Re: OT: Public libraries

On Mon, 21 Apr 2025 17:23:41 -0700, Don Y
<blockedofcourse@foo.invalid> wrote:

We've been discussing the long-term relevance of public
libraries and the funding thereof.  It seems like this is
something that will likely be fading from municipal budgets,
largely from disuse and ease of other entities picking up
any such use that is shed in their absence.
>
E.g., I visit the local (branch) library, regularly -- but,
mainly to rent DVDs.  Nothing on their shelves is really pertinent
to my areas of research -- though they have often been called
upon to acquire a copy of a technical article or reference
from some other library (in some other state).  From the reaction
I get when I make these requests, I suspect I am, by far, the
exception, in this usage.
>
The other main use I see is for "public computers".  I suspect
that for people who can't afford an internet connection (or
one of sufficient bandwidth for their needs?)  A sort of "PUBLIC
Internet Cafe".
>
Finally, "babysitting services", of a sort.  "Storytimes" for
young children.  "Lego club" for kids and young adults.  Etc.
>
I rarely see someone browsing the stacks.  Any print material
that I see taken out is often from "reservations" placed on those
materials, via their online portal.  I.e., this could just
as easily be done with any other web-based provider (contracted
by the city to ACT as a library?).
>
[Note this is increasingly happening with video content as
physical media are being replaced with streaming services.]
>
Ebooks don't seem to have as broad an acceptance; likely because the
licensing model is stupid:  how can you have *one* copy of an ebook?
The author/publisher should, instead, charge PER USE.  200 patrons
waiting for one copy of an ebook -- at 4 week renewal times -- is
likely not going to result in more "sales".  Instead, 200 patrons
ALL having access to 200 copies of the book WHILE IT IS IN DEMAND
seems like a better business model (are you going to wait a YEAR
to read an ebook?)
>
So, my questions, for those of you who frequent your public
library, what trends do you see and where do you see the
resource "evolving"?  Bulldozed to make room for more parking
for the other nearby businesses??

One of the benefits of library computers is access to the
catalog. Most technical stuff or 2nd language content is in the
stacks at a central branch or even in different cities.
This reduces 'shelf browsing' considerably, if you know what
you're looking for, even for fiction or 'other' entertainment.
Hence the 'reserved' service use.

My neighborhood tends to be both migrant and immigrant - scrambling
to save every cent - so library services and hardware may be
the only ones available that don't require you to buy something,
just to sit down. Also a quiet place for students and gig 'workers'
to do their stuff, via wi-fi.

Time-limited E-books, music and video files require extra hardware,
but they're cataloged much the same. This is useful for families
without extensive internet/cable entertainment data packages.

Being warm, dry and public, libray washrooms and seating will
always be in demand by those with few alternatives.

Users feeling guilty about taking advantage of the services
should also feel free to donate, when they can.

RL