Date: Sun, 02 Nov 2003 17:42:00 -0600 Catherine Settanni <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> (wrote in part)
Libraries are not about BOOKS, they are about information, learning, and resources. Books have been the primary "information" technology for many generations, but that has changed with advances in information technology, especially with the advent of the Internet. I love books, but in terms of "public information" needs, employing information technologies is both cost-effective and more efficient, and helps to encourage technology literacy among ALL our residents, not just those who can afford it. REPLY: I have been working with computers to collect and analysis data and write reports since 1983. Many of the list members may have been at it longer. I was able to collect and analysis data that needed six people to deal with before computers. I recognize the value of technology to quickly sort information to provide answers. However, due to storage limitations and disagreement with earlier opinions, new management ordered older information destroyed. The delete key worked. When they wanted answers to certain questions later, the data was not available for an accurate answer. Books, with their typos and inaccurate conclusions, are also harder to alter. Governments have been burning books since before the Roman legions landed at Alexandria. With issues of U.S. public safety, burning books destroys not only dangerous information but also otherwise unavailable information. Retaining books could preserve whole cultures' histories that might disappear at the speed of light. We need the computers and technology as an important part of citizens' access to information. We also still need books. As a non productive and inefficient pleasure, we certainly would not want to read Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451 on a computer. It would be sacrilegious. Thanks. John O'Neal Shenanigans Watch Northeast Minneapolis - Holland [EMAIL PROTECTED] REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
