I can’t say enough good things about public libraries. At the MIT Media Lab we started an innovation exchange with US libraries to co-develop new STEAM education programs together (tinkering with electronics, building a “food computer”, using data to tell stories...). We found that libraries are wonderful collaborators. They are also one of the last places where people from all walks of life encounter each other in a friendly environment. More info about the project is at https://PLIX.media.mit.edu (and I hope this post doesn’t seem too self-promotional - I just want to share our excitement about working with public libraries).
To Restore Civil Society, Start with the Library
41–50 of 149 posts
Re: To Restore Civil Society, Start with the Library
#42Earlier quoted context omitted.
I understand the argument and I agree that digital books are the future, however, they are so inferior in discoverability that if my library ever moves all-digital I will replace it with one of my 10 local used bookstores. I need to browse books to find some I like and am not interested in letting algorithms or Internet echo chambers do so for me. My own library also has copies of e.g. sheet music... I agree that tho…
Agreed, the UX of paper is still so much better than kindle. Nicer to read, no lag, easier to organize and share, nicer taking notes in margins. I bought a kindle and went back to paper.
One of the main benefits of ebooks is cost of production, surely. There is a massive cost saving (and impact on jobs etc.) but it seems the producers have managed to keep all of that benefit to themselves?
Re: To Restore Civil Society, Start with the Library
#43Earlier quoted context omitted.
The local library where I live (Sydney suburb), when I tried reading there - after abandoning reading in parks because full of roaming people on mobile phones - was interrupted every minute by someone running out yelling I'M IN THE LIBRARY! HANG ON! into their phone. :-( They sold off/gave away all their books and music that aren't borrowed so much, i.e. most of what was good. They have about 5 books on philosophy, a…
Librarians are pretty brutal about shelf space and 'discards' are ruthless and based on readership as you noticed. In UK most public libraries will offer to get a book in on the 'inter-library loan' system - there is usually a charge. University libraries ( https://copac.jisc.ac.uk/ ) are (mostly) accessible through this system. The other strategy would be to try to increase readership of philosophy books perhaps sta…
I will never understand so much space devoted to Gardening, Cooking, and really terrible Self-help books.
Actually, I understand it, but will be called something I don't need on a Sunday Morning.
Re: To Restore Civil Society, Start with the Library
#44Re: To Restore Civil Society, Start with the Library
#45My local library has even made a tech push, not just with computers available, but also has a couple of 3D printers and offers classes on using them. Or you can bring in finished .STL files for printing, for the cost of the material used.
Is this in USA, how does state provision of such services pair with USAmerican hatred of communism? Libraries, tool-shares, hackerspaces and such seem to be the epitomy of communism.
Re: To Restore Civil Society, Start with the Library
#46Earlier quoted context omitted.
To be fair, it's not the fault of libraries if society offers no more humane options for the homeless than to hang out there... nor is it the fault of the homeless.
In the UK, problems in libraries are usually not homeless people.
In the US, I have never had a problem with homeless people in libraries, or anywhere else.
I sometimes think people on HN like to make up problems where none exist? I'm not claiming we don't have a problem with people without homes. It's America's number one problem. So many of you workers will feel the pain when this bloated party ends, especially in the Bay Area.
In my local libraries, it's the privileged white folks whom use the library as a baby sitter until they get off work.
(I really don't get the Homeless bashing that goes on here. The homeless I know are harassed, scrutinized, arrested for petty reasons, and told to leave the premises even when they have money. Oh yea, don't like stepping in shit? Let them use a restroom? Hell, in SF I have peeed behind a building because I can't find a restroom.)
Re: To Restore Civil Society, Start with the Library
#47My local library has even made a tech push, not just with computers available, but also has a couple of 3D printers and offers classes on using them. Or you can bring in finished .STL files for printing, for the cost of the material used.
Is this in USA, how does state provision of such services pair with USAmerican hatred of communism? Libraries, tool-shares, hackerspaces and such seem to be the epitomy of communism.
It's the co-op model, which USA generally has no problems with as long as it's elective, e.g. you aren't forced to depend on it.
Re: To Restore Civil Society, Start with the Library
#48[deleted]
Re: To Restore Civil Society, Start with the Library
#49The concept of “the library” is one that holds deep emotional attachment for many people. The nostalgia of book smells, the exhibitionism of reading “cool” physical books in public, the idea of being physically connected to “the community”. The core function of a library, storing physical books, makes little sense anymore. Digital books are far superior in cost and functionality. But those emotionally attached will c…
I understand the argument and I agree that digital books are the future, however, they are so inferior in discoverability that if my library ever moves all-digital I will replace it with one of my 10 local used bookstores. I need to browse books to find some I like and am not interested in letting algorithms or Internet echo chambers do so for me. My own library also has copies of e.g. sheet music... I agree that tho…
What method do you use to browse books? Library sorting is already basically an algorithm that seems fairly easy to set up digitally. The only obvious difference I see is a larger pool of books to draw from.
Re: To Restore Civil Society, Start with the Library
#50Earlier quoted context omitted.
Welcome to the wonderful world of an ADA lawsuit in the US.
Accessibility Disability Action ?
Americans with Disabilities Act
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Americans_with_Disabilities_Ac...