Pros & Cons of Public Libraries
While public libraries are an American tradition, there are both benefits and disadvantages to using them. Knowing what these are will help you know whether a trip to the library will be to your advantage.
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History
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The public library concept has been around since ancient times and, contrary to common lore, Benjamin Franklin did not introduce the public library to America. According to an article in History Magazine, the oldest library in America was a donation of 400 books by John Harvard to the university now bearing his name; and free-lending libraries appeared in the colonies prior to 1700, thanks to Thomas Bray. Neither was Franklin's library actually "public"; it was only available to paid subscribers. However, all these examples played a part in the evolution of our current public library system.
Function
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As the name suggests, public libraries exist to give the public access to published material. Libraries lend their items for free to anyone with a library card (also free), provided those items are returned by the due date. Libraries are generally funded by taxpayer dollars, but libraries may receive additional funding from private donors.
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Features
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Where libraries have mainly consisted of book collections, nowadays they usually provide access to periodicals and reference materials (usually kept on site), and also lend audio books, music collections and even movies. Libraries may also offer additional services such as reading programs, classes, meeting rooms, free Internet access and even refreshments for sale.
Where typically borrowers had to learn the use of an extensive card catalog to locate books, these days libraries offer computerized look-up and checkout as well as extended Internet options. In many cases, by accessing the library's website at home, you can now look up and reserve items, request items from other branches, and even extend your due date.
Benefits
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The obvious benefit of public libraries is that anyone, regardless of income or background, can read a book without having to buy it. Libraries provide a common collection for reference study that few could afford on their own, which makes education more available for everyone. A library is a quiet study environment available for anyone who needs it. Plus, by its nature, the public library promotes literacy, often providing special literacy programs for those who need it.
Disadvantages
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While the public library allows you to borrow freely, the downside is that you do not own the book and cannot retain it for future reference. Additionally, the title you need might not be available because all copies might be checked out.
Also, in a day of instant information and technology, public libraries sometimes struggle to keep current. While some information is timeless, nowadays it often does not take as long for printed material to become obsolete. When a library is poorly funded, it might not be able to purchase the latest titles and editions, meaning its information can be dated.
Theories/Speculation
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In her article, "The Future of Public Libraries in an Internet Age," Ruth A. Wooden speculates that while public libraries in America are still highly valued and are not likely to disappear, they are "facing a pivotal time in their history." Libraries are about information, and information is not disappearing. Already, many libraries are adapting by integrating the Internet with their printed publications; and libraries quick to adapt are likely to survive in a time of change.
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References
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- Photo Credit Ivan Vicencio; sxc.hu
