the library v. the internet

Atarah · 17-04-2009, 16:58

Oh deary me. Am putting this topic here in History, its sad, really sad.

Have just been informed that "according to the powers that be", people don't use reference books any more and should all be using the Internet. Therefore nearly all the ref books are to go and in most libraries in Lancs they already have!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (what have they done with them I would like to know?). The lass in Accrington Library (upstairs) is mounting a one woman campaign and has tried to dig her heels in. They are actually being allowed to keep some stuff and the lady is putting as much as possible into local studies. Just imagine if they decided to do that at some point in the future - destroy the local history books too!

Was this common knowledge? I certainly hadnt heard a whisper! Worrying, very worrying!

Atarah

MargaretR · 17-04-2009, 18:35

I have a bookcase full of non fiction reference books which I no longer read.
They are mainly ancient history and have been rendered unreliable by archeology done since they were published.
The internet provides a more up to date source of info on any topic,
so it is reasonable for libraries to withdraw books which give antiquated info.
Local history is not widely available on the web (yet) so you friend is right to try to preseve that.

Retlaw · 17-04-2009, 20:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atarah

Oh deary me. Am putting this topic here in History, its sad, really sad.

Have just been informed that "according to the powers that be", people don't use reference books any more and should all be using the Internet. Therefore nearly all the ref books are to go and in most libraries in Lancs they already have!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (what have they done with them I would like to know?). The lass in Accrington Library (upstairs) is mounting a one woman campaign and has tried to dig her heels in. They are actually being allowed to keep some stuff and the lady is putting as much as possible into local studies. Just imagine if they decided to do that at some point in the future - destroy the local history books too!

Was this common knowledge? I certainly hadnt heard a whisper! Worrying, very worrying!

Atarah

I was there the day they were clearing some of the shelves. I was informed that as more and more stuff came on line on the internet, the books were'nt needed.

I stuck my oar in and questioned the need to get rid of the books, as they had already been purchased, what was wrong in keeping them. I can already see the long term reasoning behind all this, the powers that be will say no one comes in to borrow books any more, why do we need to keep the place open.
Accrington's reference Library & Local studies is already undermanned.

To me its a shame books are being destroyed, most of the so called crap on the internet, has so many variations. Every idiot wants to swank, "I have a web site", even if the stuff has never been authenticated, and contains a lot of misinformation.
Then other idiots will pass on this misinformation as gospel.

Retlaw.

flashy · 17-04-2009, 20:55

well personally i prefer a book, you cant take your pc to bed with you

Lilly · 17-04-2009, 20:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by flashy

well personally i prefer a book, you cant take your pc to bed with you

I prefer a book too, Flashy.......but I do know someone who does take her pc to bed. She gets into bed with laptop and a few stellas and facebooks the evening away.

On the subject of these books in the library......it's a shame that they could be destroyed. Couldn't one of our local historians be allowed to keep some of them?

MargaretR · 17-04-2009, 20:59

Books contain misinformation too.
History is notorious for having bias in favour of the victor/conquerer,
A book shows only one person's view, whereas several opinions are easily accessible on the web

Margaret Pilkington · 17-04-2009, 21:01

I prefer a book too, especially if it is something that takes concentration to digest.
I don't seem to have the same concentration to read vast tracts of information on the internet.....and if it is something that I really want to learn, then I print it off and read it in the conventional way.

I am very sad that the reference books are being disposed of.

MargaretR · 17-04-2009, 21:04

Having said what I have here, I must confess that I have bought 2 reference books in the past month

..but they have info that isn't on line
...and I don't think any library would stock them

Mancie · 18-04-2009, 00:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atarah

The lass in Accrington Library (upstairs) is mounting a one woman campaign and has tried to dig her heels in.

Atarah

"snigger"..

.. don't get service like that at my local library

jaysay · 18-04-2009, 09:29

Well it was in the Obs that Ossy library is to close for six weeks for refurbishment, wonder if the reference section will disappear there too

Less · 18-04-2009, 09:54

I love the internet, so long as you weed out the iffy sites that seem to make it up as they go along.

Reading online however cannot replace the feel or smell of a good book, whether lying back in bed for an hour before sleeping, sitting in your favourite arm chair, or sunning yourself on a park bench only a book can really speak to you in such a way that has you totally engrossed, long may the hard copy reign, the internet just can't beat it!

cashman · 18-04-2009, 10:00

prefer books mostly, internet is great but a book don't crash.

jaysay · 18-04-2009, 10:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by cashman

prefer books mostly, internet is great but a book don't crash.

No but they burn

Gayle · 18-04-2009, 10:27

I tried once to read a novel on my computer but for some reason it's near impossible - also, when I write a report, I need to print it out to properly review it. Can't understand why that is but somehow info on the computer doesn't quite sink in.

Plus, as has already been mentioned on here recently, some people who do research publish it with deliberate mistakes which means that anyone who inadvertantly copies the information and accepts it as the truth, has absolutely no idea how accurate it is.

I love my computer - for work and for play - but for leisure and research you can't beat books.

shillelagh · 18-04-2009, 10:28

a lot of jobs in the library are being retitled, and dont need the qualifications that some of them have ... they are having a review across the whole library services ... which has been going on for some time .. and ive known about this for a long time .. and certain librarians have had to reapply for their jobs .. not knowing if they would get it back again ...