Computers, Libraries Go Arm-in-Arm

Public libraries embody many of the ideas and values that Americans hold dear, among them democracy, education, community and equal opportunity.

Democracy depends on informed participants, and public libraries began in this country as a way of extending education to working people. Prior to that time, libraries were for only those who could afford either subscriptions or a university education.

Public libraries are a cornerstone of democracy. Dictatorships and repressive regimes around the world have always tried to stifle the flow of information. When the iron curtain came down, American librarians were besieged with questions from people in Eastern Europe: How can we develop a system like yours, so everybody has access to information? People in those countries were starved for books and information.

In a democracy, everyone has one vote and every vote is equal. But in order to exercise that right, information about all the issues is necessary. Public libraries have always seen it as their mission to supply information on a wide variety of issues and on both sides of controversies so people can judge for themselves. Public libraries are a marketplace of ideas--a marketplace of impartiality and equality, where every opinion has a place.

In spite of our wonder at electronic technology and the thrill of virtual communities, we still value real community and need one-on-one interaction. Many of us still learn best one-on-one.

Libraries in many cities have emerged as true community centers, among the few remaining noncommercial spaces that cater to and attract all segments of the community. Libraries offer meeting rooms, a wide range of programs and cultural events as well as the traditional offerings of story times and book discussion groups. They can provide a comfortable atmosphere, available to all.

Americans strongly value education. They believe education has the power to provide everyone with equal opportunity. Immigrants to this country have always valued education as the means to improving their children’s lives. Public libraries are devoted to lifelong learning. They offer the resources for those who want to do it themselves and for those who need to ask questions along the way.

One of the most-used quotations of our times is from George Santayana: “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” Libraries are repositories of history, from local to international. One of their important functions is to collect local documents and other historical items.

The issue of digital storage has become a concern to librarians. How can we acquire, store and provide access to a wide range of formats? How will today’s information be saved for future generations?

The word “technology” has come to mean information, because that is what our most vital technology does: gives us access to information. Reference information is increasingly moving online. Libraries began to provide public Internet access because this is the most exciting information resource of this century. Libraries with adequate budgets can supplement the Internet with proprietary and subscription databases available only to their customers, their taxpayers.

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Libraries need to supply information in the best, most accessible formats and to provide equal access to that information. Today, that means a balance between print and electronic sources. Budgetary considerations will always affect purchasing, but grants and private funding are much more readily available for hardware and software than they are for books.

The challenge to libraries is to make computers available by rewiring old buildings, buying furniture that meets standards set by the Americans With Disabilities Act and upgrading constantly. Libraries have become more valuable in their communities as a result of the information revolution but will have to work to maintain that position.

This is more of a challenge in California, where libraries have been hurt by the loss of dedicated funding.

Library Commission members and I are working hard to see that we maintain our libraries at their significant level of contribution to our society.