The Importance of Libraries and Accessible Information

Throughout parts of this portfolio, and in particular, this course, I’ve touched on the concept of the ever-changing definition of a library, and how over the centuries, patrons have changed the foundations of these public and private institutions. Many early libraries going back to the Ancient World were far and few between, often serving primarily nobility and highly educated scholars who could pay access as the cost to produce and reproduce written works was costly.

Over the last few decades, the concept of an entirely open library was established, founded to meet the needs of communities to bridge the gap between the highly educated minority, and the general population. In creating the first truly public libraries, the ability to access information that otherwise many would not have access to has become an important aspect in connecting local families and individuals with one another.

Our ingrained curiosity to learn has created a call for more information to become publicly accessible, and over the years, the need for libraries has become increasingly popular, especially regarding technology and financial barriers.

“The ability to access computers and the internet has become increasingly important to completely immerse oneself in the economic, political, and social aspects of not just America, but the world. However, not everyone has access to this technology.” (Stanford University Computer Science, n.d. as cited in Estey, T., 2019e).

As a result, patrons have become reliant on their public institutions to provide new and emerging technologies to keep them connected with their communities and people worldwide. By having the ability to access information, people can make decisions and choices as individuals, and think for themselves instead of blindly following like moths to a flame.