Canada has been abuzz recently about the election tool Vote Compass, accessible via cbc.ca. This online tool offers an indication of where we as voters — and the parties — stand on certain questions. Vote Compass offers an opportunity for us to examine our assumptions, and that’s always a good thing.
As a repository for information and ideas, the library is all about challenging assumptions. Knowledge is power, after all. Recently, the BC Libraries Association created an online tool that challenges assumptions about the true value of library service. Here’s a few challenges we’ve heard.
“I can get all my news online.”
Sure, you can access most news sites if you have a computer. But what if you don’t? Or can’t afford an internet connection? With your library card you get free access to computers and to wireless — and we have magazines and newspapers in print, too.
“My kids do their research on the internet, or at the school library.”
Most teachers want to see actual books cited in a bibliography. There’s also the question of credibility: if you Google “dinosaurs,” you get two million results—but librarians can help there, too. As for those school libraries? It’s tough out there, with cuts to education. Teachers regularly come to the public library for support materials.
“I like to buy books.”
Great! The book industry needs you to buy books. But the library is your one-stop-shop to see what’s out, and also what’s out-of-print (but invaluable). It’s where you get to hear the CD before you buy it; it’s also where you can satisfy your toddler/kid/teen’s voracious reading appetites without remortgaging your house. Canadian authors receive an annual payment from Public Lending Right, too.
So maybe a library is useful. But what’s it really worth? Here’s the scenario I plugged in at bclibraries.ca/service-calculator:
Jane and John Nelson have two kids. Last month they borrowed 17 children’s books (12 picture books for Sally, five chapter books for Daniel); nine adult books (five hardcover novels, three books on home renos); four DVDs (two for the kids, two on dog training); and three audiobooks (for the family road trip), and a few magazines.
The Nelsons also came in and asked for research assistance (car repair), and requested an interlibrary loan (a guide to the Alberta Badlands). Using our car repair database, John patched up the Volvo. He also used the library computer to access the BC Building Code while Jane brought Sally to storytime.
Total? $512 value for one month’s use of the library.
And that doesn’t even touch on the peripheral savings: Sally didn’t draw dinos on the walls with indelible marker, because she was busy reading about them; Daniel found a new hero in the book he read, leading him to a life in paleontology instead of crime; the Nelsons saved a bundle doing their own home renos, enough to pay for the family trip in the Volvo (which now has a whole new lease on life).
Upshot: John, Jane, Sally, and Daniel Nelson and their well-behaved puppy are all heading off to Dinosaur Park for a well-earned family vacation. On the road, the kids are listening to stories on CD, and Jane and John are having their first uninterrupted adult conversation in months. And if you’ve ever had young children, you know that’s priceless.
Vote Compass told me a few things about the candidates and parties vying for my vote in upcoming election. BC Libraries told me a few things about why I want to vote for someone who understands the value of libraries, and will work to protect them.