Libraries really can’t be replaced by digital distribution

The fight to prevent libraries closing has been attacked by a liberal democrat commentator, who writes that:

“The point is that books are very slowly, and reluctantly, heading towards obsolescence. It’s inevitable. The economics of digital distribution are too overwhelmingly against dead tree publishing, the environmental argument too compelling.”

The problem with this argument, which isn’t addressed, is that it completely ignores that libraries are really more than just books, and librarians more than just people who put books on shelves.

Take the White Rose Centre in New Tredegar for example. It is not just a particularly well stocked room of books lying on shelves, but a community resource that is vital for maintaining this area. The centre has an IT suite, function room, cafe and kitchen – meaning it doubles up as a community centre.  A quick look at the weekly programme of events (not online) shows that there are currently classes in IT, job hunting, parenting, and dancing amongst other activities.  If a formalised class didn’t appeal to somebody, there are several computers available for members of the public to use in both the library and cafe, and librarians willing and able to help people with using a computer.

The centre also provides a social space for people who may be socially isolated, or simply looking to get out of their homes in order to stay warm without having to bear the cost of heating. It’s notice boards are filled with details of local community activity, and Last week, a charity had a stand in the foyer trying to recruit volunteers.

All of the above would be lost if, in an effort to cut costs, some bright spark decided that the economics of running a library did not make sense, and the service could be replaced by giving everybody a laptop or an e-reader (assuming of course publishers of books were happy to allow the free online distribution of their material!). Irrespective of the issue of whether some people would actually have the IT skills to use such equipment for obtaining free books, the social space would be lost and communities would be a great deal poorer. The skills of librarians would be lost, with the patient informal tutoring they give a real blow to the goal of improving basic skills. Libraries really are more than just books, and once again, people who want to cut spending have demonstrated their lack of understanding of the value of public services.