Libraries, In Or Out?

[Scheherazade]

I am a member of my local library and almost always get the books I read from there (along with videos and DVDs, cards and other things available to support them).
I am a great believer in recycling and try not to be a book hogger. I buy the books which I really like and would like to see in my personal library;and I am very choosy about that :) In the past, bookworms like ourselves are expected to be regulars of libraries but these days this doesn't seem to be case and I really wish more people visited them.

Do you visit your local library?
What are the things you like/dislike about libraries?
What would make you use your library?


DISCLAIMER: I am NOT a Librarian who is trying to adverise! Just a book lover who believe in Library Power! :)

[Taliesin]

Libraries?
Of course.
Libraries rock.

Oook. And perhaps one of these :banana:

The only thing I dislike about libraries that they are so empty - I want to read a certain book and it's not there. :(

Oook. Oook.

[Scheherazade]

My local library is very small too but if I am looking for a particular book, they will check other libraries for me and order it. It arrives after 3-4 days.

They even have a website where I can check the availability and pre-order books to save myself a trip :D

[den]

I love our local public library and university library, lots to do and get there for free. :D

They have an extensive collection of videos and dvds, like all the biography channel's biographies, public television documentaries and the like, foreign films and of course feature films.

They also have their online accessible databases so you can check to see what they have online and reserve books online, very handy.

[Scheherazade]

Do you borrow the books you are reading from there?

[den]

Yes, very often if it's a newer book, I will read it from the library first.

If I really like it and know I will read it again or want to add it to a collection (I collect various authors' books, like someday I will have all of Margaret Atwood's for instance) I will then buy it from a secondhand bookstore. Many of the books they have there are virtually `like new'. :D

[papayahed]

I've just been turned on to the library. A couple of weeks ago I needed to get a book for a reading group on *gasp* another forum, I knew I didn't want to buy it and I was pretty sure I wasn't going to be crazy about the book so.....I went to the library, I can't believe I haven't gone sooner!!!! You can read a book FOR FREE!!!!

[Tori]

I love our local public library and university library, lots to do and get there for free. :D

They have an extensive collection of videos and dvds, like all the biography channel's biographies, public television documentaries and the like, foreign films and of course feature films.

They also have their online accessible databases so you can check to see what they have online and reserve books online, very handy.

I agree..it's the same here :) Only that there's no university library here.

I visit my local library all the time. It's very useful too, for school etc. And they've got lots of great films (and CDs, but I don't usually borrow those..no particular reason for that though)..

[Stanislaw]

I really support the library, I spend alot of my time there, whether it be the campus libraryu or one of the public library. I find it is a cheep way of getting to read books that I otherwise never would have heard about or would not bother to purchase. I have taken to grabbing a book at randome and reading it. I never realized how many unsung novels and texts there are.

[Scheherazade]

The movie collections are quite good at my library. During sporting events, eg Football Championships etc they have special offers too (Hire 1, Get 1 Free or everything for £1) which is excellent. :D

[ajoe]

I go to the library all the time though each time I need to resist the temptation to check out a book. (Too much reading for my classes already. :p)

[imthefoolonthehill]

libraries are great because

1. you don't have to buy the books
2. in my state, the local library can borrow from any library in the state
3. if they don't have it, they will find a way to get it for you.

[mono]

My city seems almost overly-packed with libraries and giant bookstores. The local county library, however, proves worth bragging about, consisting of four marble stories and free, fairly peaceful, concerts every Saturday afternoon. In finding material, whether for leisure reading or researching, it has never let me down.

[Jester]

i miss my high school library it was so cozy and bright with a whole curved wall made of those glass bricks..... and even if it wasn't the biggest there were corners one could curl up too and comfy tables iwth nice chairs to work at and few computer but thats becuase it was righ tnext to the computer lab... here in collece i worked at our library once, study work, i work there twice a week for a total of five hours a week for work-study and its so hard and cold and theres like just slits in teh walls for windows and the books are plenty but just not as appealing arranged so their forbiddning and mean.....

