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Thanks to the new popularity or audio and downloadable book devices libraries are losing funding. Libraries are public and are funded by the government. If not a lot of people are going to I think they should just turn it into a bookstore. That or a library that sells half of the books and rents or loans the rest.
And what happens to those who want to read but can't afford to buy that many or any books?
Libraries are important repositories of knowledge, much of which is not available in another format.
Also, public libraries are places of community and sharing. If all the books were sold, then this would lead to more greed and waste.
If the libraries are losing funding, then they will need to better diversify into new technologies, in a profitable way, in order to make up the shortfall. They should, however, remain non-profit organizations. This will come in a surprising way. Containers.
I said half of them sold and the other made for rent or able to barrow. If they lose too much funding they will get shut down. Libraries are losing a lot of funding right now. This would create more funding for the library. I did not think they should sell ALL of them.
What happens if you sold the book I wanted to borrow?
Signed,
Knight Nigel Wellington XXI
That is why I said that we should separate a few copies to barrow. The other copies will be for sale. That way we always have that copy of the book to barrow and the other will be for sale.
Like if you have 12 books of harry potter. They are all the same copy. 6 will be for barrow or rent and the other 6 are for sale. So you have 6 you will only be for loan. If all the borrowed books are out you can not barrow that book.
However this will be just like in a regular library. Since in library they only have so many copies of one book. So if all the copies of the book are out you have to wait.
Which I have tried to barrow a book that had all the copies out before so I had to wait a week to come back and get it. So it will be the same as before.
As an American, I am tired of being marketed to. Libraries, like parks, are a public resource. My local bookstore, barnes and noble, has removed much of its seating areas and replaced them with nook stands and toy isles and spaces for other knickknacks that are easier to sell. They don't want you sitting around reading, they want you to buy the overpriced books and then buy some other pointless knickknacks that you don't need.
Furthermore, books such as reference books and nonfiction and other books with educational merit are more difficult to sell, so barnes and noble replaces most of them with picture books and "New York Times Bestsellers" and other noneducational books that are simpler to read and more marketable.
Libraries also have networks, so a library that is 15 miles away will send a book to your local library for no charge if you need it. Libraries also have computers to use with internet access for free. Libraries have lots of seating room, libraries have much more variety of books, librarians have more time to help you.
If I had to write a Master's thesis or a PhD dissertation on any subject I know for a fact that I would find nearly everything that I need at my University's library. Barnes and noble I would be lost in a sea of ads for the nook and toy isles and magazine stands.
There is a school bookstore and a school library at my university. If the library were to somehow become absorbed by the school bookstore and subsequently commercialized, it would be at the demise of the university.
If they turn them into bookstores, then they will just go out of business like all the other bookstores.
Actually, the library that I volunteer at seems to be doing very well. It also does have a small bookstore too. It would sad if it got turned into a bookstore 'cause the library is so much more than just a place for borrowing books.
I don't think Libraries should 'turn into' bookstores, but I can see the advantage in libraries allowing the sale of books.
A library might have a section dedicated to books for sale. All books available for purchase are also in the library for free rental, so if you wanted to read before you buy you can. The money of the sales could then go towards maintaining the library and purchasing new books for rental.
I think the focus would still be on the free lending of books, but that the additional sales section would encourage people to support their library rather than the big bookstore chains. They could accept and sell 2nd hand donated books too! I actually think it's a very good idea :)
Yes exactly! I am surprised. You seem to be one of the few who thinks so. You got what I meant though. I cant see why most people seem to think this is so stupid.
I guess people are concerned by the idea of commercialising what is free and public, but the reality needn't be some profit-driven privatised entity.
I mean, most charities use a variety of fund raising techniques including retail and remain not-for-profit. Why is the idea of struggling libraries gaining additional income through the sale of books such a scary prospect? I'm sure it could be done without compromising the principles libraries are built upon. People are being too quick to dismiss this, in my opinion.
