Will the Internet be used instead of libraries? Well, the clear answer to this question—at least, it's clear to me—is no. But there are some people who don't think so. They suggest closing libraries, since "you can find everything on the Internet". In fact, they are wrong. One can't find everything on the Internet! The Internet makes search easy, but we really need books. The Internet is probably the best resource (资源) for many health and science topics. We can only make sure that the information we find on the Internet is true by reading books.
Libraries offer more services than just the basic information one can find through Google. For example, a school library can provide services and different resources for all students of the school. Students have different learning ways. School libraries can deal with all of these differences.
One of the great school librarian writers, Doug Johnson, recently wrote an article about this topic. I advise reading it to understand this topic from different sides. I especially like his last paragraph (段落):
"Don't take away either my electronic resources or my books. They are needed to provide students with useful information. And keep in mind that a school library is not just a collection of materials -print or electronic. It is an important mixture of resources, courses and activities. It can help students not only have information, but also the necessary skills to put that information to good use. "
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Some people's opinion |
They think libraries should be closed, because people can find everything |
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The writer's opinion |
People really need books the Internet makes search easy. Libraries have more than just the basic information people can find on the Internet. |
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Doug Johnson's opinion |
electronic resources and books are necessary for him. A school library provides students with and the necessary skills to put it to good use. |
