1.

In your opinion, has the growth of the Internet and new technologies left libraries
obsolete? Why or why not?

I don’t believe it has. For one, many users, myself included, prefer print materials to
digital ones. For another, the library strives to maintain a higher quality in it’s collection.
The internet in general does not. Digital resources offered by the library are bound to be
of a higher quality than any old site a patron might find on their own.

This is not to mention a librarian’s skill at helping patrons find what they want. Google
does not prompt you to clarify your request, it merely fulfills it to the best of it’s ability.
Even if what it thinks you want isn’t anywhere close to the truth.

2. Are libraries doing a good job of re-positioning themselves?  Provide examples

from your reading, course content, and/or personal experience.

I believe they are. The textbook listed many, many digital resources and programs
libraries are using in order to bring the speed and ease of use of the internet into the
library.

And from my personal experience, despite preferring print materials I have checked out
e-books from Overdrive. In one instance, the library system did not have a print copy
and in the other, the library was closed and I really wanted that book right now. At the
Bartlett Library, they had a policy of only stocking a book in electronic format if it was
stolen three times. This gives the library a balance of providing for the community, while
also protecting it’s budget.

3. What else can/should libraries do to remain relevant?

Many young people, and some older, like using their phones. Library mobile apps may
be worth looking into. While limiting patrons to a certain area makes more sense for
printed materials, with e-books that’s less of a concern. Maybe also program allowing
for digital content to be reached across systems instead of just locally?

4. What are the disadvantages of using the Web/Internet?  Please describe any
personal experiences you have had with this.

The Internet is dangerous for socializing. People tend to feel more anonymous, which
leads to them acting on worser impulses than if they were in person. Additionally, it
allows people with frankly stupid opinions to find each other and form a feedback loop
convincing each other they’re right. (See, the flat earth society.)

While the internet is great for finding information, it’s not as useful for finding quality
information. You might find an article proclaiming ‘Hot Coffee Causes Cancer!’ and,
even if the article explains why, you might go ‘huh’ and scroll right on by, ending up
forming a very incorrect opinion about what’s going on.
5. Spend some time browsing one of the "digital libraries" mentioned in your
textbook reading this module.  
1. Name the "digital library" and provide the URL.

Digital Public Library of America. dp.la

2. Name and describe three documents or resources that you located which
especially impressed you. 

The Primary Source Set for The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by
Sherman Alexie.

The Woman’s Medical Journal from 1893-1919

Panorama of the seat of war: bird’s eye view of Texas and part of Mexico.

3. Why did the documents/resources impress you?

First of all the Primary Source Set is right up on the front page under ‘exhibitions’. I find
it impressive that they do such a thing, and the thoroughness was also impressive!
There was interviews with the author, photos of Spokane Native Americans, the text of
the agreement between the Spokane and the American Government, among others. It’s
a spotlight on a specific topic and it’s neat.

I find the Woman’s Medical Journal impressive because youhave an option of a scan of
the original, or a text-only version. Also because it’s not actually hosted by the Digital
Public Library of America, but rather that it’s hosted by another database and that DPLA
is partnered with them in some way to give users even more variety. And it’s cool to be
able to read old medical journals from the late 19 th to early 20th century!

I find the Panorama impressive because it’s a beautiful old map and I didn’t know it
existed before now, but I do now and can just enjoy it. Also it’s another thing that DPLA
uses partnership to allow users to access. This one is hosted at the library of congress.
It’s good to see library systems branching out widely with their collections!