Friday, April 01, 2011

When is a Library Not a Library?


The Los Angeles Times takes note of the Newport Beach Library, a library in which books may no longer reside in.

From the article...

In a sign of the times, Newport Beach is considering closing the city's original library and replacing it with a community center that would offer all the same features — except for the books.

Instead of a reference librarian, patrons would be greeted by a kiosk equipped with video-calling software that would allow them to speak with employees elsewhere. And books — when ordered — would be dropped off at a locker for pickup.

The proposed bookless library is a reflection of how both the economy and a shift in visitors' habits are forcing city libraries to redefine their services.

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