The Value of Libraries
Dennis AuBuchon
September 19, 2009
The value of libraries in this day and age cannot be ignored. The information provided by library resources today has a greater advantage than ever before. Information can be found through a variety of ways from hard copies to electronic copies of all types of information. With the technology of today libraries have stepped up to the plate to embrace the current technology and the needs of the citizens who use the resources of libraries. Examples of information or access to information involve books, newspapers, Internet access and others. Along with these resources there is something else that libraries offer. It is the opportunity to learn from the many types of information available. I am a great supporter of all types of libraries in the United States and have created access to public libraries in each of the states in the United States and the District of Columbia. This provides increased exposure to libraries that may not otherwise be known to the general public.
Libraries are a valuable asset to their communities and the citizens they serve. Some libraries see usage by individuals who are not part of their community but wish to access the information they have available. The mission of some if not all libraries are to provide and promote library resources to meet the educational, recreational, cultural, civic, and informational needs of the library service area.
While this article cannot identify all the ways that libraries service their respective areas it is important to point out that I feel they are a vital part of any community and communities should support them. While libraries may be limited in their size it does not prevent them from offering a wide range of services. The technology of today has allowed libraries to become more accessible to their communities. Through the use of web sites libraries can offer easy access to the information and services they offer. It helps them to become more known by not only their communities but across the country.
Some of the services that some libraries offer are access to meeting rooms by groups who may not otherwise have a place to discuss their agenda whatever it may be. Another option some have is the establishment of author readings or presentations. People have the capability to see local or national authors through their respective libraries if the services they provide offer this option. Libraries are part of their communities and the many services and benefits they offer cannot be put into words. There is visible evidence of the value of libraries but also there is value in what we do not see with having a library in our community or county. Having access to libraries is important not only for individuals but also for businesses and our educational institutions.
Libraries are not only great assets to their respective communities but also to our country. They offer a wide collection of information categorized by subject and author in most cases.
Some may say that with the current technology that libraries have lost some of their purpose as the traditional printed newspapers and magazines. I say they are wrong. Libraries have a collection of information in one place that in most cases is second to none and is truly an asset to their communities and the individuals who use them.
Many times funds to libraries in this current economic environment may be limited. I can understand especially if the funds are from government entities. Some libraries are partially funded through local bond issues and this is great. I feel that when there are proposals on election ballots to either increase the funding for libraries or at least keep the same funding in place voters should support it, I know I have. Another avenue of support involves authors. I am an author and authors should support their local libraries to various methods available to them including donating copies of their books. This not only helps their libraries but gives them the perception of being involved with the community and increases the exposure to their writing and expertise.
As you can see I place great value on libraries that are in place throughout our country and the service they provide. If libraries did not exist there would be a void in communities that would be hard to replace. Some libraries may be on the road to closure in some communities and this would be a sad event if it occurs. Communities should get behind their libraries that may be in this position to keep them in operation. As mentioned previously I have created links to libraries throughout the United States by state to give libraries the exposure they deserve. These listings will be constantly updated as new libraries are found or new web sites are created for those that do not currently have one. I strongly suggest that all those reading this article should support their local libraries in whatever way they can.
Libraries are a valuable asset to their communities and the citizens they serve. Some libraries see usage by individuals who are not part of their community but wish to access the information they have available. The mission of some if not all libraries are to provide and promote library resources to meet the educational, recreational, cultural, civic, and informational needs of the library service area.
While this article cannot identify all the ways that libraries service their respective areas it is important to point out that I feel they are a vital part of any community and communities should support them. While libraries may be limited in their size it does not prevent them from offering a wide range of services. The technology of today has allowed libraries to become more accessible to their communities. Through the use of web sites libraries can offer easy access to the information and services they offer. It helps them to become more known by not only their communities but across the country.
Some of the services that some libraries offer are access to meeting rooms by groups who may not otherwise have a place to discuss their agenda whatever it may be. Another option some have is the establishment of author readings or presentations. People have the capability to see local or national authors through their respective libraries if the services they provide offer this option. Libraries are part of their communities and the many services and benefits they offer cannot be put into words. There is visible evidence of the value of libraries but also there is value in what we do not see with having a library in our community or county. Having access to libraries is important not only for individuals but also for businesses and our educational institutions.
Libraries are not only great assets to their respective communities but also to our country. They offer a wide collection of information categorized by subject and author in most cases.
Some may say that with the current technology that libraries have lost some of their purpose as the traditional printed newspapers and magazines. I say they are wrong. Libraries have a collection of information in one place that in most cases is second to none and is truly an asset to their communities and the individuals who use them.
Many times funds to libraries in this current economic environment may be limited. I can understand especially if the funds are from government entities. Some libraries are partially funded through local bond issues and this is great. I feel that when there are proposals on election ballots to either increase the funding for libraries or at least keep the same funding in place voters should support it, I know I have. Another avenue of support involves authors. I am an author and authors should support their local libraries to various methods available to them including donating copies of their books. This not only helps their libraries but gives them the perception of being involved with the community and increases the exposure to their writing and expertise.
As you can see I place great value on libraries that are in place throughout our country and the service they provide. If libraries did not exist there would be a void in communities that would be hard to replace. Some libraries may be on the road to closure in some communities and this would be a sad event if it occurs. Communities should get behind their libraries that may be in this position to keep them in operation. As mentioned previously I have created links to libraries throughout the United States by state to give libraries the exposure they deserve. These listings will be constantly updated as new libraries are found or new web sites are created for those that do not currently have one. I strongly suggest that all those reading this article should support their local libraries in whatever way they can.
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