Librarians Furiously Respond To Suggestion That Amazon Should Replace Libraries

Librarians have taken it on social media to share their thoughts about a recent article in Forbes magazine that proposed replacing all public libraries in the U.S. with Amazon bookstores.

Panos Mourdoukoutas, an economics professor at LIU Post in New York, wrote for Forbes saying that libraries "don't have the same value they used to" and should be replaced permanently by Amazon book shops."

"At the core, Amazon has provided something better than a local library without the tax fees. This is why Amazon should replace local libraries," Mourdoukouta wrote. "The move would save taxpayers money and enhance the stockholder value of Amazon all in one fell swoop."

Several librarians and library users have responded furiously online, arguing that private companies like Amazon can't match the kinds of services libraries provide and that they are key places for those who are disenfranchised to use services.

Amanda Oliver, who's worked as a librarian in Washington DC for the past seven years, wrote a series of tweets explaining that the value of libraries could be seen in the services shared to a wide range of people.

"It's librarians helping people fill out free housing forms and visa forms and all things related to basic human needs," Oliver wrote. "It's shelter when it's freezing or raining or scorching hot. It's access to free newspapers and conversation. It's so much for so many."

"Libraries actually provide something for everyone, no exclusions. Literally no one is excluded from access to the library! It's for everyone. Prisoners, people with disabilities, elderly, the young, the rich, the poor, etc.

"This country has such a massive problem with ignoring its most needy. And the first things we want to do away with or make cuts to always seem to be the institutions that serve them. What a privilege to think libraries are just for books."

Harris County Public Library in Texas responded in an article on Facebook, saying, "No offense to y'all at Forbes, but a little research would prevent you from publishing this kind of twaddle"

"Perhaps, in the future, you could ask a librarian for help. Study after study has shown that public libraries more than pay for themselves. In Texas, for example, for every $1 of taxpayer money spent on public libraries, public libraries return $4.64 to the economy."

Dictionary.com even responded in a tweet:

Do you think libraries should be replaced by Amazon? Or do you think that's a ridiculous idea? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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