Krupa, Part 6
3. Summary
Will the Internet be a threat to the traditional library or will it only be a supplement to its service? Does the rapid development of electronic media mean the end of the traditional printed book? As early as in 1962, Marshall McLuhan, in his famous book The Gutenberg Galaxy, predicted an early end to the Gutenberg era, replaced by a new “galaxy of electronic media.” According to him, the traditional book, printed on paper, was supposed to disappear definitely before the end of the twentieth century, which — as we know — did not happen [8]. It is possible that predictions about the future of the traditional library, which was supposed to lose in competition with the Internet, will not come true either.
According to the survey, the students usually use the Internet a few times a week. Almost 40 percent (39.9 percent) of the respondents answered this way, whereas the research workers use it much more often — 68 percent use it every day.
The investigated students usually come to the library a few times a week — 46.8 percent, while the researchers visit the place once a month — 60 percent. Students come to the institution to borrow the books they need, read the literature on the spot in the reading rooms as well as use the Internet and e–mail. As many as 84 percent of the respondents gave this answer. Eighty percent of the research workers (just like students) come to the library in order to borrow the needed literature, use the reading rooms and obtain the necessary bibliographic information.
The investigated students and researchers noticed, despite some disadvantages, big advantages of using the library and they named the following: very good access to a great number of reliable and authoritative sources, free access to books and professional service. The examined also saw the advantages of using the Internet. Still, there are much more disadvantages, e.g., uncertainity about the reliability of information, too much information on the given subject, low quality of information (mistakes and inexactness), time–consuming selection of information and finally, possibility of addiction.
The respondents read books, newspapers and magazines in the electronic version (the research workers seem to use it more often). And yet, being able to choose from the whole collection in the electronic version, both students and research workers would choose the traditional version. The survey reveals that the contact with the traditional book is fundamental for many readers. For some of them even the scent or kind of paper is very important. The investigated also emphasised the lack of physical contact as one of the dark sides of the Internet book, or the necessity of reading in one place. For those who choose the traditional version of the book, health reasons were very important. They think that sitting in front of the monitor for long hours is tiring for their sight and leads to headaches. There were respondents who preferred electronic versions, but mainly articles or short texts from newspapers and magazines. According to some respondents, it is easier to search and read digital versions. These electronic versions are also, in their opinion, easier to store or delete. For some, it also means a saving of time and paper.
As the survey reveals, the respondents, when looking for the information on the given subject, mostly look for it using both the library and the Internet. 81.5% of the students and 65% of the examined researchers answered this way. Definitely fewer people look for the needed information on the Internet only.
For most respondents (90% percent), the Internet is not a threat to the traditional library, it is only a supplement to its service.
Printed books and electronic ones will coexist with each other for a long time, and there will always be readers who will choose the specific atmosphere of the library and contact with the traditional book.