[Publib] Wall Street Journal Weighs In On Public Libraries

[Sue Kamm]

But doesn't every ILS offer the capability to create such reports?  Even our home-grown system (to be replaced by the end of 2007, please the gods) allows us to do that.  

Or are you referring to the systems that will read an entire shelf of books by waving a wand at them?  If so, I think we're talking RFID and beaucoup bucks.
-----Original Message-----
>From: Erik Adams <EAdams at chulavista.lib.ca.us>
>Sent: Jan 3, 2007 5:58 PM
>To: 'Bruce Bumbalough' <bbumbalough at grapevine.lib.tx.us>, Kathleen McCorkle <sedanlib at terraworld.net>, publib at webjunction.org
>Subject: RE: [Publib] Wall Street Journal Weighs In On Public Libraries
>
>I have to agree that the content should be available, however, I think that
>if the print format is collecting dust and taking up space, why not replace
>it with an electronic version? It sounds like Dynix/Sirsi has a fancy
>automated feature, beats manually creating lists as a weeding tool. :)
>
>Erik
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: Bruce Bumbalough [mailto:bbumbalough at grapevine.lib.tx.us]
>Sent: Wednesday, January 03, 2007 2:38 PM
>To: Kathleen McCorkle; publib at webjunction.org
>Subject: Re: [Publib] Wall Street Journal Weighs In On Public Libraries
>
>
>We are not telling them what they can read.  We are telling them what 
>they can borrow from the local library.   It is not the library's fault 
>or obligation to replace a bookstore if no big box outfit elects to 
>build in a community.
>
>Personally I think a library that weeds Hemingway because it hasn't 
>circulated is missing the boat.  There are titles the public expects a 
>library to have -- Hemingway, Faulkner, Shakespeare, Plato, Wheatley, 
>Alcott, Austen, Dickens and countless others fall into that category.  
>
>
>Kathleen McCorkle wrote:
>> ""public and one that merely uses tax dollars to subsidize the
>recreational
>> habits of bookworms.""
>>
>> Since we live in an area that has no bookstore, (85 mile round trip)
>> Hemingway is a little advanced for children and the seniors have already
>> read it,
>> are we now supposed to tell people what they can read?
>> I always thought libraries were so people could afford to read and
>practice
>> does make us better readers.
>> Many people in our area do buy books but most can not afford that luxury.
>> I wonder what will be considered classics in another 50 years?
>> I am admitting I love to read so is that bad?
>> I admit I am confused.
>>
>>   
>
>
>-- 
>Bruce L. Bumbalough
>Reference Librarian
>Grapevine Public Library
>1201 Municipal Way
>Grapevine, Texas 76051
>
>Voice: (817) 410-3404
>Fax:   (817) 410-3084
>email: bbumbalough at grapevine.lib.tx.us
>
>The opinions are mine.
>
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Your friendly CyberGoddess and Councilor-at-large,
Sue Kamm
Inglewood/Los Angeles, CA
Truest of the Blue, Los Angeles Dodgers Think Blue Week 2000
Visit my blog:  http://suekamm.blogspot.com
email:  suekamm [at] mindspring.com
When you absolutely, positively HAVE to know, ASK A LIBRARIAN!