If they’re becoming “obsolete,” how do you explain the fact that every time I go there, they are crowded with people and I have to wait on line to check out my books with other people who also are checking out books?
I just returned from our local library. It’s a two-story building; the reference section and used bookstore is on the first floor, and the bookshelves on the second.
I counted 14 people either browsing the shelves or sitting and reading.
There are 12 computer / internet terminals. Eight of them were in use.
Other than the staff, there were 26 people in the library, and I saw no one checking out or returning books.
So, we’ve both used anecdotal evidence to support our claims.
It is a draw, sir, but I stand by my statement.
As time goes on, more and more books will be uploaded to the internet. In time, every newspaper every printed will be scanned and uploaded, as well. There may be a fee charged for perusing the stacks (case in point: The New York Times), but historical newspapers WILL be available.
Also, take a look at http://www.archive.org. The amount of multimedia information available there is staggering. Much of it is liberally slanted, but discernment on the part of the reader is no less important there than at your local library.