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'No, Amazon Cannot Replace Libraries' (vice.com)
Over the weekend, Forbes published an article titled "Amazon Should Replace Local Libraries to Save Taxpayers Money," in which the author Panos Mourdoukoutas argued that libraries are no longer important to the community as the result of alternative "third places" like Starbucks, and "no shortage of places to hold community events," as well as streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime and the rise of e-books that have "turned physical books into collector's items, effectively eliminating the need for library borrowing services." The article did not bode well with many, including several librarians. Forbes has since taken down the article. From a report: Hundreds of Twitter users took to the platform to share both their anger with the piece and their love for libraries. People seemed to especially take issue with the author picking Amazon --notorious for its horrible treatment of employees, and accusations of ruining the cities it opens warehouses in -- as a potential replacement. Obviously, as the outrage from these users demonstrates, libraries are beloved and important in communities.
Mourdoukoutas's argument that libraries are becoming less useful is patently false, in a way that's fairly obvious. But the notion that libraries aren't worth their value to taxpayers -- one that fails to take into account the financial returns of a library and expenses of buying these items on one's own -- fails to address the vast importance a library has on its community as a physical space open to anyone in the public. Most of the utilities of libraries are quite obvious, like how they're essential to lowering the barrier of entry on activities that may be cost prohibitive. But many of us aren't aware of the impact our libraries have on our own communities, nor the programs they offer.
Mourdoukoutas's argument that libraries are becoming less useful is patently false, in a way that's fairly obvious. But the notion that libraries aren't worth their value to taxpayers -- one that fails to take into account the financial returns of a library and expenses of buying these items on one's own -- fails to address the vast importance a library has on its community as a physical space open to anyone in the public. Most of the utilities of libraries are quite obvious, like how they're essential to lowering the barrier of entry on activities that may be cost prohibitive. But many of us aren't aware of the impact our libraries have on our own communities, nor the programs they offer.
The phrase 'The article did not bode well' *should* mean something like 'The article posed an existential threat' for something (like libraries). Or 'The article portended doom' or 'The article foretold disaster'
I think the writer wanted to say 'The article did not sit well'
Sorry about the word-nazism, but this stuff really grates on me.
It's not fair to say the content is available on the internnet.
Much of the content my library offers is in the form of access to very expensive online data services that are offered for free to library patrons. There's well over 100 services I get free at my library. I have free access to Lynda.com which would otherwise cost around $30/month. The city's largest newspaper has an online archive of every page they printed going back to the mid 19'th century. They charge $100/year for access. Or free at the library. And that's only 2 of the services.
I can borrow just about any new release DVD for free within a month of release date.
My library offers access to high end 3D printers at a cost of 3 cents/gram. Just order online by uploading your stl files, and pick up at the branch in a few days. And considering I don't have to pay for spoiled prints or babysit a wonky $500 printer, their price is actually fantastic. I haven't used them yet, but they also have a CNC milling machine and vinyl cutting machine that can be used on the same basis.
They also have a video studio greenroom I can use for free and a music recording studio I can I use for free. I can borrow a gopro camera for free too.
Oh yeah, I think my library also gives me access to books and magazines for free. I guess, maybe, amazon could help with that one. Though I do take issue with the article saying amazon ebooks can replace real books. I read around 100 books a year, I haven't read an ebook in over 10 years, I didn't like the experience then and I don't think I'd like it now.
And especially with Amazon. I remember shortly after Kindle came out, they remotely deleted all the George Orwell books people had bought for their kindles when the publisher changed their mind about licensing the books. If I buy a print book, Amazon can't (legally, yet) break into my home and take back the book when they change their mind about selling it. For that reason alone, I will *never* use amazon for ebooks.
I don't know about the libraries in Boston but the libraries in my city are well maintained and definitely get used. Parents with young kids are common visitors along with various groups using the meeting rooms. 60-80% of the computers are typically in use during the afternoon and evening by people of all sorts.
There are people who definitely go there to get work/studying done as opposed to sitting in a starbucks or coffee shop.
I've never seen any old men there playing checkers but I'm sure it happens.
I will not speak of Amazon's data policies but the ALA to a man, woman, or other will SLAM their fist down upon the drive wipe button if someone comes in thinking their warrant means something. This isn't just a threat, many did as soon as "The Patriot Act" was even being considered.
http://www.ala.org/aboutala/go...
DO NOT piss off a librarian! They are some of the staunchest defenders of civil rights in the country.