[00:53.11]T:Ok, Stewart. We need to start planning our paper on public libraries.
[00:58.28]Have you thought of an angle yet?
[00:59.66]S:Well, there's so much we could look into.
[01:02.48] How libraries have changed over the centuries, for instance, or how different countries organize them.
[01:09.02] What do you think, Trudie?
[01:10.43]T:Maybe we should concentrate on this country, and try and relate the changes in libraries to external developments, like the fact that far more people can read than a century ago, and that the local population may speak lots of different languages.
[01:24.43]S:We could include something about changes in the source of funding, too.
[01:28.35]T:Yes, but remember we're only supposed to write a short paper, so it's probably best if don't go into funding in any detail.
[01:35.42]S:Right. Well, shall we just brainstorm a few ideas, to get started?
[01:40.86]T:Ok. We obviously need to look at the impact of new technology, particularly the internet.
[01:46.50] Now that lots of books have been digitalized, people can access them from their own computers at home.
[01:51.46]S:And if everyone did that, libraries would be obsolete.
[01:54.55]T:Yes.
[01:55.64]S:But the digitalized books that are available online for free are mostly out of copyright, aren't they?
[02:01.97] And copyright in this country lasts for 70 years after the author dies.
[02:07.29] So you won't find the latest best-seller or up-to-date information.
[02:11.53]T:That's an important point.
[02:13.56] Anyway, I find it hard to concentrate when I'm reading a long text on a screen.
[02:17.53] I'd much rather read a physical book.
[02:19.80]And it takes longer to read on a screen.
[02:22.55]S:Oh, I prefer it.
[02:24.59]I suppose it's just a personal preference.
[02:27.36]T:Mm. I expected that libraries will go on evolving in the next few years.
[02:31.07] Some have already become centers where community activities take place, like local clubs meeting there.
[02:36.94] I think that'll become even more common.
[02:39.32]S:I'd like to think so, and that they'll still be serving their traditional function, but I'm not so sure.
[02:45.17] There're financial implications, after all.
[02:48.20] What I'm afraid will happen is that books and magazines will all disappear, and there'll just be rows and rows of computers.
[02:54.99] They won't look anything like the libraries we're used to.
[02:57.66]T:Well, we'll see.
[03:51.37]T:I've just had an idea.
[03:53.46] Why don't we make an in-depth study of our local public library as background to our paper?
[03:58.37]S:Yes, that'd be interesting, and raise all sorts of issues.
[04:02.23] Let's make a list of possible things we could ask about, then work out some sort of structure.
[04:08.16] For instance, um, we could interview some of the staff, and find out whether the library has its own budget, or if that's controlled by the local council.
[04:16.50]T:And what their policies are.
[04:18.12] I know they don't allow food, but I'd love to find out what types of noise they ban - there always seems to be a lot of talking, but never music.
[04:26.06] I don't know if that's a policy or it just happens.
[04:28.91]S:Ah, I've often wondered.
[04:30.97] Then there are things like how the library is affected by employment laws.
[04:36.35]I suppose there are rules about working hours, facilities for staff and so on.
[04:40.84]T:Right. Then there are other issues relating to design of the building and how customers use it.
[04:46.43]Like what measures does the library take to ensure their safety?
[04:50.19]They'd need floor coverings that aren't slippery, and emergency exits, for instance.
[04:55.05] Oh, and another thing-there's the question of the kind of insurance the library needs to have, in case anyone gets injured.
[05:01.61]S:Yes, that's something else to find out.
[05:03.99] You know something I've often wondered?
[05:05.89]T:What's that?
[05:06.83]S:Well, you know they've got an archive of local newspapers going back years?
[05:10.96]Well, next to it they've got the diary of a well-known politician from the late 19th century.
[05:16.76]I wonder why it's there.
[05:18.41]Do you know what his connection was with this area?
[05:21.59]T:No idea.
[05:22.90] Let's add it to our list of things to find out.
[05:25.56] Oh, I've just thought - you know people might ask in the library about local organizations, like sports clubs?
[05:32.93] Well, I wonder if they keep a database, or whether they just look online.
[05:36.85]S:Right. I quite fancy finding out what the differences are between a library that's open to the public and one that's part of a museum, for example - they must be very different.
[05:47.06]T:Mmm. Then something else I'd like to know is…
