"Are Librarians Totally Obsolete?"

The article "Are Librarians Totally Obsolete?" by Will Sherman gives "33 Reasons Why Libraries and Librarians are Still Important." In a culture in which the internet seems to rule all, many people are thinking that at some point there will no longer be a need for libraries or librarians. This article proves the contrary, giving 33 valid reasons why this will never be the case. The reasons are believable and substantially supported, easily convincing the reader of its argument.

One important point made in the article is that libraries and the internet are not the same thing. I think it is great to point out a fact that although obvious is often overlooked. Because libraries and the internet are not the same thing, it would be impossible for one of those to replace the other. There may be people who believe that the internet is an updated, more efficient form of the library. This is not the case. The internet is just a different way to gather different types of information (not "better" or "more accurate" information, just different). It is important to remember that libraries are integrating the internet as an additional form of research; the two are working together, not against one another.

One of the reasons that I found interesting, and even a bit humorous because of the should-be obviousness of the idea. Reason number fourteen states, "We just can't count on physical libraries disappearing." Well of course we can't! Not only because of their importance in filing and preserving important archives and various forms of information, I can hardly imagine a time that the internet will be able to replace everything a library provides. A computer screen will never be able to replicate the atmosphere, the reliability, the comfort, or many other aspects of a library. I believe that there will always be a need in our society for libraries.