Reading #1 - If Public Libraries Didn't Exist, Could You Start One Today?
Considering our work with McLuhan's tetrads, I want you to imagine introducing a public library today. It doesn't exist in any incarnation yesterday: there is no borrowing of books, no public building, no shh-ing of people by a librarian. Then, read the reading using the link above. In 150 words, post a reply to the article. Within your reply, summarize the article and propose a question or critique regarding what you found. Keep in mind the assumptions/imaginations you had before you read the article. Think about how many ways you can stand around this elephant and understand its truth.
I think I could start it and it would work if brought up with a good way to get enough hype. If it is introduced in a interesting way it would definitely work and will be a great success because it's a new idea and different from everything else so it would catch a lot of attention.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading this article by Stephen J. Dubner I’ve come to notice that there will be many different challenges during the process of making a library. Publishers and authors will have a lot of loss of profits if this comes into existence. Also it wouldn’t really be fair to them so this could result in the rise of prices of books so they can still earn the same amount of money but, people who buy for themselves to keep books at home will have trouble purchasing such expensive books that they might not buy them at all. The publishers and authors will probably get outnumbered by the people in favour so it’s not that much of a challenge in my opinion. Also the authors and publishers should have no say in what happens to the book once its been purchased as long as it is not being used to make more copies off to be resold.
DeleteI am repulsed at the idea of starting my own public library as I am very greedy and hate sharing out my books. They are all things I treasure and I paid 20-30$ each for majority of my books, if they aren't returned to me in the condition I gave them out in I would be very displeased.
ReplyDeleteFinishing the article, we can see how difficult it is to open a library as well the struggles authors have with obtaining pay when libraries buy copies. When a library offers many copies of a book it incentives potential-buyers to just read the library copy instead of purchasing and supporting the author. Libraries offer a place to gain knowledge as books have a big role to play in the development of adolescent brains. I still wouldn't open a library as I like to think I'm giving the author my support after I buy their book because books are things I really enjoy and always like to find happiness in it once again after I've finished.
DeleteNo I could not start my own public library simply as it seems difficult to obtain the books required to maintain the library and I have little trust in people returning my books in the condition in which they received or at all.
ReplyDeleteAfter finishing this article I stand by my convictions that running a library is difficult and their are many obstacles to over come.However there are many positive outcomes that derive from a library one being that you train young readers and set them on the path of success in the world of literacy.If you are an author you might lose out on some money if people are always renting your books instead of buying them, but you can still garner popularity if your books are well liked.
DeleteYes I do believe that I could start a public library today. The reason being that although technology is becoming more prevalent in our lives and the ability to access technology is easier than ever but some places don't have that ability. For example, many third world countries have a somewhat connection to new technology for accessing information as many can’t access it easily. Economically, it makes more sense to create an information hub than have computers for all to use. Cost for parts and internet access can become very expensive. Although creating a building will cost a lot, this kind of establishment, young people will be introduced to books for the first time and train to become readers. Another reason would be the spread of information. As libraries purchase several copies of books, many people can access the information without having to use their own money to buy it.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading the article, I realized how much of a challenge it was to open a library. It talks about how writers make a considerably less amount of money if they were to sell it to a library. Libraries offer several copies of each book, which means thousands of people can read a book without having to pay for it. I also realized how librarians are almost the passer of information to young readers. They play a huge role in helping young people become readers. They also play a role in helping them explore a variety of books most of them might not have found themselves, as it would be a different genre, author and etc.
DeleteI would not start my own library because it would be hard to make a profit from it as most people would be repulsed for paying money for books in a dying industry. Since they are being replaced by digital libraries. Also, if I gave people my books, they might come in a horrible condition which results in me losing more profits in order for it to replace. So no, I would not own a public library.
ReplyDeleteSoon after reading this article that was written by Stephen J. Dubner, even though my views haven’t changed regarding operating a public library it still had some good points. One of the good points that the article provided was that it allows the younger generation to become better readers, and learners. Another positive point was that it exposes readers to a wide variety of different authors that they wouldn’t read, but regardless. My views haven’t changed regarding profits. Since you won’t make that much due to the fact you have to buy the books from publishers and you are giving it away temporary away for free, but at a risk. Due to the fact if it gets damaged you have to pay even more to replace it. So as a result, it’s a lose-win situation for the owner and reader. Even after reading this article I would not operate a public library.
