> Just as we stopped using street cars when buses and cars proved to be more maneuverable and efficient
I think we "stopped" using street cars because cars became more affordable and made less expensive housing around the edge of cities (suburbs) possible.
I've lived in a city which never got rid of streetcars, and has a good transit system; and many cities are bringing back such systems.
> because it delivered a unique benefit once upon a time
Do modern libraries not deliver benefits still? Or are you arguing that the benefit of lending paper books is in the past?
I think that most libraries are adapting to their users, and have taken on new (digital) pieces in their collections -- but I do think there are still a great need for ordinary paper books for a lot of users.
I think we "stopped" using street cars because cars became more affordable and made less expensive housing around the edge of cities (suburbs) possible. I've lived in a city which never got rid of streetcars, and has a good transit system; and many cities are bringing back such systems.
> because it delivered a unique benefit once upon a time
Do modern libraries not deliver benefits still? Or are you arguing that the benefit of lending paper books is in the past? I think that most libraries are adapting to their users, and have taken on new (digital) pieces in their collections -- but I do think there are still a great need for ordinary paper books for a lot of users.