Important article

[Dorothy Fleishman]

The situation described in the "Searcher" article is close to reality in
Northern New Jersey. The Bergen County Cooperative Library System is a
consortium that links together 75 local public libraries in a common
database to facilitate reciprocal borrowing among the member libraries (
this is also searchable via the web at www.bccls.org). In addition, we have
access to LC MARC information via DRA and LC over the web. We also have
access to OCLC's interlibrary loan system through the New Jersey Library
Network. What we are finding in terms of patron usage of the library is
that many of the people coming to the libray are too technophobic to make
use of what is available to them. They either stand like statues and wait
for the librarian to type a title into the computer for them, or wander the
stacks in total confusion rather than ask for help. Whereas, in the days of
Andrew Carnegie, people once used public libraries to better themselves,
now we seem to be becoming a refuge for people afraid of being left behind
by technology.