Will Libraries Go the Way of Video Stores?
Posted by Miriam Axel-Lute at 7:15 AM on November 20, 2008
Anyone who has both used Bigpond Movies and had an overdue library book knew it was only a matter of time until the same model was used for books. And in fact, there are a few companies out there who have been sailing in those waters, like Booksfree and Book Swim. Book Swim is now specifically promoting itself to pregnant women ("It costs a lot to buy all those pregnancy books only to discover that most of them are useless and mostly designed to scare the crap out of you." Ahem, my words, not theirs) and also parents of the voracious read-to-me set ("save money spent on buying lots of children's books that can be rented instead." Their words, not mine).
While it appeals on some level, I have quibbles with the execution: They have not yet gotten the one of the main keys to Bigpond Movies et al’s success, which is having everything, not just the most popular stuff. I looked up several of my daughter's favorites on Book Swim, and they weren't there. Not only that, but her not-all-that-obscure beloved tales don't come anywhere near meeting the fine-print criteria for the cheery "just tell us what you want and we'll buy it for you!" option, which include "an Amazon sales rank of at least 20,000." That's pretty narrow folks. I think there must be 20,000 best-selling unofficial political biographies alone.
If you're going to charge $20 to 40/month for 3 to 11 books at a time (Book Swim. Don't get
fooled by their low intro rate–it's one month only) or $10 to $50/month
for 2 to 15 books at time (Booksfree), you need super-duper-special selection and service. Remember
folks, you are competing against free. I suppose if I had to drive to the
library, or had a work schedule that conflicted with its hours,
the delivery aspect would be more of a draw and feel like less of an
environmental faux pas, but from my home office it just looks like one
more lost excuse to get out of the house for 15 minutes. (And it's
worth noting that many libraries apparently will deliver too under some
circumstances.)
I'm sure the right person with sufficient capital could iron out these issues, add a recommendation engine, and be really in business. (Unless the higher cost of shipping books compared to DVDs just makes it an idea whose time hasn't come after all. It's possible.)
But what really troubles me, of course, is the idea of abandoning the library. Libraries still serve as one of the rare public meeting spaces not devoted to commerce. They help kids with research and adults with job hunts and starting businesses and their own formal and informal educations. Libraries buy books based on both popularity and serving their public. They tend to fight the good fight to make sure controversial material is available. You know, good qualifty-of-life, bastion of democracy stuff.
We recently had a budget vote on a large plan to expand and upgrade the branch libraries up here in Albany, so I've seen the research about the social and economic benefits of a good library. But I've also heard from the kooks who say that with the Internet and big-box bookstores, we don't need libraries anymore, and I hate the idea of giving them more ammunition. I know book renters would still pay their library taxes, but usage rates and general familiarity are crucial to keep libraries' budgets away from the ax.
I think with the right savvy, libraries are up to the task of competing with even an improved book rental service. Already, through inter-library loans you can get almost anything, and with my
countywide system's online reservation system, it's almost as easy as
Netflix to request something. A little slow to get it, but that should be fixable. Make renewing easier, with a warning system when something's coming due, and you're most of the way there for me.
Besides, for picture books, the library already wins hands down: My daughter gets the tactile adventure of browsing the shelves and discovering hidden gems, and we get the excuse of "Oh, that has to go back to the library now!" when a not-quite-gem has worn out its welcome.
Photo by Sugar Pond.
Miriam, as CEO of Booksfree I share your compassion for libraries. I would like to offer a bit different perspective.. Libraries are under growing pressure to work within current space and budgets for research, education, computer learning/training/availability. The demand for entertainment products (dvd,audiobook,fiction,etc) is effecting their ability to perform their basic services.Encouraging members to use alternative cost effective services such as Booksfree would still save the consumer substantial $$$$ while freeing up libraries to better perform their essential services. One could reasonably ask if it is wise to use public money (taxpayer) and grants to provide free entertainment rather than services more beneficial to the general public.
As a librarian I believe that libraries are here to ensure that all people have access to entertainment, not just those who can afford it. Librarians do provide services to the public other than those mentioned by doug ross, including their own knowledge base to encourage reluctant readers, favourite authors to introduce to other patrons. Our essential service that was the original intent of public libraries was to provide equal access to information without expense. It is always wise to provide free entertainment that will also introduce patrons to the concept of lifelong learning. We are first and foremost institutions for the provision of the printed word in multiple formats.
Having worked in public libraries for a number of years, I too believe that they provide a wide range of services- and by far their most popular and heavily used collections are recreational material. The library’s essential services are not ” research, education, computer learning/training/availability”, but providing information and material that the public need and want. A library is a community asset where all are welcome.
I must admit right off the bat that I do work in a public library, so please take that into consideration. But I encourage the public to voice their opinions to library staff and expect to see the change. If you are a young mother and find it very difficult to get to the library, mention this to the staff the next time you are in, or give us a call. Many libraries throughout the country offer free Homebound Delivery programs to aid those who cannot easily come in to use our services and we love that we can reach out to those in the community who were unable to reach us. Why not suggest a New Mother’s Delivery program! I hope I am not over stepping my bounds by speaking for librarians and saying we will happily listen and do what we can to accomodate you. We consider honoring your suggestions as one of our basic services. And if you still decide to go with a pay-for book delivery services, then hopefully we will see you at free children’s programming and when your kids want free high speed internet access and start asking those pesky reasearch paper questions!
Admittedly, I am annoyed by this reoccuring question: “Will libraries go the way of videostores?” or, phrased another way, “Have libraries outlived their necessity?”. Both of these questions assume that libraries are primarily about books, and not about information & literacy. All of this assumes that all citizens have the same level of easy access to newer technologies, and that class doesn’t separate us as information consumers.
Neither digital information nor newer business models that offer fee-based, library-like services replace the necessity of libraries. As long as librarians hold true to their mission of meeting the informational needs of all citizens as well as preserving our cultural history, there is no technology or business model currently on the table that challenges the long-term necessity of libraries.
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