DeleteThe logistics of setting up library is a tricky situation. Custodians and Librarians must be paid for the fruits of their labour,thousands of books must be purchased, a facility must be carved out in order to host your library. What would the interest be? People would raise the question over the purpose of a library when bookstores are already entrenched. Why "share" a book with multiple people, worsening it's condition, when you can just buy it at a bookstore? Also, who's paying for these libraries? Are they privately funded, or publicly funded? If the latter, how would the public react to their tax dollars being burned on a service they may not deem necessary? Would Conservatives be in an uproar over this alleged "socialist program?" How much public funds would be allocated to these libraries? Basically, I believe that the inquiries by consumers regarding the idea of a library would derail it.
ReplyDeleteWho is this? Allthemovies, please start using a recognizable account, or including your name in your posts.
DeleteI think I would be able to start a library because I think a system where you can share you can borrow books would make many people happy. Having a library card with a minor fee would allow me to make money as well.
ReplyDeleteUpon reading the article, I have realized it would be much harder to start a library in this day and age. The article makes a point which is that authors make less sales by selling books to libraries, than having actual people buy the books. Authors would be much more opposed to sell their property and have everyone be able to access it. However, I believe libraries benefit the greater good of the public. They are a place where anyone can educate themselves and gain knowledge. Libraries have no class system and give the chance to people from many socioeconomic backgrounds to better themselves. It is true that the authors do lose money so maybe the government should find ways to pay authors through taxes. I believe this because libraries provide a chance for the younger population to better educated and hopefully get better jobs that can help the economy.
The question I would like to propose is this: Is it okay for authors to make less for their work for the sake of the greater good of the public?
DeleteI don't think I could start a public library since it would be a bit difficult getting books from everywhere for everyone for most likely a high price. There would also be trust issues about people not returning the books on time or not even returning them at all in also a good condition.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading the article, my answer to open a library stays the same. It seems harder to open since I would have to see what people would and buy enough copies for the amount of people. I also have found out that opening a library will not really support authors in terms of financial needs, but however will support them publicity wise. Libraries tend to buy few copies for many readers, for example, a library will buy 5 copies and 5 people that will read it will like it so 5 turns into 50 and so on. There are also some positives for having a library like helping young people to be good readers and giving the authors’ work some publicity too. Opening a library would be a lot of work since you have to keep the creators and the consumers happy at once. Also the maintenance fees for the library would be high.
DeleteOverall, the concept of starting my own public library in the midst of a world without them is, to say the least, intimidating. Stephen Dubner poses the unique argument that, if libraries were to be established in a society without them, with all the same intentions they hold in our current society, they would not be well-received among the publishing community. While I believe this statement holds true, I’d also argue that, in a world without libraries, society would not be of equal caliber to our own. Books would simply be for those who could afford them, and the rates of illiteracy alone would cripple modern innovation. So, despite the immensity of the task, I would try to develop a public library, and if faced with drawbacks, I would respect the wishes of the publishers and form some sort of licensing agreement to ensure all parties reach a consensus.
ReplyDeleteYes, a library seems like a easy idea to execute. All I would have to do is communicate my idea to like-minded people and get them to help me acquire a collection of books. After that, I would have to organize a system through which I could sustain the library and everyone employed to work there. This could also be done through fundraising campaigns, applying for government grants, and charging for late or damaged books.
ReplyDeleteUpon inspection of the article, my answer remains the same. One argument that came to my mind while reading the article, is the amount of money college students have to pay for some of their textbooks. Most of these cost would be alleviated if they had access to a library and were able to borrow the book instead of having to buy it. Even though, some writers may not agree to “sharing” their books. Most writers have the confidence that their work is good enough to motivate someone to actually buy their book. Another solution to this problem, is that the authors can ask for a contract where they would get a amount of money for every time a person borrowed their book.