Libraries are still very useful. There are a lot of people who can't afford books so the concept of borrowing books for free is beneficial to them. Libraries are very convenient for trying out books to see if you like them as opposed to going to a bookstore to pay for a book that you later find out you hate. In some branches, you can find rare and out-of-print books that would be practically impossible to find in a bookstore.
http://jennifer.hubpages.com/hub/Benefits_of_Using_your_Library
I have a better idea for abandoned or underused libraries and that is to convert them into either commercial buildings or houses/apartments. Most libraries were constructed during a time when buildings were still made properly. The structures were made out of sturdy materials as opposed to now where the majority of newer homes are made out of fake siding and poor insulation. Most libraries are very spacious with nice windows. Ah!!! You would never run out places to put your books.
The library I used to frequent would make a nice open space home. It's on a fairly busy street but it makes up for that with its spacious parking lot. As far as I know, it has two floors so the uppermost floor, which is the largest, would be more suited as a living area while the subterranean floor would be the basement/family room. Walls or room dividers would have to be used to section off bedrooms and possible office from everything else. There are few other things that would have to be reconsidered: 1. The toilets. I've never been inside them, as far as I can remember, but I have glimpsed them while in passing. They are designed like typical public loos with uncomfortable aspects. I think the walls should be knocked down so both toilets can be merged together. Changes in design would have to be made to make the space less impersonal. I don't know how spacious the toilets are so, there's the risk that there wouldn't be enough space to install a shower/bathtub. If the situation were to arise, bathroom(s) could be placed in the bedrooms . 2. Entranceways and windows. There are two regular entrances which are in the front and back, both would need to be redesigned for security purposes. The windows in the front would either have to be stained or the owners would have to put up blinds because they don't allow any privacy. 3. More protective measures. A sign or two would have to be put up to make people realize that the building is a private residence. A fence or a hedge would have to be erected for further privacy.
So you are saying we should eliminate libraries? So you really do not care if they go out of business? Instead of trying to keep them open with the option of buying the book you just got loaned out?
I didn't say anything about eliminating libraries. Libraries are very important. What I said was that Unused libraries should be either converted into homes or commercial buildings.
What is your problem? I don't understand what I wrote that would cause you to be so "upset".
Funding is cut because government does not find it a priority. That is a shame. During the last vote library funding was on my local ballot. People fought for it because my city really likes having access to a library. It was made an issue and it passed, monies were given to the library.
I'm not sure why people don't value libraries enough to fight for them everywhere. I fear they would lose their integrity if libraries became a for profit business.
The solution is simple, fight for the things you value in your community.
That is why I said they should try and make money. That way if the government abandons them they still have a fighting chance. Since the government obviously does not see it as priority any longer it will lose its funding. I understand what you mean about losing the integrity though.
They do make some money from overdue books/other forms of media and they can make it from books you buy from them. You can only buy a book, if it's overdue and you can't find it yet you could have sworn that you returned it or if the book has been damaged. I know there are some rules that say you must replace the book but they wouldn't get any money from that.
The government will pull all funding if it starts to operate as a business. They have a fighting chance now, you just have to do the fighting.
aw this makes me sad. I work at a video store and those are going out of business too, it won't be long till we go bankrupt and close. Our glory days are behind us now. I just think its sad that the internet is destroying businesses in the real world. Before long all there will be is factories and courier drivers. People will buy everything online and get it delivered. :(
There are many analogous past-instances of this happening in industry. Convenience is king. It's all about adapting to the new business environment rather than clinging to an old model the consumer no longer responds to.
But I know what you mean. The main loss, I think, is the interactive quality of shopping on the high-street. It's much easier to point and click, but sometimes it's better to see, hold, try out the thing you're going to buy. It's great that almost anyone can set up a virtual shop now, but at the same time this decentralises the retail sector, moving it from the middle of a city into virtual reality. That means fewer people heading out into town to buy things, and that means a lot of communities could lose their 'centre', and fewer staff are required so fewer jobs are available in the retail sector (although in theory that should reduce running costs and thus products could be sold for less - but most businesses would just see this as an opportunity for a greater profit margin).
Yeah I see convenience coming at the great expense of culture, if that makes sense. The world is becoming more faceless. They have replaced checkout clerks with machines now in the shopping centre and although its faster and more convenient, jobs and human interaction are lost.
