Digital libraries: The worst idea to be printed in 2013

This September, the Bexar County Digital Library opened in San Antonio, Texas. That’s right, it’s a digital library. In other words, there are no books. 

The Bexar County Digital Library, also known as Bibliotech, is the only all-digital public library currently in the United States. It cost $2.4 million to make and is 4,000 sq.ft. But rather than books, the library has 10,000 e-books, 500 e-readers, 48 computers, 20 iPads and laptops and of course, 0 print material. All of this is free to patrons

But Bibliotech is hardly only library to be making this shift to digital media. For instance, many libraries are using their building space for digital media rooms or activities and focusing less on traditional books and learning. Libraries may not yet be all digital, but this may be a negative trend.

While it is admirable that libraries are innovating and trying to implement technology, an all-digital library goes too far since there can be technology glitches that may erase data and many people, especially older people, still prefer the traditional book. 

It is interesting to note that in 2002, Arizona's Tuscom-Pima Public Library System opened a branch without books, making it the first library to become fully digital. However, within just a few years, it reverted back  to print materials because patrons were unhappy with the idea of a library without books. 

It’s clear from the precedent set that an all-digital library will not work in the long run. After all, can it even be called a library once there is no print material? 

Some may argue that libraries are trying to target the younger generations who are more open minded to an all digital library; people have noticed that children are reading fewer books nowadays and are more likely to use electronic resources. This might seem like a logical step, but the problem is that all digital libraries may hasten the extinction of books and may encourage new generations to simply read off the screens of their computers. 

The arguments for keeping books aren’t just based on tradition. There are serious benefits to keeping books in libraries as well.

Library books are needed especially in times of recession. From 2000 to 2010, public library visits went up almost 33% because of an influx of people during the recession who couldn’t afford to buy new books, or for that matter a new iPad. If libraries switch to all digital, then during a recession they will not be able to buy the necessary numbers of new readers and computers to satisfy these large numbers of new patrons. 

It is far less expensive to buy books than to buy new technology. It’s true that you can obtain free books on readers, but you still need to buy readers which are more expensive than the books. 

While a regular library may have tens of thousands of books to keep patrons satisfied, a digital library would probably have less ebooks and technology for the customers to use. Even though each ebook might store 40 books, there aren’t tens of thousands of ebooks to lend out and as a result, some patrons will have to wait until an ebook is done being used. 

Some people even go so far as to wonder why we even need traditional libraries at all. After all, digital libraries may require less space due to the use of e-books and media servers. But the traditional library is still essential; it offers a meeting place for people to discuss books they are passionate about and provides a place of escape.

 For instance, a man can make friends by walking into the fiction section of the library and finding someone reading his favorite book. From there, he can strike up a conversation and make a new friend. However, with e-books, it will be harder to socialize, especially since patrons won’t be able to see what book or genres others are interested in.

Think about the Saratoga City Library. There’s areas for people to interact, relax or work but in a digital-only library, people are far less likely to pay attention to others, while they are trapped in cyberspace.

While there are some obvious benefits to a library implementing technology or trying new innovations, an all-digital library is too much for the moment. Just like in 2002, this new all-digital library is likely to be just an overhyped flop.