TRUDIE:
OK, Stewart. We need to start planning our paper on public libraries. Have you thought of an angle yet?
STEWART:
Weil, theres so much we could look into. How libraries have changed over the centuries, for instance, or how different countries organise them. What do you think, Trudie?
TRUDIE:
Maybe we should concentrate on this country and try and relate the changes in libraries to external developments. like the fact that far more people can read than a century ago. and that the local population may speak lots of different languages.
STEWART:
We could include something about changes in the source of funding, too.
TRUDIE:
Yes, but remember were only supposed to write a short paper, so its probably best if we dont go into funding in any detail.
STEWART:
Right. Well, shall we just brainstorm a few ideas, to get started?
TRUDIE:
OK. We obviously need to look at the impact of new technology, particularly theinternet. Now that lots of books have been digitalised, people can access them from their own computers at home.
STEWART:
And if everyone did that, libraries would be obsolete.
TRUDIE:
Yes.
STEWART:
But the digitalised books that are available online for free are mostly out of copyright. arent they? And copyright in this country lasts for 70 years after the author dies. So you wont find the latest best-seller or up-to-date information.
TRUDIE:
Thats an important point. Anyway, I find it hard to concentrate when Im reading a long text on a screen. Id much rather read a physical book. And it takes longer to read on a screen.
STEWART:
Oh, I prefer it I suppose its just a personal preference.
TRUDIE:
Mm. I expect that libraries will go on evolving in the next few years, Some have already become centres where community activities take place, like local clubs meeting there. I think thatll become even more common.
STEWART:
Id like to think so, and that theyll still be serving their traditionalfunction, but Im not so sure. There are financial implications, after all. What Im afraid will happen is that books and magazines will all disappear, and therell just be rows and rows of computers. They wont look anything like the libraries were used to.
TRUDIE:
Well, well see.
TRUDIE:
Ive just had an idea. Why dont we make an in-depth study of our local public library as background to our paper?
STEWART:
Yes, thatd be interesting, and raise all sorts of issues. Lets make a list of possible things we could ask about, then work out some sort of structure. For instance, um,we could interview some of the staff, and find out whether the library has its own budget. or if thats controlled by the local council.
TRUDIE:
And what their policies are. I know they dont allow food, but Id love to find out what types of noise they ban - there always seems to be a lot of talking, but never music. I dont know if thats a policy or it just happens.
STEWART:
Ah. Ive often wondered. Then there are things like how the library is affected by employment laws. I suppose there are rules about working hours, facilities for staff, and so on.
TRUDIE:
Right. Then there are other issues relating to the design of the building and how customers use it. Like what measures does the library take to ensure their safety? Theyd need floor coverings that arent slippery, and emergency exits, for instance. Oh, and another thing - theres the question of the kind of insurance the library needs to have, in case anyone gets injured.
STEWART:
Yes, thats something else to find out. You know something Ive often wondered?
TRUDIE:
Whats that?
STEWART:
Well, you know theyve got an archive of local newspapers going back years? Well, next to it theyve got the diary of a well-known politician from the late 19th century.
I wonder why its there. Do you know what his connection was with this area?
TRUDIE:
No idea. Lets add it to our list of thing to find out. Oh Ive just thought - you know people might ask in the library about local organisations. like sports clubs? Well. I wonder if they keep a database, or whether they just look online.
STEWART:
Right. I quite fancy finding out what the differences are between a library thats open to the public and one thats part of a museum, for example - they must be very different.
TRUDIE:
Mmm. Then something else Id like to know is ...