DeleteThe article states that, with the current way of thinking about intellectual property, public libraries may not have been able to have been created today. Borrowing books obsolesces the need for buying books, and that may not go over well with writers and publishers. Though with buying books comes the need for more paper, and more deforestation and habitat destruction. Borrowing your books leads to more people employed to make, and staff a library, though buying books may lead to more jobs in the paper industry. Without book borrowing, one may not be exposed to books at a young age. Since the library is a sort of social hub, one may not be interacting with their communities as much. The library retrieves a sense of comfort, since it is a quiet place to search for, and read books. With the number of scientific studies and papers being published, it may not be a good idea for the writer to have their findings published for free. People are willing to pay for knowledge. To what extent is a publisher’s money prioritized over the public’s need for a community space and knowledge centre?
ReplyDeleteThe article mainly talks about how a library affects a publisher of a book. This effect is negative for the publisher as they lose money if they sell it to a library. The logic used here is that the library buys a few copies but then about 50 or more so people read it, well of the author was selling it at a bookstore they could have made 50 more potential profits. After analyzing the data from the article I have come to the conclusion that I would not open up my own library simply due to the fact that there is no money in it. Seeing how technology has progressed it is at the fingertips of basically everyone, that means everyone could just buy the movie or book that they wanted and that there would be no need to go to a library since it would be less convenient. The question I have to ask is how many publishers view lobbies like this?
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DeleteI believe that opening a public library in today's world would be far too difficult to do, and that you would sooner go bankrupt than it become a success. You would likely not have the support of book publishers, as they wouldn't be getting the same amount of money compared to a bookstore. People would not be very open to the idea of haring book between many strangers in today’s society. It would also be very costly, as i'm sure that only expensive deals will be made with publishing companies if the library becomes popular. The article showed that publishers don’t like it when people get their book from the library, and this response from publishers about libraries is probably a lot more significant for authors trying to earn enough money to make a living. If you were barely earning enough money as a beginning author, would you want your book at the library?
ReplyDeleteThe article talks about the financial downsides of being a writer and libraries buying their books. For example, 30 copies of a $15 book which is used by 300 people results in only $450 for the writer’s time and effort. As a result, I believe that opening a library today would result in more negatives than it would positives. Scientifically, most kids are becoming infrequent readers, interacting with about seven books per year. Consequently, from the perspective of an environmentalist, ordering twenty copies of the same book is a waste of paper considering the amount of people that will read it. Economically, ordering multiple copies of books that people don’t read is a waste of the government’s money, which could lead to a shutdown in the future. Furthermore, from an author’s view, copies of the same book would be available to everyone for free (assuming the library stays afloat), which would result in a loss of profits and writers. To what extent should the municipal government continue to sustain and fund libraries?
ReplyDeleteIn his blog regarding public libraries, Stephen J. Dubner questions the expense at which libraries are made. Published authors believe that their books are being lent for free, when they could be bought instead. However, if this system was tested, only a handful of people would be able to read at all seeing as not everyone can afford to spend extra for books. Libraries serve as an advertisement site, allowing readers to glimpse at incredible works which leaves us with the choice to go out and buy them or not. Published authors should in part be excited that their work is given the chance to be viewed by so many eyes, which could increase their sales but also wary that so many are reading them for free. As Dubner said, libraries build up the likeness of reading and expose readers to a variety of books that later evolves to a love of literature. Libraries don’t pose as threats, but rather extensions that reach out to all audiences.
ReplyDeleteI think I could make a public library today. I believe I understand that the aspects required in the establishment of a public library today.
ReplyDeleteThe article states that a library reduces the income of publishers and authors. If the system of a public library was introduced today, many of the publishers would object; they’d feel that it’s taking a toll on their income. They suggested that a library would be economically different today. However, I would like to question why these same problems were not brought up when the library was originally created. Did people not see that their incomes would be hurt then? This article is suggesting that a library would have the greatest effect in an economic aspect, however, libraries are supposed to have an impact on your perception of the world. If a library was introduced today people would have a completely different view on libraries.