[simon]

All the best attributes of libraries have been said and arent to be disputed, but the little libraries are rather irksome here, they don't have many translated works.

[papayahed]

Since when did libraries start putting the fiction in alphabetical order? What happened to dewey? (hmmm.... I 'm pretty sure I've asked this before but I can't remember where???)

[Scheherazade]

R E V I V E D

[NickAdams]

I have a library card, but I don't use it. I like to own books. I running out of room, so maybe I should be more selective. Library aren't quiet anymore and I have a hard time reading there. Teenagers use it as a place to hangout and eat and socialize. I'm a library conservative.

I use to spend a lot of time there while ditching class, when I was in High School.

[miljohnj5]

I'm a bibliophile so I love libraries. Starting with a few years ago, I've come to love librarians too? :idea: perv...:lol:

[Nightshade]

Since when did libraries start putting the fiction in alphabetical order? What happened to dewey? (hmmm.... I 'm pretty sure I've asked this before but I can't remember where???)

Umm fiction isnt in dewey because mostly they have similar or the same dewey numbers, also best practice studies showed that people find this system less intinmdating than dewey follwed by alphebetical.

I just wrote an essay ( whch involved reading alot of reports on why public libraries in england might no longer exsist by 2020.
It was really scary actually... and I got really into it, I hope I get a good mark on that essay.... but yes libraies are dying because people dont support them and if you dont all rush to your libraries in 20 years when you do want them they may not be there... so REMBER the library.
and hey its free so whats the harm in going there first?


( plus of course I want a somewhere to work when I graduate)!

[crazefest456]

I love my library but it just doesn't have a big collection. And the time limit is too short for me (because I get multiple books on the same subject)... If they could just extend it to 3 months, I'd be more than happy.

[Nightshade]

you can usally renew your books pretty easily, telphoe/online ./ just walk in without book say ecuse me I need them longer.

[crazefest456]

my library only lets me renew it once; so I can only have a book for a month and a half :(

[Niamh]

I love the library, but its been years since i went and borrowed from one. Dont even know where my card is!
Because i work in a book shop i find it easier to just pick them up there, and when i'm finished work i do be a bit knackered and couldnt be arsed trekking sll the way over to my library.

[Nightshade]

I love the library, but its been years since i went and borrowed from one. Dont even know where my card is!
Because i work in a book shop i find it easier to just pick them up there, and when i'm finished work i do be a bit knackered and couldnt be arsed trekking sll the way over to my library.

And people wonder why we will soon be extinct ..:bawling: and craze a month and a half? thats amazingly long... although now we allow people to renew 8 times without being see which is effectivley 6 months...:D

[crazefest456]

craze a month and a half? thats amazingly long... although now we allow people to renew 8 times without being see which is effectivley 6 months...:D

I know, it should be sufficient but schoolwork occupies every minute of the day...:flare: ;)

[NickAdams]

Umm fiction isnt in dewey because mostly they have similar or the same dewey numbers, also best practice studies showed that people find this system less intinmdating than dewey follwed by alphebetical.

I just wrote an essay ( whch involved reading alot of reports on why public libraries in england might no longer exsist by 2020.
It was really scary actually... and I got really into it, I hope I get a good mark on that essay.... but yes libraies are dying because people dont support them and if you dont all rush to your libraries in 20 years when you do want them they may not be there... so REMBER the library.
and hey its free so whats the harm in going there first?


( plus of course I want a somewhere to work when I graduate)!

I work in a bookstore, so I get 50%. But when I was younger, and money was an object, the library allowed me to build my love of books. If it wasn't for the library I might have been a different person.

You've inspired me. I want to make sure that the youth have access to books, when their parents can't afford them. This is another goal for 2008. I need to promote the library. Maybe I can get library card applications and hand them out.

I'd rather a tyrant burn books, than for them to vanish because people lost interest.

I wonder how flash fiction effects this. Instead of promoting the hustle and bustle, lets encourage patience and deligence.

I want to start a group for this, for insight. How do I create one on litnet?

