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Why the Public Library Beats Amazon

Posted by Soulskill on from the where-do-i-sign-up-for-library-Prime dept.

Nate the greatest writes: The launch of Kindle Unlimited last month has many questioning the value of public libraries, with one pundit on Forbes even going so far as to proclaim that the U.K. could save money by shuttering all its libraries and replacing them with Kindle Unlimited subscriptions. Luckily for libraries, they're safe for now because they still beat Kindle Unlimited and its competitors in at least one category: content you want to read. As several reviewers have noted, Kindle Unlimited is stocked almost entirely with indie titles, with a handful of major titles thrown in. Even Scribd and Oyster only have ebooks from two of the five major U.S. publishers, while U.S. public libraries can offer titles from all five. They might be expensive and you might have to get on a waiting list, but as the Wall Street Journal points out, public libraries are safe because they can still offer a better selection. That is true, but I think the WSJ missed a key point: public libraries beat Amazon because they offer services Amazon cannot, including in-person tech support, internet access, and other basic assistance. The fact of the matter is, you can't use KU, Scribd, or Oyster if you don't know how to use your device, and your local public library is the best place to learn.

4 of 165 comments (clear)

  1. Libraries are one thing Amazon is not by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    An actual place.

    1. Re:Libraries are one thing Amazon is not by mendax · · Score: 5, Insightful

      The fact that the public library is an actual place is important. Libraries are not just places to get information. They are sometimes positioned to be social centers of communities, places for those without Internet access to get that access, a quiet place to avoid the hustle and bustle of life, a place to meet friends, a place to hold a meeting, a place to do homework and study, and so on and so on. Libraries have long since been simply a place to get the latest novel or some old classic.

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  2. The #1 reason public libraries are better by weeboo0104 · · Score: 5, Informative

    Not everybody can afford a Kindle.

    My library card didn't cost me a thing to request and I can check out as many books as I can read for free as long as they are returned on time. Heck, I can even check out CD's, DVDs and puzzles for my kid.

    Public libraries are great sources for local history, in-person social networking, and meetings on how to become more involved in the local community and volunteering.

    --
    It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men. -Frederick Douglass
  3. My local library by OzPeter · · Score: 5, Insightful

    My local library doesn't just have books.

    It has:

    Books (well yeah)
    Magazines
    Newspapers
    Audio Books
    DVDs
    Meeting Rooms
    Events
    Internet Access
    Printers
    Photocopiers

    In general it is trying to position itself as a local community resource

    Somehow I can't see all of that being replaced by a Kindle, and thats without even going into what limited selection of titles the Kindle will have.

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