Streaming services like Netflix and Showmax have made video and DVD rental stores something of the past. Future generations might already have less context for a physical VHS tape and may need an explanation for why the Save icon looks like what people used to call a disc.
How are libraries coping in the age of instant information access, and what is there still to discover at your nearest library? Libraries are far from following the same path as Blockbuster, with their adaptation to modern needs a key to their survival. Here’s how libraries are evolving to stay relevant – both physically and digitally.
Libraries: Why they’re important
Libraries are where many readers and writers have found their initial love for literature. A library is a place of wonder that’s meant for thinkers and outcasts, for readers and emerging writers. The library is an almost legendary space where hours can be spent reading or researching. However, libraries have gone beyond the simple definition of places where readers can check out books. Libraries offer a quiet space with internet access, which many people can’t find at home or work. The same place is also the perfect venue for literary events, maintaining their relevance while making sure that there’s a safe space for creatives and authors to meet.
Digitisation has also become important to the long-term survival of the library. Archives are being digitised for instant access, and some brick-and-mortar libraries have signed up to have their books made available digitally as ebooks. Video stores died away because there was no second step or milestone after most movies became available digitally. Libraries – most of them – are using digitisation or events to avoid this fate. The loss of a library represents the loss of an entire civilisation, culture or group. Supporting local library initiatives means that someone has an opportunity and place to learn and access information. If you’re an author or publisher, connect with local libraries using your work. If you’re a reader or student, stop by your nearest library for a visit, or find out what resources they’ve made available online.
The drawbacks of books
“Old book smell” and the tangible weight of physical books are a couple of the reasons why people feel romantic towards their older book collections. Some books have special margin notes or inscriptions, and this is part of what makes physical books special. However, libraries are going digital and are downsizing their print collections for good reason. Physical, printed books also have drawbacks once you’re able to look past the romance of it.
Any 19th century titles with green tint are considered heavily poisonous due to the arsenic used in their coloration. Book collectors and libraries are encouraged to dispose of any such titles via responsible means. If you’re a frequent visitor to Hospice stores and book sales, you might even have a few arsenic-laced titles in your own collection.
Books have another, obvious downside: they’re heavy and environmentally impactful. As a writer, I love seeing printed books; however, as a reader with a spinal curve, I’ve never particularly liked the idea of carrying heavy boxes from one place to the next. Once you’ve moved house too many times with a growing book collection, you’ll begin to wonder why more than half the move has to be taken up by literature. When a USB can carry thousands of titles alongside an entire music collection, it starts to make perfect sense that libraries are going digital.
Today’s library isn’t just a place where you can pick up printed books, but is also a place where one can go for events, internet access, meet-ups or simply quiet research. Some libraries have extended their offerings to video game hubs or coffee stores, and why not?
Digital lending
Libraries are still places where readers can borrow books instead of buying them; however, the modern difference is that it can happen digitally in an instant. Digital book-lending gives access to a chosen title for a limited time, and works the exact same way that traditional libraries would let someone check out Atlas rising or IT. For authors and publishers, it means that readers have fair access to their work without resorting to piracy. Readers who can’t afford to buy a printed title will still be able to have legal access to it.
For readers, it’s more convenient. Digital lending saves readers a potential trip to the library and gives them 24-hour access to shelves’ worth of data. A digital library book is also automatically returned once its time has expired, negating the need for “late fees” or worries about unreturned library books.
Technically, ebooks are “borrowed” through the device’s temporary storage, instead of being downloaded. The same concept has also been applied to other multimedia, including video games and movies that can be played or viewed for a limited amount of time – and this is usually cheaper than buying.
Digital libraries
Readers are encouraged to find out what’s going on at their local library. Libraries have become the perfect place to host events, including hip-hop showcases, language lessons and author signings. There’s also more to be found online for your local library, and you should always check if there’s a website or digital lending programme.
The Libby app connects users to international libraries, linking traditional library cards to a library of ebooks and audiobooks. This particular app is currently used by the Gauteng Virtual Library, as well as in KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape. (Interested readers can find it in their device’s app store.) If you already have a registered library card and your local library is connected to the system, you could have instant access to their digital shelves: an exciting thought, and one that will continue to encourage reading (and writing) for future generations.
Kelo Digital Bookstore is a close equivalent to Libby and is designed with a focus for readers from Africa. Books can be borrowed using the Kelo app – for copyright safety, they’re stored in the temporary cache instead of being downloaded.
Project Gutenberg aims to list thousands of copyright-expired titles on their website for free. It’s the perfect place to find old cookbooks and manuals on exorcism: it’s fair to say that readers won’t be bored.
Libraries still have their place on a digital planet. Support your local library, and you’ll be finding a good way to be part of the change you’d like to see.
See also:
Lewende, gesaghebbende digitale biblioteek vir Afrikaanse letterkunde
Francis Galloway se teks oor Breyten Breytenbach vir die publiek beskikbaar
