The Observation Deck

I remember when Lakewood Library was kind of entering the new high tech world when it set up and area for CD's and VHS tapes at the old facility.
And, at our new building, there is a much larger area devoted to CD's, and now -mostly DVD's. (I find the surrender of a Library Card or Driver's License to be a non issue with me.)
I have subscribed to Netflix. The old Hollywood Video is now an Auto Zone. Blockbuster will soon hit the trail. Most new hardware, game consoles, TV receivers, etc. are now configured for streaming movies.
Therefore----- Today's BIG QUESTION--- where to from here? (As far as a library providing different media)

A few thoughts...

• What exactly does me having to surrender my library card do in terms of security?
• How is my privacy protected when I have to stand the desk and give out my name so everyone around me knows who I am and what I'm checking out? Given the LPL's previous stance on patron privacy, this just seems odd.
• Why does the LPL assume every patron is going to be a thief?
• The desk is by the door. There is staff there to stop people form walking out with materials without checking out. Giving you my library card doesn't do anything in terms of security if I'm going to hide DVDs down my pants and walk out.
• How does inconveniencing every patron because of the few make Lakewood Public Library a welcoming place?

Something I really know nothing about, but what about lending digital media? That seems like the obvious "next big thing" for libraries, especially in terms of eBooks, but even movie and audio files. What are libraries doing generally to deal with the inevitable decline of hard copies?

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Be the change you want to see in the world.

-Gandhi

There are actually some libraries that have begun digital loan of books. It seems like something important to explore given the rapidly increasing adoption of e-readers like the Kindle, Nook, iPad, etc.

The NY Public Library is an example of one place doing this with books, audiobooks, music, video, etc:
http://ebooks.nypl.org/A7764948-10AA-4D ... efault.htm

Heck, Barnes and Noble will even let you read books for free on a Nook while you're in their store.

I have no problem surrendering my library card, it's a non-issue for me. I don't feel it's invasive at all.

I am curious and hope that perhaps someone can tell us if the new policy has led to less theft. It would seem if there is less material loss than the new policy would be working which would mean we as taxpayers are saving money.

Amazon just announced last week that they sold more eBooks than regular books in the 2nd quarter.

I've never much cared about having to surrender my card, but I think the organization of the CDs is weird. For example, if you were looking for a recording of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Phantom of the Opera, would you look in Pop/Rock under "L"? Me neither.

That said, I acknowledge that every library is like that... it's not a problem exclusive to LPL.

_________________
Be the change you want to see in the world.

-Gandhi

I really don't have a problem with checking in at the desk in the front and giving them my card. Just about a couple of weeks ago I talked to a staff member working the desk and she said that theft has gone way down with this policy.

However, I do mind that my kids cannot come in with me if they forget their library cards. On my last visit, my daughter (age and I remembered our cards, but my 10 year old son forgot his. He could not come in with us, thus I couldn't supervise him. He is old enough to be on his own, but not younger kids. My kids are young minors and I feel like as long as I am with them and have an account in good standing that they should be able to stay with me. I will assume responsibility for my kids.

I agree with Kristine, if I forget my child's card but have mine that should be enough.

Ran across this today about libraries and dvd's.

http://consumerist.com/2010/07/more-peo ... edbox.html

Here's the false logic though...you can't prove it's the draconian policy that is the reason theft is down. It could be because it's in a much more closed off location with staff right at the door? Aren't there obvious cameras up in that room too?

Now the only way you could prove it is the ridiculous policy is either to get rid of it now and see what happens or to have tested it in the old building and setup.

My gut is telling me the drop in theft has nothing to do with the policy itself.

Bryan--- and Kristine and Danielle

maybe let's not let this be a game stopper. I think we all like the opportunity to browse from lots of selections.

(this is an example of communitarian-ism, see other posts)

but maybe this discussion here, on the Deck my be an indication that these procedures have to be revisited by the Library Board and the Director.

Stan

Go ahead and yell, but let me give you 2 words to start:
Free market.

Netflix costs money. Hollywood Video and Blockbuster cost money. Cox Cable's On Demand costs money.

The library is "free" (fines and taxes aside). If I can go to the library and get movies for free, why pay someone else for a similar product?

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I don't usually get movies from the library unless it's something older that either myself or the kids want to see. I don't expect to get the newest releases from the library, if I want something current I'll find a redbox that has one, yes I'm cheap I don't like spending much on entertainment or I'll stream live from the Wii. It's a convenience thing for me and I don't really want to have to be on a waitlist to see a movie. Although I know plenty of people that are more than content to go and find something at the library they are willing to watch. I just don't watch movies enough to bother.

So to me the library's selection does not equate with netflix or redbox or video stores, I'd rather spend a few dollars for something more convenient.

The Cuyahoga library already does this--I get ebooks from them fairly frequently.

They also have audiobooks available for download, but I haven't tried those.

Url showing available eMedia titles at Cleveland Public Library.

http://www.cpl.org/BooksMoviesMore.aspx#eMedia