Libraries as a Resource

As one who constantly seeks knowledge, libraries are very appealing to my quest for information about virtually any topic. Most libraries are very well run and respect individual's right to have free access to any information they desire. As a result, a library and/or librarian can be one of your most valuable resources when on a quest for information. Contrary to the popular belief, one can usually get more education at a public library than at your local university. You also cannot beat the price.

So why don't more people use libraries? I have always wondered about this. I do like the fact that libraries are not crowded (generally) like a shopping mall, but it would be wonderful if everyone were so interested in learning that libraries had to expand to accomodate all of the information seekers. I truly believe that if people fully understood the power of their local library, it would increase the general education in our world dramatically. However, as long as there is a television blaring and reality television to watch, the vast majority of people will be content to be entertained by brain junk food.

Getting a library card is actually very simple. Generally it requires only proof that you reside in the county or city where the library is located. Some may even require less information. I have lived in many cities in several states and obtaining a library card was one of the easiest tasks of moving to a new city. Many libraries also participate in interlibrary loan programs, so that if they do not have the item you are seeking, it can be obtained by another library.

When most people think of libraries, they think of only books. However, libraries typically also have movies, music, software, magazines and e-books. They also generally have access to commercial or research databases, article indexes and other various forms of information. Library staff can help one locate information on just about any subject. If I have been stumped in a search, they have always been able to point me in the direction of resources.

Project Gutenberg, is obviously independent of your local library. It is a library unlike any other where thousands of e-books are available free for download and distribtuion. They have e-books that you may be unable to locate in even the best of public libraries. It is amazing resource. If you find it valuable, I would encourage you to join. Michael Hart, the founder, was a keynote speaker at HOPE. Check out the web site and download the audio.

Commercial e-books are handled differently from library to library. Usually to register for these e-books requires a visit to the library, where a librarian can create an account for you. All of the libraries I have utilized have used netlibrary as their provider. Once the account is created, these e-books can be read from your home computer at your leisure. The process using an e-book is similar to a regular book. You "check out" the book for your exclusive use, or you can browse it without "checking it out." Netlibary seems to be also independent of the library card itself. My accounts from previous libraries remain active years later. Larger libraries have more e-books available, but generally the selection has been excellent at smaller libraries as well.

One issue is that libraries do not always satisfy the instant gratification of today's world. Sometimes you have to wait weeks for an item. Personally, I usually place holds on books that I want to read, and fill the time with books or media selected when I visit. There is never a shortage of books in my home, and it is not uncommon for me to be reading several books at once.

I could go on for hours about the virtues of libraries. I encourage you to visit your local library and discover it for yourself.