Post #2046846

2025-05-12 00:34 UTC

@prisixia @ocean @Stellar No libraries anymore, at least not in the USA. Libraries are also much slower to update information & don't have the obscure topics alot of people look up, such as how to install pyssnshit (everyone's favorite python script), or the history of the use of sewing machines in Australia. Any libraries that are still operational are going to be horrifically underfunded & not even have a card index to search them with, & with certain governments restricting access to certain written knowledge (Germany 1940s, USA 2020s), alot of very important things that libraries have are about to disappear. Libraries may have been the backup plan when the Internet failed at one point, but now the Internet is the backup plan for libraries failing, but the most important parts of the Internet are failing at the same time. I have not heard well of libraries in other countries either. For most places in the world it may be fine, but for many they aren't a solution.

Replies (1)

@shadowfals@toot.cat 2025-05-13 17:43

@jackemled @prisixia @ocean @Stellar The US has one of the strongest network of public library systems in the world. There have been forced closures and reduced funding around the country, yeah; but thousands of public libraries in the US continue to exist. Some with increased local support to keep up with rising costs. Almost all libraries in this century use digital catalogs based off database matching for searches and have staff that will pick up a phone to call contacts for obscure resources like for specialty books at universities. Many have suscriptions to journals and teaching services. Visiting a library regularly increases knowledge sharing as the staff, patrons, and event hosts swap info from shared interests. I get the feeling, tho, that you're talking about a near future where the federal government has taken over the state goverments and its companies have corrupted all digital systems? Or, what are you describing?

Open ##2046847