or two (there was 2 people in the library when I went in) can read a newspaper or turn the pages on a book? Should the library have hundreds of National Geographics on their shelves, when they can have it on disc, so someone can enjoy turning the pages? Should the post office deliver 7 days a week, because someone enjoys receiving mail?....."

Well - yes.

enfield freddy · **Reply #12 on:** January 11, 2011, 01:02:36 pm

a scotsman went into the local library in glasgow (scotland) and asked for a book on suicide,

her reply ^%$k o** , you will not bring it back

GreenMachine · **Reply #13 on:** January 11, 2011, 01:44:02 pm

yes and because as a tax payer we don't get much of anything anyway...Now that we are going top play the era of austerity. you could come up with numerous scenarios where 25 percent of the jobs out there could just go away and not come back at all....I suggest instead of the libraries being replaced with a CD, wouldn't u think many of the jobs up at capitol hill might be a better place to start...What about the two money pits you know where.....How about the free loaders who have been on welfare for 10 years or more.....Where do u want to go with this...What about your job.....Is it that important,,,Is it really necessary....will our day move forward without it....Hey don't get me wrong I like to c u keep working but to me just another bit of the same nonsense I've been hearing for 50 years..Good Luck in your endeavors in closing the local library..Sorry u got stuck with the check..We feel your pain...

PhilJ · **Reply #14 on:** January 11, 2011, 02:04:56 pm

Well where would I put my book marker on a Kindle.

No the Library should definitely stay. Pozer said it best in few words..,

single · **Reply #15 on:** January 11, 2011, 02:27:05 pm

There is a decent little library here in Macon.The Macon Public Library.Nice old building in good repair rite next door to the church that is trying to take over that end of town.I go there when I need to have a copy made of some document that I momentarily regard as "important".

GreenMachine · **Reply #16 on:** January 11, 2011, 02:43:15 pm

actually I've notice the libary quite full with poeple of all age groups...Just because I don't use it, doesn't mean it should be closed or made into a info commercial CD...

Chuck D · **Reply #17 on:** January 11, 2011, 02:59:58 pm

Why stop at libraries?
Lets get rid of parks, schools, drinking fountains, roads, sewers, fire and police departments, and rest rooms. In fact lets eliminate ANYTHING with which the word "public" has been traditionally associated. Because as we all know, "public" really means "socialist".
See you at the bottom.

GreenMachine · **Reply #18 on:** January 11, 2011, 03:02:50 pm

lets put everything on a CD.....Hell we won't even have to walk period...Wait a minure..what about nourishment..

2bikebill · **Reply #19 on:** January 11, 2011, 04:17:36 pm

A fellow walked into a library, went up to the desk, and said "Cod & chips please!"
The librarian replied, "Sir, this is a public library."
"Oops, Sorry", the man whispered, and repeated, in a whisper, "Cod and chips please"

Chuck D · **Reply #20 on:** January 11, 2011, 04:35:39 pm

Quote from: WillW on January 11, 2011, 04:17:36 pm

A fellow walked into a library, went up to the desk, and said "Cod & chips please!"
The librarian replied, "Sir, this is a public library."
"Oops, Sorry", the man whispered, and repeated, in a whisper, "Cod and chips please"

REpozer · **Reply #21 on:** January 11, 2011, 04:40:13 pm

The library also gives the homeless people a place to hang out during the day.

Most don't seem interested in books. Some sleep, listen to music, play board games.

singhg5 · **Reply #22 on:** January 11, 2011, 04:54:20 pm

In my town, the library is a great central place for a lot of different type of activities. Besides books, CDs, music, DVDs, people can use computers to go online. Don't be surprised that not everyone has or can afford internet service at their homes. People do job searches.

There are school kids who come to study in the library, some have tutors who use tables/chairs to study. They also have quiet small cabins (rooms) where people study to prepare for entrance exams for nursing or college etc.

The library also organises many activities and workshops - how to use computer websites such as Flickr, Google, or use Word, PowerPoint etc. They have dance classes, infant group play time, classes for learning English, a movie night every so often. They also use the lobby to display art or craft made by local residents. They keep bus schedules and train schedules, or information on local activites.

A few times a year, they also collect glasses or toys or clothes for distribution to the needy.

It is a wonderful place to keep people out of trouble and keep them engaged in a positive direction.

REpozer · **Reply #23 on:** January 11, 2011, 06:21:59 pm

Speaking of libraries. What ever happen to the "Shuuuush lady"? You remember her?
She was a little heavy, wore cat rim glasses hanging from a chain around her neck.

I remember the Shuush Lady would make sure everyone was quiet and orderly. Yes, If I made the slitest noise the Shuush Lady would sternly look at you , finger vertically to her lip and say .."Shuuuush, this is the library!"

The Shuush lady is long gone, now the library is full of loud mouth hoodlums that scare many users.

I miss the Shuuush lady.I wish her well where ever she went to.