I believe it could work but it would largely be dependent on the amount of effort I put into collecting books of different genre. It would be a big success though because no one would have been exposed to the idea of having all the books in one place. Its also a brand new idea which would make it successful.
ReplyDeleteThe article “If Public Libraries Didn’t Exist, Could You Start One Today?” talks about the pros and cons of libraries and their effect on authors. One of its main points is that authors are losing a lot of money by selling books to the library because they are being used by a lot of other people at no benefit to the author. The other main point of this article is that libraries also benefit the public by letting young readers explore the world of literature and by letting people explore genres they haven't before. I believe that libraries benefit the public a great amount by letting people have access to a large amount of knowledge in a small easily accessible space. I also believe that the authors should get their fair share in this business and the government should compensate for this. Critique: Most people just read the book and don’t really go back to them.
I think if books ever existed in any form, some sort of incarnation of a library would be impossible to avoid. People tend to prefer information lumped into one place, and some crave community when working, as well as a designated place to do so. Maybe the idea would be a little less effective today, but some people definitely prefer books. The internet doesn't completely obsolesce them. Hipsters still need books for props in their cool morning coffee photography, printed word is a lot more memorable than digital alternatives when you're trying to study, and i'm sure blind people can appreciate reading a lot better when their brail isn’t on a flat laptop screen. Books will never go completely unused, and if people will share spotify and netflix accounts between 6 different individuals to save $11 a month, they'll share books.
ReplyDeleteHowever, isn't the internet just a big ol international reincarnation of a library? A larger community of people sharing information freely between themselves? In this case, if the prompt really stays true to itself, the internet wouldn't exist. Neither would schools really if you think about it. Without the introduction of any sort of public libraries our law system would crumble due to crippling inconsistencies and we would all be educated in different ways with a majority of misinformation. We’d live in a primal hellscape and im sure if I introduced the idea of a public library into that it would be met with desperate praise.
So after reading the article it’s come to my attention that maybe I overthought the prompt a little too much with that whole ‘primal hellscape’ thing. The author took it in a much more economical direction, and they’re right. Publishers would probably push back libraries the way the NRA pushes back gun reform, but publishers really owe their career and a whole lot of other things to libraries. Even ignoring the fact that if they didn’t exist they would be apes probably, a lot of publishers are publishers because they love books and writing. Where do you think they got that?
DeleteIn the discussion of "If libraries were an entirely new concept in modern day society, could you start one today?" my own view of the matter is that it would be a great challenge. Convincing the government, book publishers, authors and even the general public the importance of a non profitable institution of literature. If you were able to start up the first ever library in 2018, there wouldn't be a rapid peak of consistent public interest right away due to the fact that books aren't as public and talked about. One of the biggest concepts that would be the hardest to grasp right away if the act of sharing a book with an unlimited number of strangers before and after themselves. In conclusion , it would be hard. People would think you're a tiny bit crazy. You would need to be a master sales person and a master negotiator, but it is completely and utterly possible.
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ReplyDeleteI believe that creating a public library for a population such as Edmonton's can be very challenging. Each person has their own opinion on an unrestricted space for learning that can support many bodies thus making it very hard to consolidate them.
As matters are not always black and white and include gray, which can be very hard to interpret and thus making it different for everyone and if we try to elucidate, a valid conclusion is hard to draw while trying to include them all. Creating a public space for everybody depends on people's unique opinion on how people use this space productively and how this space can accommodate individuals. Sometimes these inputs can be the polar opposite of each other and may even conflict with the ideas you have.
People don't always use a place such as this productively and infringe on others right to use the space productively and efficiently.
There is also a problem with the context provided by an institution such as this. It may not always be appropriate for every age and a library has very few restrictions on certain things since a large institution has a large number of people visiting frequently. As much as this institution can spread knowledge, it can also significantly affect the economy of retail bookstores and even put people out of business, since these books are available for borrowing.
An institution such as this can bring multiple benefits to a community and can also reverse the advantages if not constructed and executed correctly.
The article by Stephen J. Dubner unmasks the reality faced by authors and publishers due to libraries. He talks about how a library buying one or two books and letting others borrow them significantly alters sales and the profit that authors and publishers receive are very little and affects them financially. He also proposes a new system that can benefit the authors and publishers for future implementation.
