Are libraries outdated?

Today on Philly.com is quite a rant about the Free Library system in Philadelphia: Does the Free Library even know what Century its in?

Mostly it is just that: a rant. It's really not even worth debating, and after you read it, you'll see why.

Yes, the Free Library could be more tech savvy. But with what money? As far as I can tell, the Free Library (and most public schools for that matter) try to do the best with the resources they have. In fact, I just found out about the Free Library's TechMobile: "Techmobile, basically, a 25-foot, updated version of a bookmobile that will travel around the city, offering residents the chance to learn on assorted laptops and iPads, with technical advice provided by staff." If that's a great use of technology in support of Philadelphia's citizens, I don't know what is. City's Digital Divide

Similarly, the article argues that it is cheaper to make copies at Kinkos/Staples/Fed Ex instead of at the Free Library. I've never heard this one before - seems a bit silly. The mission of the Free Library is not to offer you a really great price on copying. In fact, just because you pay taxes for it, does not mean that you get free access and free reign to its resources. If that were the case, there would be nothing left.

The mission of the Free Library is also not to allow you the easiest way to rent out movies and cd's - all based on the newest technology.

The mission of the Free Library, and all other library branches in this country, is to provide access to information. Mostly, that is through books - real books that can be held and flipped through - because, believe it or not, that's how most Americans still get their information.

And most library systems in this country are doing that and more with limited resources, personnel, and money.

Is the Free Library system perfect? Of course not. But I believe in the power of public and school libraries to provide the things that most Americans don't have: access to almost any book at any time, or any piece of information at any time.

We should be arguing about how to make libraries more accessible, widespread, and better-funded, than whether or not the library should have VHS or DVDs, the best copy machines, or a Geek Squad.