[Nightshade]

humm school those were the days I used to have about 15 books a week out.
but then sadly uni occure and I barely have time to think let alone read. still I now run library romance books because apparantly despite the fact that they adore them alot of the women at uni cant get hold of them... som now alot of books on my library card are even for me... and I keep getting told off because there is an overflow of books sitting under the counter with resreved for night on them. :lol:


I work in a bookstore, so I get 50%. But when I was younger, and money was an object, the library allowed me to build my love of books. If it wasn't for the library I might have been a different person.

You've inspired me. I want to make sure that the youth have access to books, when their parents can't afford them. This is another goal for 2008. I need to promote the library. Maybe I can get library card applications and hand them out.

I'd rather a tyrant burn books, than for them to vanish because people lost interest.

I wonder how flash fiction effects this. Instead of promoting the hustle and bustle, lets encourage patience and deligence.

I want to start a group for this, for insight. How do I create one on litnet?

Lovley idea promoting libraries not sure what you mean by a group here... but I can point you towards relevant exsisting campaigns, reserach and reports.

[NickAdams]

Lovley idea promoting libraries not sure what you mean by a group here... but I can point you towards relevant exsisting campaigns, reserach and reports.

That would be great. Point me in the direction friend. :D

Can we create group pages and have members join on litnet. I thought I saw a group option, but I'm not sure how it works.

[Nightshade]

well for England, you know just reading my essay might be the most helpful .. but here we go:



Goulding, Anne (2006) Public Libraries in the 21st Century: defining Services and Debating the Future. Aldershot: Ashgate
Black, Alister (2000) cited in Goulding, Anne (2006) Public Libraries in the 21st Century: defining Services and Debating the Future. Aldershot: Ashgate
Bohme, S. and Spiller, D. (1999) in Goulding, Anne (2006) Public Libraries in the 21st Century: defining Services and Debating the Future. Aldershot: Ashgate
Batt, Chris (1997) The heart and brain of the information society: Public libraries in the 21st century. In David Raitt Libraries for the New Millennium: Implications for Managers. London: Library Association Publishing
Brody, peter (2001)The library in the twenty-first century: new services for the information Age. London: Library Association Publishing
Brody, peter (2007)The library in the twenty-first century: new services for the information Age. 2nd edition London: Facet Publishing
Berriman, Whitney M. (1998) A Brief History of Public Librarianship. In Whitesides, William L., Sr Reinvention of the Public Library for the 21st Century. Colorado: Libraries unlimited, inc
Cronin, Blaise (1984) ( marketing approach to libraries/ look it up)??
Moore, Nick, (2004) cited in Goulding, Anne (2006) Public Libraries in the 21st Century: defining Services and Debating the Future. Aldershot: Ashgate
Pateman, John (2004) cited in Goulding, Anne (2006) Public Libraries in the 21st Century: defining Services and Debating the Future. Aldershot: Ashgate
House of Commons Select Committee (2005 ) cited in
Laser foundation (2007) Final Report on the Work of the Laser Foundation: Public Libraries-What Next? Laser foundation
Dolan, John (2007) A blue print for excellence: Public libraries 2008-2011 “Connecting people to Knowledge and inspiration MLA
DCMS (2003) Framework For the Future: Libraries, Learning and Information in the Next Decade
MLA (2005) Framework for the future: Action plan 2006-2008
Coates, Tim (2004) Who’s in charge? Responsibility for the Public Library service Libri ?? ISBN!
Audit Commision (2002) Building Better Library services
Leadbeater, Charles (2003) Overdue How to create a modern library service. Demos


theres also alot more you could google Love libraries campaign, www.mla.gov.uk, uh let me think oh yes read the abstarct of the framework for the future on the MLA website.
The 2 house of lord select commitee reports, the report labout bought out in 96 when they were in opposition... umm Im blanking here but thats a start.
Anything by the laser foundation, but since they have ceased tpo exsist Im not sure that there stuff is still accesable free online.

Edit Ive jsut noticed this was the rough version on this PC so some of the referances are incomplete.