I get a little bit frustrated on the phone too, when I call to make a general inquiry and I get some teleprompt service often caught in a labyrinth of pre recorded responses, when a simple 2 minute chat with a living human being would've solved my issue.
But you're bang on. It's something I've been thinking about heaps lately. Keeping up with progress, adapting to it, accepting it. As the Bob Dylan song goes;
"Then you better start swimmin' or you'll sink like a stone,
for the times, they are a-changin'"
Well on the whole it is a good idea as is anything that makes money. However there are a lot of people who love read but cannot afford to buy them, so to charge them money especially children who are learning to read would be unfair to them and could hold them back if their parent/s can't afford the books. xx
I already went over this several times and in the story. Please read it again as I said only some of the books should be for sale and some should be for rent and loan. No one seems to understand this. If buying is optional that means other options such as LOANING books. I have explained this several times. Will you please reread. Everything is there.
Something tells me you don't go to the library often...or read often.
Signed,
Knight Nigel Wellington XXI
I get what you're saying. A lot of libraries here are shutting down because of government cuts.
However, I also think libraries should be free on principle. Maybe a better solution would be to ask openly for donations to keep libraries running, or have a small substitution fee. I know a lot of frequent library users who would happily pay, say, £10 a month to be able to take out as many books as they like. If you don't want to pay the fee, you can only take out one or two books a month. Think a Netflix-esque model.
Forcing someone to pay is not a donation. I dont think we should force people to pay all this money they do not want to pay. Even on IIN it is optional to buy gold. You do not HAVE to. You have the option of buying for you or another person but nothing is forced. By forcing this you are excluding people who do not want to pay or can not pay. So you are probobly just scaring off people. Scaring off more people who do not have to money or do not like spending the money is not going to help. It just encourages people to stop going and to stop reading. Since they are going to go to other sources like downloadable books, bookstores and the internet. Where they can order books for cheap. I know if this site made you pay me and probobly other would not be on this site.
You really think people have money for donations right now? Most of the world is poor right now. I do not think a lot of people can spare a donation. Plus selling and renting half of the books could produce money so they do not get shut down. I would not pay a monthly fee to go to a library either. So that means I just would never go to the library again. By saying all MUST pay to go to the library for a month. You are saying some of us can not go. Plus not everyone can or wants to waste the cash. I don't think forcing people into monthly fees is going to encourage anyone. My point was to make paying optional and renting optional and loaning optional. So rental could be like if you need the book all semester you could just pay to rent. If you want to barrow it you can have it for like maybe 3 weeks. If you have to pay a monthly fee you might as buy the stupid thing. In which case if the library is not selling I would just go to the bookstore.
You really think people have money for buying books right now? Most of the world is poor right now. I do not think a lot of people can spare money for buying books.
"My point was to make paying optional and renting optional and loaning optional." Kind of like a donation then? :P Optional payment = donation.
I actually said never said you had to pay to go into a library. I said that the *amount* of books you could take *out* would be *limited* if you did not pay. I think far more people would rather pay a monthly fee than pay per book, because paying per book would be a lot more expensive. What I'm suggesting is kind of like Netflix, but for books.
You've created a lot of strawmen. I never mentioned forcing people to pay anything, I even said they could take out some books for free if they wanted. Every single problem you pointed out with my model can just as easily be applied to your model.
"If you have to pay a monthly fee you might as buy the stupid thing." Not really, because if you buy it the library never gets their book back. A flat monthly fee would encourage people to take out more books because it's unlimited. Again, in my model you can still take out 2 books a month for free. Nobody is forced to pay.
I said the option to buy so if you decide you like the book you can just buy it. If not you can barrow or rent it. If you want to keep it in your possession for semester to a year and return it after you can. You might not have noticed either but most libraries only loan books a few weeks or days at a time. Which you probably never been to one.
Optional to buy is not a donation. It is called a sale. If you loan out a book you are letting someone barrow it. Like when you get school loans you are borrowing the money.
