[Publib] Re: Reading recycled books

[Backwage at aol.com]

In a message dated 2/28/2009 9:54:28 A.M. Pacific Standard Time,  
cdubiel at twinsburglibrary.org writes:

Public  libraries need to give the public what they want, and majority
rules.   We are taxpayer-funded.  Yes, certain taxpayers want older books
(I've  had the same complaint from many patrons, that libraries aren't what
they  used to be) but an overwhelming majority wants DVDs and  popular
fiction.  We need circs to stay funded, so we need to keep the  things on
our shelves that circulate.  I work in a four-star library  according to
the LJ report and the #1 HAPLR rated in our population  category, and
that's how we do things around here.  There are plenty  of academic
libraries that are happy to loan me those archival items if  they are
needed.


When I get this sort of reply, I always wonder if the sender has read my  
post.  Or if they just want to write something about the realities of the  
library.  Which I fully understand.  And which, though often stated,  are often not 
true.  Even though I have said them myself.  Knowing  they were only partly 
true.
 
Here's the scoop.  It's true that libraries have to serve a broad  public.  
That was true fifty years ago too, only they also catered to the  higher class 
of reader, because those folks were politically important and made  noise.  
There was a philosophy out there about "better books" that was  widely 
prescribed to.  Over time, the constituency changed and the  library's view with 
it--broadened, true; became inclusive, true; became  interested in literacy, 
sure--but it left the "better books" folk in the  dust.  The reply to them:  go the 
college library, you  knucklehead.  Well, okay, maybe I'll just do that.  
 
And when I do, I will have shaken the dust of the public library off my  
sandals forever.  And, instead of posting a huge banner on the back of my  truck 
supporting the local library levy whenever it comes up, I will just keep  mum 
and write letters supporting the library of my alma mater(s).  You know  how 
the Boy Scouts and the little league work?  People participate in them  when 
their kids are in that particular age bracket.  When the kids grow up,  the 
parents leave.  Now then.  If I don't have a personal stake in the  public library, 
why should I support the institution?  Because it's a good  idea generally?  
Because I'm a dingbat socialist who believes in such  things?  Both of these 
are true, but I know which side my Tolstoy is  buttered on.  
 
Finally:  ever wonder why it is that librarians, among other educated  
people, think that bookstores are terrible these days, turned into flashy  
wastelands of non-book items, non-book books and non-book workers?  It's  because 
that's true.  It is also becoming true of the library.  I  avoid the chain book 
stores.  I am also avoiding the chain-book  libraries.  You think you can afford 
to lose me?  Place you bets and  we'll see when the wheel stops turning.
 
M. McGrorty
**************A Good Credit Score is 700 or Above. See yours in just 2 easy 
steps! 
(http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1218822736x1201267884/aol?redir=http:%2F%2Fwww.freecreditreport.com%2Fpm%2Fdefault.aspx%3Fsc%3D668072%26hmpgID
%3D62%26bcd%3DfebemailfooterNO62)
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: http://lists.webjunction.org/wjlists/publib/attachments/20090228/4ea613f9/attachment.htm