[andave_ya]

Libraries ROCK! I go every week, sometimes twice, though I've forbidden myself to check out books until I've finished reading the 30+ I have sitting smugly on my own bookshelf now. Lovely cd and dvd collection, though I object to the 50 computers smack dab to the right of the entrance. Cd's and dvd's/films directly in front, and books are *far* away to the left, beyond the checkout desks. I also volunteer for a library society that sorts books for a bi-monthly booksale at said library. It's lots of fun; I get to chat with a beautiful old lady, and last time her husband, about bookish stuff. We suggest books to each other (no, I don't get them, though Muriel peaked my interest with Diana Gabaldon) and share various booksy experiences. Libraries are grand!! All sorts of lovely, friendly ghosts running around. I always thought it would be kind of cool to write a story about multiple characters from multiple books at the library coming alive...sorta materializing out of their respective books...and carrying on conversations or solving a mystery. I think Aragorn and Sherlock Holmes might have a lot in common, don't you? What about Mr. Darcy and Lord Peter? Jane Eyre and Mr. Pickwick?

Smilies all the way.

[SleepyWitch]

I use 3 to 4 different libraries: my univ's central library, the library of the English department (+the Geography departmental library), the public library in Nuremberg.
I like the public library because it's quite big and has got quite a good selection of English books. I also like taking out DVDs, travel guides/illustrated books about other countries.
what I don't like, is that the air is very stuffy and smelly in there, so I get dizzy if I stay there too long. That means that I don't sit and read there but just get the books and go home.
Plus, the way they acquire new books is a bit erratic. They'll have volume 1 and 18 of a manga but not 2 to 17.

[Nightshade]

Libraries ROCK! I go every week, sometimes twice, though I've forbidden myself to check out books until I've finished reading the 30+ I have sitting smugly on my own bookshelf now. Lovely cd and dvd collection, though I object to the 50 computers smack dab to the right of the entrance.
Shifting foucus of libraries, I know :bawling:. But nowadays alot of referance stuff is on the computers and libraries are supposed to be gateways to knowleedge, also studies show that the computres bring alot of people in who wouldnt otherwise get in.... then the staff jump on them all dressed up ( which reminds me I need to dig out my christmas/ elf stuff) have coffe mornings and hand out books.

I also volunteer for a library society that sorts books for a bi-monthly booksale at said library. It's lots of fun; I get to chat with a beautiful old lady, and last time her husband, about bookish stuff. We suggest books to each other (no, I don't get them, though Muriel peaked my interest with Diana Gabaldon) and share various booksy experiences. Libraries are grand!! All sorts of lovely, friendly ghosts running around.
Hey that sounds interetsing mind me asking where in the world? We have a new scheme coming in where we have to include the local community more in actual manging the library and that sounds like an idea.


I always thought it would be kind of cool to write a story about multiple characters from multiple books at the library coming alive...sorta materializing out of their respective books...and carrying on conversations or solving a mystery. I think Aragorn and Sherlock Holmes might have a lot in common, don't you? What about Mr. Darcy and Lord Peter? Jane Eyre and Mr. Pickwick?
Smilies all the way.

I actually have a story along those lines in the works I mean its like perfect isnt it, ( have you read the Jasper FForde books they are fun!:nod: )



I use 3 to 4 different libraries: my univ's central library, the library of the English department (+the Geography departmental library), the public library in Nuremberg.
I like the public library because it's quite big and has got quite a good selection of English books. I also like taking out DVDs, travel guides/illustrated books about other countries.
what I don't like, is that the air is very stuffy and smelly in there, so I get dizzy if I stay there too long. That means that I don't sit and read there but just get the books and go home.
Plus, the way they acquire new books is a bit erratic. They'll have volume 1 and 18 of a manga but not 2 to 17.

Nuremberg..huh maybe Ill incorparate public libraries on my Grand adventure.

