Today the sight that discourages book people most is to…
““Today the sight that discourages book people most is to walk into a public library and see computers where books used to be. In many cases not even the librarians want books to be there. What consumers want now is information, and information increasingly comes from computers. That is a preference I can’t grasp, much less share, though I’m well aware that computers have many valid uses. They save lives, and they make research in most cases a thing that’s almost instantaneous. They do many good things. But they don’t really do what books do, and why should they usurp the chief function of a public library, which is to provide readers access to books? Books can accommodate the proximity of computers but it doesn’t seem to work the other way around. Computers now literally drive out books from the place that should, by definition, be books’ own home: the library.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Digital media threatens traditional library roles, but books remain essential for deep, reflective reading that computers cannot replace.
In simple terms: Computers can’t fully replace books in libraries.
Key Takeaway
Advocate for balanced integration of tech and print.
Themes
technology
preservation
education
Mood
concerned
optimistic
Type
analytical
thought‑provoking
When to use this quote
- library policy meetings
- school curricula
- community workshops
- author talks
Key Concepts
information access
cultural heritage
Questions to Reflect On
- Should libraries prioritize digital collections over physical books?
- How can libraries preserve the unique value of books?
A Different Perspective
Digital resources may improve access but can diminish tactile reading experiences.