Libraries' role in society

So public libraries play an important role in society by providing free access to information, but what sorts of free information do they provide access to? From the very beginning, libraries have been filled with books and other printed materials, but recently the information available from libraries has gone through a transformation. With the advent of computers, information is more accessible than ever. Libraries have changed the kinds of information they provide access to and how they provide access to it.

Today, libraries provide computers to patrons, not only for word processing use, but as a means to access the OPAC (online public access catalog), the Internet, games, and other resources. Most libraries subscribe to various searchable databases and online reference tools, as well as digital archives and subscriptions. For many, just having a library card allows patrons to have access to all that on their home computers or from the library’s public-use computers. Libraries see it as part of their role as providers of information to offer the means to access these resources regardless of who a patron is. One of the tenets of the modern ALA’s Bill of Rights is: “A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.” (ALA Web site, “Library Bill of Rights”) That assures everyone has access to the digital age; even if they can't afford a computer, they can go to the library and use one. Besides providing computers to use, many libraries today offer free wireless Internet access in their buildings, so people can bring their laptops – or borrow one in some cases – and use them in the library. One library in Waterford, Michigan, found its WiFi access so popular that it put a big antenna up in 2008 and began broadcasting the free signal 24 hours a day. (Wisely)

Libraries across the country have begun offering all sorts of services to their communities – most of them free. They offer free classes in computer use and provide access to online homework help for students. Some provide audio books and other formats of newspapers and information to blind and visually impaired patrons. In the article “Library Sends Books to Handicapped,” Ana Maria Trujillo states that: “According to a fact sheet released by the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, in order to qualify for free services you must be a resident of the United States and unable to read standard print because of temporary or permanent visionary impairments. People with learning disabilities such as dyslexia, which hinders their ability to read easily, also qualify for the services.” (Trujillo) Offering these services to dyslexic people is a fantastic step and allows them to have easy access to all sorts of information.

Other libraries provide downloadable eBooks and audio books to all their patrons. With all of this digital content, libraries have become much more than a building full of books. There is a lot of information that patrons can access from home. While libraries provide access to online reference materials and databases, users don’t need to know how to access these types of information, the librarians will help them – by phone, e-mail, online chat or in person. Library staff members are trained to help information seekers find what they need.