Things that are worth saving.
- April 8th, 2010
- Posted in Posts
- By srobinson
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There are certain environments that we cherish and preserve such as national parks and beaches. We value and fight for our personal freedom. We hold on to our culture and what makes us unique. These are all important to us, but what about the environment of the mind. How hard do we fight for libraries?
These are the arguments you hear when budgets get tight
You cannot cut police and firefighters because of public safety.
You cannot cut schools because children are the future.
You cannot cut libraries because ….
Everyone else has a compelling answer. What message we are sending?
Because free, open access to information is vital to a democracy;
because Intellectual Freedom matters;
because a community place where anyone, with any belief or backgrounds can have their information needs met with friendly, timely service by professionals is a necessity;
because information authority and validity are the cornerstone of an information society;
because cultural, educational, and recreational programs where people can interact for free are the lifeblood of community;
because community matters, not in a feel good buzz word way, but in a regular, “hey, this IS my community” way;
and because lifelong learning should be a universal human right.
Good food for thought, not sure what the general public hears when questions are this broad – but I’m certain they’re here – everyday – in growing numbers, using so very many services and resources. Are we connecting the dots?