- For a public library to expect to survive today, it must begin to take crucial cues from coffee shops. At least, that's the key recommendation offered by a much anticipated report on British public libraries, which is set to be released Thursday.
The Independent Library Report for England argues that, with help from the U.K. central government, public libraries must expand digital services, such as e-lending and free WiFi if they are to continue to be viable. Commissioned in February by the U.K. government and headed by publisher William Sieghart, the report also calls for the creation of a task force to come up with a unified strategy for implementing the changes.
According to the report, those changes must include standard Wi-Fi: "The wi-fi connection should be delivered in a comfortable, retail-standard environment, with the usual amenities of coffee, sofas and toilets."
The new Halifax Central Library opened this month with not one but two coffee bars, comfy seating, and lots of light. The ratio of bookshelves to square footage is considerably reduced in comparison to older public libraries. I imagine this reflects the increasing importance of Internet access, but in some ways I am disappointed. My idea of a great library is one that is full of books. As an amateur academic I still require a good-sized university library if I want to do any serious research and AFAIK public libraries have never attempted to acquire comparable collections. The Internet itself will one day be "the" portal to the putative entirety of human knowledge, so it is difficult to say what will become of "the library" as a public/private institution. At some future date molecular memory technology should enable storage densities such that the entirety of mankind's published works might be contained in a conveniently portable appliance, which would be nice for several reasons. What is to become of libraries proper is anyone's guess.
It's not exactly what you think about when you think of the classic "museum," but as the Internet makes art, literature and information so readily available, these institutions need to enhance the tactile, sensory experience in a way that our computer screens cannot. -I'm all for it. Yep, sometimes when I look at my cell phone I remind myself that in less than 5 years I will see photos of it and I will think it looks ridiculous. I remember when cell phones were the size of bricks. Hell, I used to carry a pager. My hope is that the Library, the museum and the record store all have a place in our future. By the way, welcome to Hubski! Also, check out this photo challenge re our own personal "libraries." If you have any questions about the site, feel free to PM me or check out the primer pageThe new Halifax Central Library opened this month with not one but two coffee bars, comfy seating, and lots of light.
-This is a similar theme for the modern art/science museum. When I'm back in Michigan, I like to visit the Detroit Institute of Art. It's not just a fantastic museum, it's also a great meeting space. They have an indoor/outdoor atrium with a nice bistro and comfortable seating. Here's a photo of us at a Hubski meet up there: 
At some future date molecular memory technology should enable storage densities such that the entirety of mankind's published works might be contained in a conveniently portable appliance, which would be nice for several reasons.