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Libraries Go High-Tech to Stay Relevant in the Digital Era

posted by takyon on Tuesday April 09 2019, @06:12PM   Printer-friendly
from the computer-lab-with-book-section dept.

Phoenix666 writes:

CNet:

Libraries are repositioning themselves as cultural and learning centers for the digital age. Many lend out mobile hotspots, often for weeks at a time. Others offer classes in the latest tech, such as 3D printing and music-editing software. And libraries have some of the savviest social media editors around.

On Sunday, libraries across the country began celebrating their evolving mission during National Library Week. Melinda Gates serves as honorary chairwoman of the annual event, which is sponsored by the American Library Association. Gates is an appropriate choice: She and husband Bill began funding computers, internet access and software for libraries in low-income communities through an organization they established in 1997.

Do libraries have a future as makerspaces?

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  • (Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday April 09 2019, @06:52PM (2 children)

    by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday April 09 2019, @06:52PM (#827004)

    I like reading books and have been to plenty of libraries. I like to make things but have never been to a makerspace, though I've seen one from a distance. There are too many dudes there with tight pants or strange beards or who are into craft beer. If people are really into making something and good at it, they will start a company to make it.

  • (Score: 4, Insightful) by takyon on Tuesday April 09 2019, @07:10PM (1 child)

    by takyon (881) <reversethis-{gro ... s} {ta} {noykat}> on Tuesday April 09 2019, @07:10PM (#827022) Journal

    Makerspaces can give you relatively cheap access to tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of equipment. Not everyone needs their own high-end 3D printer, laser or water cutter, etc., but they might like to use one once in a while.

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    • (Score: 4, Insightful) by bzipitidoo on Tuesday April 09 2019, @10:01PM

      by bzipitidoo (4388) on Tuesday April 09 2019, @10:01PM (#827135) Journal

      That's me. The library provided the means for me to finally give 3D printing a try, when they got a 3D printer last summer. Been wanting to try 3D printing for years, but I couldn't justify springing for a printer of my own. I don't need to 3D print that often, only a few times a year. And I'd need somewhere to put it. The library solved those issues for me.