Monochrome Mentality

Elizabeth Cromwell, Public Relations Manager for the Frederick County Library responded to my e-mail and I'm finally getting around to posting it.

Hi Kevin,

Thanks for contacting Frederick County Public Libraries regarding downloadable content. Public libraries try to make content as freely available as possible. We are not always satisfied with the restrictions vendors may place upon end users, and vendors are well aware of our concerns.

Many librarians are involved in this issue through advocacy groups such as the American Library Association, Maryland Library Association and a variety of other organizations. These organizations exist to take on broad issues of national or international impact. The concern you have raised fits perfectly within the parameters of these advocacy groups.

Frederick County Public Libraries is a local government agency, not an advocacy group. Our mission is to provide access to as much information and cultural/learning experiences as our limited budget can offer. Our team of people that work on our website and online content represent about 2 percent of our staff. The vast majority of our staff assists with the running of our facilities to serve the people of Frederick County.

I applaud your efforts to make sweeping changes and take on Microsoft. You'll find a lot of library staffers in this country and abroad in your corner. Feel free to share your expertise with the advocacy groups I have mentioned, and keep us posted on your efforts.

As for us, we will continue to share our concerns with vendors. With a growing demand from our users for more, not less, of these products, I don't anticipate doing away with them at this time.

Thanks again for raising the issue. We are always happy to receive valuable input from our consumers.

Regards,
Elizabeth Cromwell