In Switzerland, a petition to protect libraries against automatic terminals

2024-08-16 15:40:00

Already in place in fast food restaurants, in supermarkets and in public services, will automatic terminals take over libraries in particular? In Switzerland, two Genevans launched a book to avoid this and “promote links between the public and professionals”.

For ten years now, libraries have been equipped with automatic terminals. As reported reportAnouk Dunant Gonzenbach and Isabelle Lamm reacted when they learned in the columns of the newspapers of the city centers that these machines will take complete possession of these cultural sanctuaries to control all the transactions.

The purpose is clear: “Give the right to borrow and return books in all circumstances to libraries in the public libraries of Geneva and to promote connections between people and professionals”. On behalf of a collective of Geneva city, the authors of the plea The requirement is on the one hand that the libraries have the opportunity and necessary contacts for book loan and return services, and on the other hand that the installation of automated terminals in the libraries is limited to what is necessary ( one terminal per library). Anouk and Isabelle insist that choosing a book always requires information and human advice. According to them, “replacing people with machines will lead to the loss of professional skills”.

Entitled on the site “Again and always: people instead of the screen”, the appeal is not only aimed at the world of books. After presenting their arguments, the authors conclude by affirming that “every break in human connection deserves anger”. And we ask ourselves: “What should the world look like in which we want to live?”