To me, the best thing about a library is that everything is free. Now, since I work in a library, I know that it isn't free free. (Ask any librarian and they could go on and on about how truly unfree a library is). I think that because you can walk into any public library, and many academic libraries, shop to your heart's content, then walk away with an armload of stuff without paying a cent, you can start to lose your appreciation for how great libraries are.
I recently stumbled upon Maine State Library's Library Use Value Calculator. This calculator tallies how much you would pay out of pocket if you were charged for library services such as computer use, interlibrary loan, books borrowed, etc. I would be spending about $555 per month if I were charged! It would be even more if I was browsing with a kid (luckily they don't charge babysitting fees to parents who drop their kid of in the children's section).
How much would you pay at the library?
Eek! I would owe $635 a month - and that's with my "low use" during the summer months. It would be horrific if I calculated with my Fall use!
Posted by: melia | August 12, 2008 at 12:36 PM