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Library depersonalized

Sun., Jan. 31, 2016

A couple of days ago, I went online to the Spokane Public Library’s website. There I requested that one book and one video be held for me to pick up. Today, I stopped by the library branch closest to my home. I retrieved the book and video I had requested, then I checked out these items using one of the library’s digital scanners.

I completed this entire process with no human interaction whatsoever. I’m sure the library system is saving money. But the whole depersonalized procedure strikes me as rather sad. How long before there are no on-site librarians, just a security guard?

Mitch Finley

Spokane

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