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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?
(Score: 3, Insightful) by looorg on Tuesday April 09 2019, @08:55PM (3 children)
This is quite true and I personally hate that development. I want books in my library, I don't want movies and music and god knows what else. I'm fine with them offering public access to the internet and such but the core function should be books. But then I guess they have taken it upon themselves, or being ordered by the local politicians/council to become more of a culture center then a knowledge center -- ok the knowledge part might be a bit over the top to since most reading doesn't appear to be knowledge related but for entertainment and relaxation at least so at the public library compared to the university library. But the Uni library has not devoted massive amount spaces to "group and study rooms" and naturally they have a gargantuan coffee and relaxation corner (cause reading is so hard?).
(Score: 2) by All Your Lawn Are Belong To Us on Tuesday April 09 2019, @09:37PM
Yes, this is progress as it now takes making the library a comfortable place for people to want to spend time there. I am fine with there being movies and music available as those are forms of information, of a sort, as well. I have gotten used to online searchable databases of information instead of paper magazines and journals, although I wish the magazines were browseable. (This is one of the reasons you can pay publishing houses a lot for journal subscriptions - your library picks up the tab and the cost is borne by the tax base.)
But things aren't the way I really like them because what I want is the past.
Still doesn't mean I think the library should invest in non-media things like 3d printers. Now some books or videos on how to create my own 3d printer is different. :)
This sig for rent.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday April 09 2019, @09:40PM (1 child)
You moron, important stuff is on the Internet now not in books. Books are obsolete as soon as they are printed. You want to know if Kanye and Beyonce are still together? You have to look on the Internet.
(Score: 1, Insightful) by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday April 09 2019, @11:41PM
Who? Is that your brother in-law or something?
Why would I care?