Libraries have been important sources of information for years, but as technology grows so do our sources. While the use of online information rises, the future of libraries becomes a continuous question.
Students, as well as others, use online Web sites for information on the latest news, to find outdated information and to find or purchase books because of its convenience. The Internet is also used to communicate with other people through MySpace, Facebook and the newest edition, Twitter.
CNN said books are being pushed aside for digital learning centers and gaming areas. "Loud rooms" that promote public discourse and group projects are taking over the bookish quiet. Hipster staffers who blog, chat on Twitter and care little about the Dewey Decimal System are edging out old-school librarians.
Many librarians have tried to create a place people can go to be more involved with multimedia. Instead of competing with technology advances, they are inviting it in to attract the new generation.
According to CNN, authors, publishing houses, librarians and Web sites continue to fight Google's efforts to digitize the world's books and create the world's largest library online. Many libraries are moving forward with the belief that physical books will play a diminished or even nonexistent role in their efforts to educate the public.
Some books may still be around, but a wide range of books will be digital.
The goal of the library is to continue to be a free place where people can access and share information.
Computers have made trips to the library unnecessary. When students write research papers, they turn to the Internet. Google has replaced encyclopedias and other reference books, according to USAToday.
The economy has forced people to seek free services offered by its local library, and ironically it's the economy that might force some libraries to close.
CNN said in the United States libraries are funded by local governments, many of which have been hit hard by the recession. Public funding for libraries is being cut. With libraries at risk for closing, it gives many people a reason to use online sources. USA Today reported that several billion dollars of stimulus money could help keep libraries open. Although, the stimulus plan making its way through Congress has several gaps.
Students who work in libraries also suffer from these cutbacks. Nationwide, the unemployment rate for workers younger than 29 was more than 11 percent in December.
People of all ages depend on the constant being of libraries.
"If libraries close then many students wouldn't have access to computers, because they don't have laptops or desktop computers in their homes," said Jamie Martin, a sophomore in cosmetology. "Some students may also need to use encyclopedias and other resources that they don't own."
Students and others show how much libraries are valued, and what they have provided for numerous years. To many it's a safe environment where people can go to study in peace or with friends.
"I go to the library to use the computers, do research and to find good books to read," Martin said. "I enjoy the environment because it gives me a quiet place to study. Some people may not have another quiet place to study, especially if they have roommates who can be distracting."
Libraries give people a sense of focus.
There is also a sense of history when you check out a library book. Libraries have served the purpose of expanding the mind and imagination, and this is something people can count on is predicted to become a story in itself.
"If the prediction is true, that's horrible. Many people would end up spending large amounts of money on books in places like Books-A-Million, instead of having the choice of borrowing them from the library,"
Martin said. "It definitely would not be the same without public libraries."
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