[SleepyWitch]

Nuremberg..huh maybe Ill incorparate public libraries on my Grand adventure.

ahahaha, well the library isn't that much of an attraction, but there's the castle, 2 cathedral-sized churches, the old town and the Nazi part rally grounds :( :sick: so there's lots to see :)

[papayahed]

I was spoiled in Kansas, they had the downloadable audiobooks and always had whatever I needed. The library system in shreveport leaves a lot to be desired, the website is horrible, they don't have the downloadable kind, and they just don't have many books - How do you not have "Junky"??

[aabbcc]

I own in total 5-6 library cards, with which I can use some 70-ish libraries (two cards belong to two different "nets of libraries" and thus allow me to use multiple libraries with one card), so I can never run out of books ;)

I love libraries, for a short period of time when I was 13-14 I even volunteered in one, but later time and other duties did not permit that. Despite an access to some 70 libraries, I seldom use a library which is not amongst the 8-9 libraries I more-less regularly use (included university library for more serious things, whose member I am on bona fide and on recommendations by professors, because I de facto should not be a member given that I am not a university student). I usually visit 3-4 libraries per week, depending on time, what I desire to read, which literature I need to consult (all of those libraries have some things that others don't, for example), etc.

Over the time I have grown to have my own collection, which I adore immensely, and I combine readings from my collection, from other people's collections I have right to use, and library readings; still, there is something special about libraries and the atmosphere in them... :)

[Nossa]

I don't have a public library, so I don't really know what to like or dislike about them. I'd LOVE to have a public library, but sadly the only decent library here is that of the British Council..and you have to pay for it. And also the one of the American Embassy...and they're both in down-town Cairo, which is a trip itself. So for me, I try as much as I can to buy the books I need (if I find them)..and if not, I either read online, or photocopy, and sometimes download books (not very proud of it) when I can't find them.

[Nightshade]

Hummm donloadble audio books, thats an idea for our servoce to adopt.

[andave_ya]

Shifting foucus of libraries, I know :bawling:. But nowadays alot of referance stuff is on the computers and libraries are supposed to be gateways to knowleedge, also studies show that the computres bring alot of people in who wouldnt otherwise get in.... then the staff jump on them all dressed up ( which reminds me I need to dig out my christmas/ elf stuff) have coffe mornings and hand out books.

Hey that sounds interetsing mind me asking where in the world? We have a new scheme coming in where we have to include the local community more in actual manging the library and that sounds like an idea.



I actually have a story along those lines in the works I mean its like perfect isnt it, ( have you read the Jasper FForde books they are fun!:nod: )


Alas, my library isn't so sophisticated that it has coffee mornings, but they have a number of book clubs. There's one that looks tantalizing...'Mostly Literary' group that reads literature...but lackaday, look at the time! :D

We're in California. Do you have a "Friends of the (insert name here) Library"? They hold fundraisers, booksales, and other functions to increase revenue for the library. They are not part of the library; rather a group of people who love to read and love the library (or what it was). The "Friends" took out a wanted ad in the newspaper, and since I want to study Library Science, I called in and am now a volunteer. It's fun!

Do you plan to post the story here on the LitNet? I'd love to read it. You tantalized me with the Jasper Fforde books, though. I saw one at the library yesterday but didn't pick it up. Next time.

It is perfect, isn't it? Lots of possibilities.

[Nightshade]

Eyre affaire is the first book. We dont have the "friends thing yet" but will soon.

[Zelly]

I belong to the county library, as well as the city library. I like my county library much better. They take better care of their books. My one issue with the library is the condition of the audio-books. They are in general likely to have playing issues. Which makes me sad. =( Other than that I find libraries absolutely amazing. I don't buy books more than twice a year, though I peruse bookstores often. So, because of the limited income of a fourteen-year-old, the library provides me with a wealth of books. Without a library, I would be VERY sad. =( And not at all well read. Thank you libraries!

[BlueSkyGB]

From the postings in this thread.....I have job security....
The only thing is see here that we don't have at work is the coffee thing, but then again, I keep a small java maker in my office....

Thanks for supporting your local libraries, no matter where they are...

