Bookless Libraries???

During the last week I read a couple of articles about bookless libraries. And the prospect is a little frightening and even threatening. I consider myself old school. I love dusty books and the adventure waiting between the covers of every one. A world without books is an impossibility that I can neither imagine nor fathom.

Yes, I understand about Library 2.0 and try to learn something technical or electronic daily. Trends in society are moving to rely on technology more and more. There are so many options and choices. A book can be read in several print forms, or many electronic forms, and it can be listened to in several forms. I would not think of eliminating any of these forms, so why eliminate books?

The publishing industry is struggling. Authors are releasing their work electronically with some never making it into print form. The world is changing, but does it have to leave books behind? I read from electronic devices everyday. I would be lost without my computers at home and work. I would be just as lost without books.

Libraries have always been about change. We are continually growing and changing. Trends come and some stay, some don't. One of the best things about libraries is the way they adopt the new, then adapt it to the old.

It doesn't have to either/or when it comes to books and electronics. There is plenty of room for both. There are times we prefer to read books and other times when reading from an electronic device is preferred or more convenient. At least we have a choice. Isn't this what freedom is? Wouldn't bookless libraries take some of that freedom away?