When we stopped focusing on education, learning, and opening the mind, we essentially gave up on progress. The library used to be a place of knowledge. Patrons visited us to read, do reports, or just have a quiet place to be. We don't offer that anymore. We've expanded our services and opened our arms to everyone, mostly because as society declines, it gets dumber. Dumb people don't read because they don't want to improve or strain themselves. So, we have computers, internet, DVD's, and fax machines to lure anyone in not interested in a book. Sure, libraries circulate a lot of materials, but half of it is DVD's. In fact, they're great baby sitters for today's single-unmarried mom who had an accident (baby). Why love my child and teach it something so someday it will be bright and successful? No, mama will teach it the same way she was taught - to screw up. Don't make healthy, wise decisions.
With these modernizations to the library, we've allowed new visitors into our "home" who may add an undesired element. Let's put it to you like this, patrons who come to the library to read aren't going to be loud, disruptive, or cause a scene (for the most part). If you're here for entertainment, your purpose is different and so is your attitude. Patrons who have no job who spend an entire day on the computer checking MySpace or watching videos on YouTube are pathetic. But we're not allowed to say that to our customers. Let's face it, they're not paying to use the computers. We're not making money by them being here. Our money is made by late fees and other material related charges. Oh, the library gets a cut of printing, whoopee.
Society has already taken the planned steps to make itself a pack of idiots. Just follow it up by not coming to the library. You're only here for the computers and DVD's anyway.
3 comments:
I saw an ad the other day that did raise my eyebrows. 'Twas a mother and child sitting facing a laptop. The caption read "Visit the library". It was an ad for ComCast (think Time Warner) and high speed internet.
To me this means the way people seek information has changed, and changed dramatically. We now search the internet rather than be bound but those few books at the library. There is more equality in this, especially for those rural areas that do not have much (if any) sort of library. Libraries must change the way the do business, or go out of business. Yes, libraries provide information, books to expand the mind. However many people also see the library as a place to gather (Commons) a place to take their children to explore (picture books) and yes, a place to pick up entertainment. Be it books or DVDs. These are the library's customers, and as such, are the ones we must please (for, after all they pay the taxes that keep libraries open).
I will agree with you that those people who stay day in day out just using the pc are pathetic. And how the hell they can do this I don't have a clue. How do they live and where does the money come from?? I, for one, truly pity them, for their lives amount to very little and seems to me that they just hide in the computer to avoid realizing how miserable they are.
However, I do think your perspective is limited. Not all libraries house those types of customers. Many are thriving areas for people to touch base with loved ones (yes.. email!). Allow parents the opportunity to gather with other parents (children's programs) Libraries
provide a variety of services that their customers highly value. Yes, libraries are changing, since times are changing, but it need not be for the worse.
Finally! what books have you read recently that have expanded your mind? Perhaps a magazine or newspaper article on global warming? Or even a science DVD on the latest astronomy discoveries? What have you done to stem this flow of stupidity that you see overtaking our society?
As far as literature which has expanded my mind, I wouldn't say an article on global warming is going to do that for me.
Ah Paul. Perhaps reading an article will not help, but the point was can you condemn people for not doing something (such as expanding their minds) if you also do not do that particular thing?
I do not say I expand my mind, though I am working harder to "improve my conscience contact with Higher Order". Is that enough? No, but I try not to fault people too harshly when all they are doing is what they have been taught. It is a pity that they do not have the drive to learn more, try harder and I am very glad I have escaped (well I "think" I have escaped) that trap.
So... are you reading anything? Listening to anything new? Inquiring minds...
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