No, Amazon Cannot Replace Libraries

cynic

On Saturday, Forbes published an article titled “Amazon Should Replace Local Libraries to Save Taxpayers Money,” that elicited extremely strong backlash on Twitter from librarians and library patrons alike. The article has since been taken down, though the (extremely ratioed) tweet from the author about it remains.

In the article, writer Panos Mourdoukoutas argued that libraries are no longer important to the community as the result of alternative "third places" like Starbucks, and "no shortage of places to hold community events," as well as streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime and the rise of e-books that have "turned physical books into collector’s items, effectively eliminating the need for library borrowing services."

Hundreds of Twitter users took to the platform to share both their anger with the piece and their love for libraries. People seemed to especially take issue with the author picking Amazon—notorious for its horrible treatment of employees, and accusations of ruining the cities it opens warehouses in—as a potential replacement.

Obviously, as the outrage from these users demonstrates, libraries are beloved and important in communities. Mourdoukoutas's argument that libraries are becoming less useful is patently false, in a way that's fairly obvious. But the notion that libraries aren't worth their value to taxpayers—one that fails to take into account the financial returns of a library and expenses of buying these items on one's own—fails to address the vast importance a library has on its community as a physical space open to anyone in the public.


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soothsayer

indeed this response was appropriate-to equate a library with what Amazon provides! beyond providing books-nothing can replace the ethos in a library

cynic

Here is the original Forbes article for those interested

Amazon Should Replace Local Libraries to Save Taxpayers Money


Amazon should open their own bookstores in all local communities. They can replace local libraries and save taxpayers lots of money, while enhancing the value of their stock.

There was a time local libraries offered the local community lots of services in exchange for their tax money. They would bring books, magazines, and journals to the masses through a borrowing system. Residents could borrow any book they wanted, read it, and return it for someone else to read.

They also provided residents with a comfortable place they could enjoy their books. They provided people with a place they could do their research in peace with the help of friendly librarians. Libraries served as a place where residents could hold their community events, but this was a function they shared with school auditoriums. There’s no shortage of places to hold community events.

Libraries slowly began to service the local community more. Libraries introduced video rentals and free internet access. The modern local library still provides these services, but they don’t have the same value they used to. The reasons why are obvious.

One such reason is the rise of “third places” such as Starbucks. They provide residents with a comfortable place to read, surf the web, meet their friends and associates, and enjoy a great drink. This is why some people have started using their loyalty card at Starbucks more than they use their library card.

On top of this, streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime have replaced video rentals. They provide TV and movie content to the masses at an affordable rate. Actual video rental services like Blockbuster have gone completely out of business.

Then there’s the rise of digital technology. Technology has turned physical books into collector’s items, effectively eliminating the need for library borrowing services.

Of course, there’s Amazon Books to consider. Amazon have created their own online library that has made it easy for the masses to access both physical and digital copies of books. Amazon Books is a chain of bookstores that does what Amazon originally intended to do; replace the local bookstore. It improves on the bookstore model by adding online searches and coffee shops. Amazon Go basically combines a library with a Starbucks.

At the core, Amazon has provided something better than a local library without the tax fees. This is why Amazon should replace local libraries. The move would save taxpayers money and enhance the stockholder value of Amazon all in one fell swoop.

Meself

Libraries are sacred. Period. Nothing can or will ever replace the importance of library for a reader.

anisojaru7981

Libraries are very important to the community....

divey

There are always enough and more so called intellectuals on pay rolls of conglomerates like Amazon or any such entity. it feels good to see people are still attached to library and books even with the advent of e books. But closer home many of our public libraries are in urgent need for some patrons who can revive them

Mousetrap

@divey
Very true about our public libraries. They are definitely in need of major revival... Most of them are under-equipped. I wanted some books on agriculture and Delhi Public Library website showed them as available. But the books were not for lending, and since they had only one copy of each, they've kept it carefully packed in boxes and don't take it out even for reading in the library. Sad state of affairs actually. I wouldn't be surprised if it's a similar situation in other public libraries here.   

divey

Mousetrap 26-7-2018 12:45 PM
@divey
Very true about our public libraries. They are definitely in need of major revival... Most o ...

@Mousetrap yes it is, only other day i as reading that one public library had clsoed down due to no funds and lack of interest. I feel that readers also need to take more interest in these libraries then only is there is a chance of their survival else we would see some shining corporate buidling or a mall in their place very soon

cynic

Ditto @divey and @mousetrap, our public libraries need immediate attention, both from the powers that be and the public.

Mousetrap

cynic 26-7-2018 02:37 PM
Ditto @divey and @mousetrap, our public libraries need immediate attention, both from the powers tha ...

As the public, we have little influence on public libraries, even if we are regular patrons. Sadly, libraries have never been much on the agendas of politicians. Looking at the kind of facilities and varieites offered in the US and elsewhere, we have so much to catch up.