Why the Internet Doesn't Replace the Library

 

Internet

Library
  • 30-40 million Web pages
  • 25 million books with many pages each
  • 10's of thousands of newspapers
  • over 1 million journals
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  • In existence since 1981
  • Came into common use after 1993
    		•
  • In existence for thousands of years
  • Universal public service since late 1800's
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  • You need: a computer ($2000) and an Internet account ($20/month)
    		•
  • You need: eyes, ears or fingers
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  • Has no standard information retrieval tools
    		•
  • Has standard information retrieval tools
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  • Is an undifferentiated mass of documents and information
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  • Is an organized collection of cultural expression
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  • Entirely self-service
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  • Provides extensive face-to-face service to users
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  • Doesn't quite know what to do with kids
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  • Has well-established service to children and young adults
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  • May not uphold the First Amendment
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  • Is definitely a First Amendment institution
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  • No privacy protection for users
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  • Strong policies on patron confidentiality
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  • Takes advertising
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  • Does not take advertising
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  • Gets lots of media attention
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  • Gets almost no media attention

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    What the Internet Can Do for the Library

    What the Library Can Do for the Internet
    • Fast, universal access to time-sensitive information
  • Provide intellectual context for current events
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  • Bring the world into every library, regardless of size or location
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  • Provide a physical location in the community for information inquiry
    		•
  • Give librarians full employment
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  • Offer skilled professionals and proven tools

    • Karen Coyle, 1997
    karen.coyle@ucop.edu -- http://www.kcoyle.net