[metal134]

No, I don't go to my local libraires for two reasons. Number one, I am a book hog. I want my home to be a quasi library, with hundreds of pieces of classic fiction, philisophical and historical texts at my finger tips for easy refernece at all times. Secondly, and this is the most important reason why; my local libraries SUCK. Man oh man do they suck hardcore. The main branch is the worst. The quite honestley have as many romance novels as classical literature; of which they don't have much. Honestly; they don't have squat in the way of classics and have almost no secondary literature.. And all the other branches are pretty bad too. I actually did use to use my univeristy's library quite often. I only wish my county libraries where as good. My college library had ALL the classics and TONS of secondary literature. But my locals, they just flat out blow.

[Petrarch's Love]

How can you even ask this question? Everyone knows that libraries are totally in! Only the most chic set attend. :) I love libraries of all kinds. In Chicago I'm usually dividing my time between my University library where I can get my lit. and crit. and the Newberry Library downtown, which is an amazing archival library where I can read 16th century originals. When on break in California I spend more time in my hometown's really wonderful central public library reading fun and frivolous entertainment books, although I occasionally make scholarly dashes to UCI when I need one of those nerdy tomes only a university library can provide. I offer up prayers of thanks for libraries, since I would clearly be either deep in debt or much less well read were it not for these marvelous places. Generally I only buy books that I know I will want to refer back to and/or re-read, which narrows my personal library to mostly reference and classics.

[michael336]

I used to love libraries, but then I got into the habit of writing marginalia. Public librarians get a little snippy if you do that to library books.
Plus our libraries always have screaming and crying kids. They're more into the entertainment of puppet shows and the like without any big promotion of reading books. They might as well just stick a big-screen TV up in the corner.....so sad......

[LadyW]

Hmm.. I don't like my lirbrary, it just doesn't look like a proper library haha. I would love a massive one with old dusty bookshelves, a big wooden desk, and all lit up nicely. It would also be great if they put in armchairs too and kept it open till late.

[Nightshade]

. Secondly, and this is the most important reason why; my local libraries SUCK. Man oh man do they suck hardcore. The main branch is the worst. The quite honestley have as many romance novels as classical literature; of which they don't have much. Honestly; they don't have squat in the way of classics and have almost no secondary literature.. And all the other branches are pretty bad too. I actually did use to use my univeristy's library quite often. I only wish my county libraries where as good. My college library had ALL the classics and TONS of secondary literature. But my locals, they just flat out blow.

Sad fact of life ...most people find the classics mind numbingly dull, ( preconseption but there you go) or as the case may be classics are the kinmd of books you should buy really. Well if you are going to rereafd them anyway. Plus.. what do you stock with limited shelf space... when it is mostly the more modern 'light' reads or really expensive reerance books that are most popular.



How can you even ask this question? Everyone knows that libraries are totally in! Only the most chic set attend. :) I love libraries of all kinds. In Chicago I'm usually dividing my time between my University library where I can get my lit. and crit. and the Newberry Library downtown, which is an amazing archival library where I can read 16th century originals. When on break in California I spend more time in my hometown's really wonderful central public library reading fun and frivolous entertainment books, although I occasionally make scholarly dashes to UCI when I need one of those nerdy tomes only a university library can provide. I offer up prayers of thanks for libraries, since I would clearly be either deep in debt or much less well read were it not for these marvelous places. Generally I only buy books that I know I will want to refer back to and/or re-read, which narrows my personal library to mostly reference and classics.

:nod:


I used to love libraries, but then I got into the habit of writing marginalia. Public librarians get a little snippy if you do that to library books.
Plus our libraries always have screaming and crying kids. They're more into the entertainment of puppet shows and the like without any big promotion of reading books. They might as well just stick a big-screen TV up in the corner.....so sad......

(Some libraries already do....:brows: ) Thing is libaries are meant to be for everyone and consaly telling people to hush is wha gave libraries their bad image in the first place.
the libraries "try to be all things to all people"


Hmm.. I don't like my library, it just doesn't look like a proper library haha. I would love a massive one with old dusty bookshelves, a big wooden desk, and all lit up nicely. It would also be great if they put in armchairs too and kept it open till late.

*gasps* health and saftey :p