Why a Public Libary When There's Internet?

Typing a keyword into a search engine on the Internet opens a window on what seems to be infinity. It can be astounding to see the results unfold and to locate the desired information. For the one who has the playful spirit and a boundless curiosity, the matching game can lead to discoveries totally wacky and sometimes just great.


That can lead to believe that, at the Internet era, the public library is useless, outdated and an unnecessary expense. Error! An article by Mark Y. Herring, published in American Libraries (magazine of the American Library Association) in 2001 and revised slightly in 2010, gives 10 reasons why Internet is no substitute for the library, the first of which that the Web does not contain all the information. It is far from infinity, after all. It also disproves the belief that electronic books will replace the paper version. It was tempting to copy the entire article here. Go on, treat yourself and go read it yourself.

Moreover,

"According to a study by the American Library Association (ALA), the arrival of the Internet have contributed greatly to increase the rate of use of public libraries. The results released by this study in the United States indicate that the number of visits to libraries increased 61% from 1994 to 2004. ALA attributed the increase to the growing popularity of the Internet, which would help develop the thirst for knowledge and information of citizens. Remote services that allows the use of the Internet, such as renewals or reservations online, are also factors that promote the use of libraries. "

Paul Cauchon, "Internet contributes to increased participation in public libraries", Le Devoir, April 27, 2007, p. B4.

A survey of California residents in 1999 came to similar conclusions. In fact, the likelihood that users of public libraries have Internet access are higher than in the case of non-users. Very well!

But, when Internet and the public library meet, it gives BREF, a service of Bibliothèque et Archives nationales Québec.

"BREF lists reference resources on the Internet that are of interest to the general public. All areas are covered, from meteorology to genealogy, through international politics and astronomy.

The database offers quality resources in French language, English language resources of interest to the Quebec population and few resources specifically for youth. "

The organization of information facilitates research on the Web. Another demonstration of the usefulness of librarians and archivists. And hours of fun await you.