RBHoge · **Reply #24 on:** January 11, 2011, 10:41:48 pm

Quote from: REpozer on January 11, 2011, 04:55:41 am

I check out free movie DVDs.

" If only one child uses the library, it"s worth it"

Your not a child hater are you?

While I am not very fond of children, like W.C. Fields I am rather fond of "Girl children... Around eighteen or twenty."

On to libraries,(the subject of this thread)I am also quite fond of libraries. My first "real job" was at the "Joint Universities Library" in Nashville, Tennessee. It was a fascinating place with untold thousands of books on zillions of subjects. The Library was a collection of books from The Vanderbilt University, and Peabody and Scarett Colleges. It was great for me as a forteen-year-old kid to work there. They even paid me sixty-five cents an hour.

GreenMachine · **Reply #25 on:** January 11, 2011, 11:35:54 pm

I was being an pain in the ass this morning with blue ridge re. libaries and the cost associated with maintaining them..I understand his point but I believe the focus would be better served on programs that are are not contributing to the entire community at large. It is possible that where he lives the libarary isn't utilized.. Where I love the libarary is usually full of people of various ages doing a bit of everything that it offers..

enfield freddy · **Reply #26 on:** January 12, 2011, 12:23:32 am

Quote from: REpozer on January 11, 2011, 06:21:59 pm

Speaking of libraries. What ever happen to the "Shuuuush lady"? You remember her?
She was a little heavy, wore cat rim glasses hanging from a chain around her neck.

I remember the Shuush Lady would make sure everyone was quiet and orderly. Yes, If I made the slitest noise the Shuush Lady would sternly look at you , finger vertically to her lip and say .."Shuuuush, this is the library!"

The Shuush lady is long gone, now the library is full of loud mouth hoodlums that scare many users.

I miss the Shuuush lady.I wish her well where ever she went to.

drove my daughter to the libary this morning , and sat outside in the car .

could not resist it , 5 mins later I rung her on her mobile and said "Shuuuush"

she was not amused when she came out

jdrouin · **Reply #27 on:** January 12, 2011, 01:56:31 am

Just because the library was relatively empty at the time you went there doesn't mean it's like that all the time. It might be much busier if you go at a different time.

There are three public libraries where we live now that are very vibrant. Tons of programming for young children and parents. They also present the books sort of like in a video store (remember those?) so that it makes you want to read them. We dropped in on a Friday night on the walk home after dinner and the place was absolutely hopping.

About the "archaic" library system, though, I can confidently say that putting all books on a CD or other electronic medium and getting rid of the print copies would be an absolute disaster as far as long term storage is concerned. Data types and information systems evolve at such a rapid rate, that not everything will be upgraded as time goes on. We would lose a huge part of the historical record because machines won't be able to read CDs made today, say, a hundred years from now. You'd have to preserve the machines too. With physical books, as long as a person knows the language they were written in, they can be read.

You also have Google chewing through university libraries at an alarming rate and making those books availabe online (well, the ones that are out of copyright, at any rate). That's all fine and good, but for students who need to experience the materiality of the printed page in order to understand, say, the sensibilities of a place in the past, the digitized documents, no matter how visually faithful to the original, will cut out that whole range of information. When we read books, we take in a lot of information from our hands and our noses, and not just what the text says.

Jeff

GreenMachine · **Reply #28 on:** January 12, 2011, 02:43:31 am

excellent logical reasons...i agree...

Anon · **Reply #29 on:** January 12, 2011, 04:32:23 am

Well said, Jeff. I also worry about the photographic record, as far as data storage goes. If it's been stored well, a 100 year old negative can still be in excellent shape and can be scanned or printed from with no issue. I hope that existing photographic archives are not abandoned for digital copies. Much of what exists now in various digital formats may not survive the transition to future file formats and storage media.

Eamon

GreenMachine · **Reply #30 on:** January 12, 2011, 03:26:31 pm

Their a new Government facility built into the side of a hill down by Culpeper, Va...Apparently it is a storage facility for archival information...I am under the impression that it included archival films as they allow a once a week/month showing of a old film in its original format...I believe admission is free and seating is limited...U have to call ahead to get in to the facility and on the list...IThe Bldg/Bunkert looks quite impressive and at first I thought it had something to do with the Federal Reserve....Seems our government is interested in keeping old things intact too and stored in climate control enviorments. One of these days I'll get around to check it out.

mikail gransee · **Reply #31 on:** January 12, 2011, 03:36:06 pm

Quote from: Ice on January 11, 2011, 05:13:17 am

Our local library is very popular with the youth of our town.
It’s a place of part social gathering.

We have 2 librarys in town. They both house several tables of computers for public use. One has a community room were various clubs and events are held. They also show movies from time to time. Shelves of dvds to check out vise rent and a great selection of books on audio. Both are older very "welcoming" buildings with gas fireplaces and big soft chairs. I love and can spend a whole day in my library. The new ones are just like most new things...got lost in translation...