Damned cultural vandalism

[Clinton Huxley]

The dismantling of civilisation continues apace. It was nice while it lasted

http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2011/oc ... y-closures

You don't know what you've got until it's gone...

[Rum]

The lights are going out all over.

[Clinton Huxley]

It should make Crumple happy. Or whatever passes for happiness with Crumple...

[Hermit]

If only Google Books published its vast library in complete form, it could take up some of the slack. Meanwhile we have Project Gutenberg. Unfortunately it only makes publications that are out of copyright available. We need a peer to peer network dedicated to digitised print publications.

[Rum]

There is...just sayin'

[Clinton Huxley]

I think we need both some kind of e-library system, readily available to everyone AND physical libraries that people can go to. Maybe I'm old fashioned...

The highlight of the link above is the leader of the council trying to spin the closures as enabling an exciting new improvement in library services. Our elected leaders really do have nothing but contempt for the public, outside their utility as voting fodder.

[Atheist-Lite]

Libraries are not what they once were before the internet. Now any book can be bought via online bookstores and there are so many other free resources of information online. The traditional library had its day. That day is gone. Just like any technology superceded by something superior it becomes archaic and redundant. The local library here, is now used by dug addicts and plonkies as a gathering free gathering place. There are the archives, quite extensive, for local research. The rest is online. I've also noticed libraries are selling off some good books at bargain prices at the moment...so it is a great time to stock your private library, for if the interweb should ever up & die.

[Clinton Huxley]

"dug addicts"

[Atheist-Lite]

"dug addicts"

I need a new keyboard or its a freudian dip?

[redunderthebed]

Libraries are invaluable to communities and society.Libraries are a pillar of civilisation and easily accessible source of information not to mention an inexpensive access to the internet in most cases.But tories want the poor and stupid to remain as such so this does not surprise me. I know as a lad who come from a family of limited means the library and my mums love of reading educated me and fuelled my curiosity about the world.

Hux is right this is cultural vandalism but the powers that be want culture to be about consumerism and retarded reality tv shows not fostering a culture of enquiry and critical thinking and love of learning.

[Hermit]

There is...just sayin'

How helpful. Care to expand? If you are scared of legal repercussions, you can always finish off with "That's what I've been told."

[Hermit]

I think we need both some kind of e-library system, readily available to everyone AND physical libraries that people can go to. Maybe I'm old fashioned...

Agreed. You are old fashioned.

[Atheist-Lite]

There is...just sayin'

How helpful. Care to expand? If you are scared of legal repercussions, you can always finish off with "That's what I've been told."

I'm not saying anything and just like Rum, it's something I've no knowledge about. I ain't never heard of the place and never been there. Know nothin' about it.

http://www.labnol.org/internet/pirated- ... tes/12620/

[Gawdzilla Sama]

Ever go looking for a book in a library and see one right next to that's even more interesting, but one that you've never heard of? That's why I like libraries.

[Clinton Huxley]

Nail on head there, zilla