Are Libraries Obsolete?

August 1, 2014

In his latest work, Herring (Fool's Gold) points out concerns that librarians should heed, lest they find themselves branded as obsolete. Academic librarians have heard students and administrators ask, given the increase in the number of ebooks and Internet access available to so many: Why fund libraries? Herring makes several valid points for why making available those two services are not the same as providing library services, with particular attention to academic libraries. He substantiates many of the claims first iterated in his 2000 American Libraries article, "10 Reasons Why the Internet Is No Substitute for a Library," and even expands his original list using up-to-date research and examples concerning reading, literacy, the consequences of Internet-based reading, and libraries' role in assisting patrons in their transition to digital access. There is also an analysis of the current environment in which librarians will find suggested steps for keeping alive the discussion on the need for libraries. VERDICT Librarians who wish to do more than just hope that their profession still exists in 20 years will find the articulated arguments for library service and corresponding call to action present in this work vital.--Kendra Auberry, Indian River State Coll. Lib., Port St. Lucie, FL

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