by Walter Barrett

Created on: February 23, 2009

We live in an age where everything is quickly becoming technological. Very soon, there will be devices that brush our teeth for us, and gadgets that change our clothes so that we don't have to. Laziness is being renamed into something more ego friendly. We hide under the umbrella of advancement, and think that it is a positive thing. And now the debate rages on in regard to the internet vs the library. I've heard all the arguments in support of staying at home and researching online, but I will only mention here the top excuse for choosing the internet over the traditional library. The internet has more resources available, and results can be gained in a faster time. Though this may be a plausible argument, I believe that there are still seevral benefits that can be derived from resourcing at the library instead of simply surfing the internet.

I believe that there is still much more gained by taking the time to look for that Science book and search through it for the information necessary. We are creating a generation that expects everything to be done for them, a generation that isn't willing to work for what they need. They are not willing to take the time to reap rewards. Instead, they look for instant gratification. How does this prepare them for real life? How does this help them build the patience they need to deal with issues that arise that prevent them from that instant reward? Yes, it is convenient to have everything pop up on the screen with the click of a button, but we are training our young people to believe that life works that way. There must be a balance. And I believe that the library offers such a balance, becasue students are forced to continue to search, to ask, and to use their skills in navigating through the system set up at each library that ultimately developes their minds in so many ways that the internet cannot do. I have seen many young people become frustrated because of power outages or computer glitches that interrupt their web surfing experience, but what glitches are there that can prevent the experience of finding the relevant book, taking it from that shelf, and turning through its pages? This is an aspect of development that cannot be thrown away, no matter hwo technologically advanced we may become.

I believe that we need to continue to support our libraries. Not only in our schools, but also in our neighborhoods. They are important. They have their place, and they will continue to stand the test of time.

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