The bad news ... even 25 years after its invention, not everything is available on the Internet; The good news ... 33 reasons why libraries with physical books still matter

What people do at libraries and library websites : 

(Pew Internet’s survey explored in depth what people do at libraries)

• 33 reasons why books, libraries and librarians are still extremely important, by Will Sherman (quoted at Cites & Insights):

1. Not everything is available on the internet

2. Digital libraries are not the internet

3. The internet isn’t free

4. The internet complements libraries, but it doesn’t replace them

5. School libraries and librarians improve student test scores

6. Digitization doesn’t mean destruction

7. In fact, digitization means survival

8. Digitization is going to take a while. A long while.

9. Libraries aren’t just books

10. Mobile devices aren’t the end of books, or libraries

11. The hype might really just be hype

12. Library attendance isn’t falling—it’s just more virtual now

13. Like businesses, digital libraries still need human staffing

14. We just can’t count on physical libraries disappearing

15. Google Book Search “don’t work”

16. Physical libraries can adapt to cultural change

17. Physical libraries are adapting to cultural change

18. Eliminating libraries would cut short an important process of cultural evolution

19. The internet isn’t DIY

20. Wisdom of crowds is untrustworthy, because of the tipping point

21. Librarians are the irreplaceable counterparts to web moderators

22. Unlike moderators, librarians must straddle the line between libraries and the internet

23. The internet is a mess

24. The internet is subject to manipulation

25. Libraries’ collections employ a well-formulated system of citation

26. It can be hard to isolate concise information on the internet

27. Libraries can preserve the book experience

28. Libraries are stable while the web is transient

29. Libraries can be surprisingly helpful for news collections and archives

30. Not everyone has access to the internet

31. Not everyone can afford books

32. Libraries are a stopgap to anti-intellectualism

33. Old books are valuable

Conclusion

Society is not ready to abandon the library, and it probably won’t ever be. Libraries can adapt to social and technological changes, but they can’t be replaced. While libraries are distinct from the internet, librarians are the most suited professionals to guide scholars and citizens toward a better understanding of how to find valuable information online. Indeed, a lot of information is online. But a lot is still on paper. Instead of regarding libraries as obsolete, state and federal governments should increase funding for improved staffing and technology. Rather than lope blindly through the digital age, guided only by the corporate interests of web economics, society should foster a culture of guides and guideposts. Today, more than ever, libraries and librarians are extremely important for the preservation and improvement of our culture."

See also:

• HOW TO KEEP A LIBRARY OF (PHYSICAL) BOOKS, Meditations on strategy and life, Ryan Holiday 

Extract:

Below are some tips on keeping and maintaining your own library. I hope they help:

-First, you have to read a lot.  

-Buy, buy buy. I took some heat for criticizing checking books out from the library a while back.   

-In other words, RESIST THE KINDLE.  

-Organize, organize, organize. 

-Become a resource for others.  

-Refer back to them!  

-The point of owning the books is to use them.  

-Books are no substitute for human contact, but it is still beneficial, I think, to be in the physical company of the greats.  

-Don’t be afraid to quit books that suck.  

-On that note, don’t collect for the sake of collecting.  

-Don’t loan.  

-It’s all about the IKEA shelves.  

-Collect the unusual.  

-Go through other people’s libraries. 

-Having a library keeps the information fresh in your head. continue reading

• Did you know that not everything is available online? Library and Archives Canada Blog
• Things You Should Know @ Guide To Using the Internet for Academic Research : Not everything is available on the Internet; Research on the Internet will take time; Information on the Internet is not stable; Not everything on the Internet is accurate, true, current, or reliable.
• On Why Libraries Still Matter by Reid Goldsborough infotoday.com 
• Why Everything Isn't Available Online and Free 
• Top 10 Reasons Why Libraries are still Important? 

1. Not Everything is Available on the Internet
2. Digital Libraries are not the Internet
3. The Internet isn’t Free
4. The Internet Compliments Libraries, but Doesn’t Replace Them
5. School Libraries and Librarians Improve Student Test Scores
6. Libraries Aren’t Just Books
7. Mobile Devices are not the End of Books or Libraries
8. Library Attendance isn’t Falling It’s Just More Virtual
9. Physical Libraries are Adapting to Cultural Change
10. Eliminating Libraries would Cut Short an Important Process of Cultural Evolution