Are libraries still relevant?

[bibliophile99]

yes they are.

[vortex189]

I would say in a sense yes. There is nothing like holding a book in your hand and also is a lot easier to find books then finding ebooks. They always seem to be taken and have to wait months to get the book. By that time I'm already reading other books and don't want to stop in a middle of a book.

[zumanajim]

A fundamental understanding of what the internet is and isn't can help clearly define the role of a library, and why libraries are still extremely important. Online library collections, however, are different. They typically include materials that have been published via rigorous editorial processes and are riddled with quantitative anaysis, instead of opinion.Types of materials include books, journals, documents, newspapers, magazines and reports which are digitized, stored and indexed through a limited-access database.

While one might use the internet or a search engine to find these databases, deeper access to them requires registration. You are still online, but you are no longer on the internet. You are in a library.

3. The Internet isn't Free: Numerous academic research papers, journals, and other important materials are virtually inaccessible to someone seeking to pull them off the web for free. Rather, access is restricted to expensive subscription accounts, which are typically paid for by college libraries. Visiting a college library in person or logging in to the library through your school account, is therefore the only way to affordably access necessary archived resources.

4. The Internet Compliments Libraries, but Doesn't Replace Them: The internet is clearly a great resource to finding information, but it's not a replacement for a library. There are clear advantages of libraries over the internet for research, however the benefits of the internet, includes "sampling public opinion", gathering "quick facts" and pooling a wide range of ideas. Overall, the point is this: libraries are completely different than the web. In this light, to talk about one replacing the other begins to seem absurd.

5. School Libraries and Librarians Improve Student Test Scores: A 2005 study of the Illinois School Libraries shows that students who frequently visit well-stocked and well-staffed school libraries end up with higher ACT scores and perform better on reading and writing exams. Interestingly, the study points out that access digital technology plays a strong role in test results, noting that "high schools with computers that connect to library catalogs and databases average 6.2 percent improvement on ACT scores".

6. Libraries Aren't Just Books: Technology is integrating itself into the library system, not bulldozing it. Pushing this trend to its logical extreme (although it's likely not to happen), we could eventually see libraries' entire stacks relegated to databases, and have books only accessible digitally. So where does that leave librarians? Are they being overtaken by technology, the timeless enemy of labor?

[Mike_Lang]

I think libraries are still relevant, my local library - which is very small - has embraced technology rather than hiding from it so that they offer much more than just traditional hardback books. They are very good about getting interlibrary loans for books I want to read - again, small library, limited selection. Also there is one particular library assistant who is VERY knowledgable about all types of books and can usually find something to interest me if I'm waiting for one or more books to come in.

[bookowlie]

I definitely think libraries are still relevant. Even with the rise of ebooks, there is still the universal appeal of borrowing read books. Sure, there are tons of free ebooks, but not always the ones you want to read. There is something unmatched about browsing a library (similar to a bookstore), the look and feel of the books and their covers, and then walking out with an armful.....all for free.

[Jmom]

There is nothing quite like a library. I don't know whether it is the smell of the weathered pages or the clear nostalgia, but I hope library never become extinct. I love taking my kids to the library, although there is no need because they have everything on their devices. I want them to learn how to research, as well as just enjoy the solitude of diving into a book within the quiet of the library walls.

[Andreaj1911]

I absolutely adore going to the library. I love to look at the new books, use the computers or even just sit and read. If my local library closed down I would be bereft.

[Chowe117]

I love the library and I think it offers a lot that technology cannot. Physical books are way better than ebooks, the feel and look of them is so calming and satisfying. The events many libraries have, bring all ages. Also I feel that technology takes us away from human interaction but a library is full of it! Book clubs, story time, young adult clubs, you name it! It's great for the community

[Blood_and_Jokes]

Of course!

Quite aside from the variety and volume of what is on offer, they promote learning and fun. They're an important resource, and good for the community, too.

[Taylor Hagen]

i go to the library as much as i can. I think libraries need to be reverent and more used because they are an important resource for people who cannot afford internet

[CTurtle]

Libraries are absolutely still relevant. They are an affordable way for kids to access information when they may not have any other means. While we say that technology is everywhere, I think that many people don't realize there are still homes and schools that have limited resources. Libraries fill a void that is sometimes impossible to be filled elsewhere.

[Clayton Williamson]

Of course! I love finding random notes, receipts and handwritten things in the books I check out. Plus it's free!

[BrownGirlBookSlayer]

Definitely. Especially when it comes to my love of genealogy. Dallas Main Branch Library boasts several floors . I can't imagine not having it around. Microfiche, genealogy club meetings, etc.

[L_Renee]

I'm so grateful for my local library! Even though I mostly use it for e-books and audiobooks, I think it's a great community resource and I always see a lot of people using the branch in my area. I hope they don't get phased out!

[meigui22]

I think so. especially for young people. in my city library is constantly visited, especially at my university