Libraries are in danger - The continued existence of the free public library

ACCORDING to the eminent librarian and bibliographer Fred Lerner, there is a danger in relying on a digital form of preservation – both machines and media become obsolete and software is subject to rapid change. If access is substituted for ownership, publishers will sell fewer books.
The continued existence of the free public library should be justified on educational rather than recreational grounds, representing a return to the concept of a People’s university. If only our decision-makers in Camden had dipped into Fred’s book (free of charge) instead of spending taxpayers’ money on so-called consultants.
But Lord Mandelson now wants two-year “fast track” courses at university, thereby doing away with the richness of the undergraduate experience in itself.
But of course the Government do not really want educated citizens; they might ask awkward questions. So Bread and Circuses are the order of the day.
Eileen Earnshaw, Oriel Place, NW3