[WEB4LIB] Re: E-mail in libraries

[Lin Light]

Why should the library be in the phone service business?  I have to say.  That
since the Internet has raised so many interesting questions, we have heard less
issue regarding the image of the librarian.  Again.  Where does it all end?  Is
the library to be responsible for addressing all social issues?  And if so, what
resources will become available to fund these endeavors?
And what should we do, if a patron whats to watch the World Series?  Should we
provide a large screen tv with snacks and loungers chairs for all?  Or what
about sound systems for home or in the library?   You talk about recreational
reading.  How about recreational equipment.  Ski? Skates?
Lin.


Mike Mitchell wrote:

> >
> >I am continually troubled by the heavy-handed approach some members of our
> >profession take when it comes to recreational use of the Internet,
> particularly >those in public libraries. So what if someone wants to use the
> Internet to play >games or chat or send email? We provide popular reading
> materials in the line >of cartoon collections, graphic novels, steamy
> romance novels, and books of >trivia & games....why should we prohibit
> similar use of the Internet?
>
> And I suppose you provide a bank of free and unlimited telephones? We see
> E-mail and chat as extensions of the same principle. And free phone service
> would be cheaper to provide, too. A fifteen dollar phone costing $15 a month
> seems lots cheaper than a $1000 PC hooked up to an expensive ISDN or T-1
> line with lots of maintenance costs.
>
> Mike Mitchell
> Tech Services Librarian/System Administrator
> Dittlinger Memorial Library
> New Braunfels, TX
> mdm at nbpl.lib.tx.us



--
Lin Light
Head of
Technical Services/Automation
Herrick District Library
300 S. River Ave.
Holland, MI 49423
llight at lakeland.lib.mi.us
Voice-616.355.3109
Fax-616.355.1426