DeleteAs Stephen J. Dubner talks about the economic side, I believe that there is more to this than the complications proposed by him. As libraries constrict sales, it may also reduce the author's will to write more books because of the very little profit they make or even make the author think that " They may have read the book! But they didn't fancy it enough to buy their own copy". Public libraries can clearly have an impact on the book industry.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading this article, I believe that I could be able to create a library in society’s modern day. The article highlights that libraries allow young people to become effective readers. The idea of having an actual physical copy in your hand can also increase the general culture of reading. Although, many people in today’s society rely on technology as “ready to hand” and physical books as “present to hand.” Libraries delivers a comforting atmosphere for many individuals which, a source of technology can not provide. I consider that aspect that authors would feel a economic loss, if copies were borrowed from the library than actually purchased. If considered thoughtfully, are the publishers publishing your their own beneficial interest or are they actually induced in the mindset of educating young people to be thoughtful and effective readers?
Starting a library today would be hard but possible. The one thing a library needs most is its books but how does one get them? Usually a library purchases its books and uses some that come from donations. Getting money to start a library would be difficult and there are many poeple who don’t like sharing or donating their books. Not only does a library need books but it also needs staff to check them in, put them back in their right places, and librarians to help people find books and pay their fines to keep the library running. A library isn’t as simple as it looks because there are many components that go along with it which are difficult to sort out.
ReplyDeleteStephen J. Dubner points out that book publishers and authors don’t like libraries because they think not as many books get sold which hurts them economically. Libraries help pubishers and authors, even if they think it doesn’t, because not many people like to buy books, for them it would be better to just borrow. Libraries also help more books to be sold because when children grow up, they buy their own books by their favourite author, they expose readers to a variety of new books and from their readers can decide if they want to buy books by the same author they had recently read a book about, and libraries help readers discover more books to read, without them there would be less people reading and buying books which would result in fewer book sales. Do people today view libraries as a great source to make money or a place that allows for the public to express their love for reading?
I think I could start a library because it would allow people to have access to so many resources.
ReplyDeleteA place for people to gather and communicate/ study and enhance their knowledge I think could be quickly accepted.
The article states that even though libraries pay authors for a certain number of copies, they are losing book sales due to the public having access to them for free. Before reading the article I assumed libraries would be beneficial to everybody by providing them with resources to gain knowledge and to explore different types of literature which can help broaden their minds. I didn’t take into account the effect it would have on authors because since libraries have been around for a while they are pretty prevalent part in our society. This article has made me realize that if libraries were just being introduced today, authors would not accept the idea of sharing their property. Should it be solely the author who allows their works to be introduced to the public or should libraries be able to buy these works in order for information to be more accessible to everyone? I feel like somewhere between the two would be ideal.
I think I would start a library because it would allow people of all ages to learn something new everytime they walk in the door. To an extent it is a type of a charity work, this would increase the education level of our society.
ReplyDeleteThe article has made me realize starting a library in this decade is challenging but not impossible. There’s other ways to look at it of course. The author talks about the profits lost by the writer and the publishers. The library buys several copies of one book which the people read for free. If that free copy had not been available, surely they would have not bought the book. But on the bright side with the library being there the readers can buy the book they read and place them in their collection. In this decade the technology has changed the way we read. E-book which is kinda a type of library, people don’t have to walk in the library, which only limits them at looking for new options. If they did come in then they would look at more books and read their synopsis.
I think it would be problematic to start a library today because I would have to purchase an abundance of books (very pricey). I would also have to ensure that the books couldn’t be stolen or damaged. These may seem like easy problems to fix, but they would take a lot of time and thought. All in all, I don’t think it’s impossible to start a library but it would be a challenging task to complete. In the article, the author (Stephen J. Dubner) introduces the concept of “the purchase of books”. He says that writers are very opposed to libraries because they don’t make as much profit (borrowing the book instead of buying it). If this idea was introduced today, it would cause panic and worry of losing profit amongst all authors. Who should we benefit more? The authors or the readers?
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