If you rent you are paying an amount to keep it for certien amount of time. If you are going to keep the book for a long period like all year or semester you must rent the book.
This renting money can be used to either buy more books to sell or more books to be put up for rent. You clearly have zero business sense if you do not understand what a sale is. People who want it for a few weeks that is under a semester will just barrow them and return them when the time is up.
They could probobly do borrowing for regular books but for studying books if over a few weeks they will charged rent for them. You act like if you sell one book it is gone forever. You can buy more books. How do you think bookstores do it?
If the library has some books you can absolutely not find anywhere else probobly only keep those at the library or those are only for loans. Also I never said people have to pay for every book. I said loaning was an option. In case you were not paying attention. You have an awful business sense.
Libraries aren't businesses though. They're public services, and they should stay that way so that their priority stays toward serving the community as opposed to making a profit. Most bookstores only have brand new, NY Times bestsellers and well-known authors. They don't have books that won't make make money, which is why we need libraries.
Netflix works for TV and film, so why wouldn't a similar model work for books?
Like I said no one is forced into netflix. You can watch movie without having netflix. You aim to force us to have Netflix. Maybe some of us do not want Netflix. Have you ever considered that? Maybe some of us do not have money to pay for it every month. Did you ever consider this? That means that people who either can not pay or do not want to pay are not coming to the library. Which means less people are going. Which is the end of the library as they lose yet more funding. So that means it FAILS! The point is to bring more people in not less. As the library is ran by if it is considered necessary.
You seem to be missing the whole point of the passage. They are losing funding and people are not going to them anymore. Which means that they are at risk of getting shut down.
You might live under the assumption that everything free but it is not. Government is a business too. If you do not understand that you do not understand economics.
If you do not understand economics over the age of 18 that is sad. It is management of money. So if they make some extra cash WITHOUT forcing people to buy thing it might help keep them open.
Libraries could keep the same books and buy the same books. They do not have to only buy new books. Netflix like I said is optional and not everyone has it.
Library is free to the public so you are forcing EVERYONE to pay. Which is really sad considering it is suppose to be a free service. Which you seem to think we should have taken away from us.
If you rent a book and decide you like it you can just purchase it. This is also how a lot of people purchase anime. They watch it YouTube for free and say "Hey I like this anime" So they go order it online or buy it at the electronic store.
Some people might like a book they borrowed and want to buy it. That or just do not feel like renewing it again so would rather buy it and finish reading it later. Why is that such a horrible option? I do not doubt some people have felt this way before.
You obviously know nothing about money. Since you clearly do not understand that a library needs MONEY to stay open. That things cost MONEY! People also do not like paying MONEY for something that was suppose to be a free service.
So having the option to rent and sell would produce MONEY without making people obligated to pay for a service that is free. So they still get the option to barrow if they like if they want to buy they can. If they want it for up to a year they must rent.
I know you believe that we should be forced into paying for a free service. We are trying to get people to come to the library. Not scare them away. My transition adds more options which bring money in. That do not scare people off.
Like I said we should not say since you have money you are more important. That is rather inconsiderate to the rest of us. Libraries should not encourage people without money to stay away.
You can say you are not forcing us but you are no matter how you say it. paying a monthly fee or else limiting us is forcing us if we want to borrow over a 1-2 books a month. So yes you are forcing us. I do not believe we should force people. Personally if I was forced to do this I would just stop going to them. I am not willing to pay for something I am forced into.
Just like you are forcing us to buy books? It's really no different, just that my model is cheaper and rewards frequent readers and your model does neither. I am not willing to pay for something I am forced into.
I never said force you idiot. I said that we have an option to buy, rent, loan. Loan as in barrow. What harm is it going to do if you say "you can barrow this book but if you want to buy it you can". Which some libraries have done that before that I have been to. I have bought some books from the library but it was not every single book. You are the one who wants to have a madotory fee to enter the library. I think that is bull shit. Giving people more options is not forcing. It is called giving the option. Like on ebay you can buy or sell. Are you saying we are forcing people to sell? No we are not but they give you the option to buy things or sell them. I do not see how you think having the option to buy something is bad.