news.volyx.in

Librarians are dangerous (bradmontague.substack.com)

698 points by mooreds · 469 days ago · 643 comments on HN

Article summary

The article's content is not available, but the discussion reveals that some people feel that libraries have changed for the worse, with less dense book shelving and a focus on 'experience spaces' rather than a wide selection of books. Some commenters share their own experiences of visiting libraries as children and feeling that they have lost their charm. The conversation also touches on the topic of attention span and the decline of reading habits. The role of librarians and the purpose of libraries are also discussed.

Main themes

  • Library changes
  • Attention span
  • Reading habits
  • Librarian role
  • Book selection
  • Library purpose

What commenters say

  • Libraries have sacrificed their core function of providing access to a wide range of books in favor of creating 'experience spaces' and employing more librarians.
  • The decline of reading habits and attention span is a result of the abundance of short-form content and the ease of access to information online.
  • People are still capable of engaging with long-form content, such as video games and podcasts, if it is high-quality and relevant to their interests.
  • The book industry is producing more books than ever, but the quality of these books is not necessarily increasing, and many are padded with unnecessary content to meet word count requirements.
  • Libraries are not just about providing books, but also about serving as community hubs and offering resources and support to people in need.
  • The shift towards more accessible and curated library spaces may be necessary to accommodate people with disabilities and to create a more welcoming environment.
  • The rise of digital media has changed the way people consume information, and libraries must adapt to these changes in order to remain relevant.
  • The decline of literacy rates and the lack of attention span are not necessarily the result of people being 'dumber' or less capable, but rather a result of the way information is presented and consumed in the digital age.