Practice Synthesis Essay
Directions: Respond to the prompt as best you can. All writing needs to be completed in the
assignment document and must be submitted by the end of the class period. This is not formally
graded. You will have the opportunity to revise at a later time.
Prompt: As the Internet age changes what and how people read, there has been considerable
debate about the future of public libraries. While some commentators question whether
libraries can stay relevant, others see new possibilities for libraries in the changing dynamics
of today’s society.
Carefully read the following six sources, including the introductory information for each
source. Then synthesize material from at least three of the sources and incorporate it into a
coherent, well-written essay in which you develop a position on the role, if any, that public
libraries should serve in the future.
Your argument should be the focus of your essay. Use the sources to develop your argument
and explain the reasoning for it. Avoid merely summarizing the sources. Indicate clearly which
sources you are drawing from, whether through direct quotation, paraphrase, or summary. You
may cite the sources as Source A, Source B, etc., or by using the descriptions in parentheses.
Link to a digital copy of the sources is here.
Begin Your Writing Below…
For decades, libraries have ensured the preservation of records and provided thousands
of citizens with information from around the world. In fact, the role of the first public library was
to share information with everyone. Libraries have since remained a prominent resource for
everyone, improving the literacy of millions and promoting critical thinking and creativity. While
digital technology is certainly growing in prominence, ultimately public libraries should remain
available for everyone because of their relevance in open access and information.
Libraries promote the expression of ideas and societal growth by increasing creativity and
critical thinking. Libraries can influence the core foundations of society because of their role in
connecting people and ideals. With the public availability of libraries, “libraries build learning
communities that bring people with mutual interests together to exchange information and
learn about and solve problems of common concern.” (Kranich) Thus, libraries continue to bring
people together to affect personal and societal growth. They encourage the discussion and
action of issues relevant to society by ensuring that citizens have the resources and information
necessary to understand these issues. Furthermore, libraries can facilitate the spread of
knowledge due to the widespread availability of information that provides multiple perspectives
on important issues. Providing accessible information to many people results in the exchange of
ideas and personal growth. By ensuring that libraries continue to be funded and maintained,
communities gain a shared space where people of all backgrounds can interact. Without
libraries, communities would experience a lack of multiperspectivity.
In the same way that individual development and societal growth are promoted, libraries
can also play an influential role in providing information for people with restricted access.
Individuals without high school diplomas, of Hispanic descent, in rural areas, and with subpar
incomes are less likely to use e-books or have access to digital information and services. (Shank)
Libraries often are “the only access point for digital information and services” for these people.
In these communities, libraries serve as crucial organizations that make their services and
information available to anyone and everyone. They can give these people access to e-reading
materials, visualize their favorite books, or even publish their stories and ideals. With access to
information and resources that may otherwise be inaccessible, public libraries create shared
experiences between individuals and often give social support. As the digital world continues to
evolve, libraries help ensure people can access the information they need and bridge the gap in a
rapidly evolving digital landscape. In doing so, public libraries contribute significantly to providing
everyone with access to information.
Libraries, however, are experiencing a decrease in budget and funding. Indeed, 23 states
have “reported cuts in state funding for public libraries from 2010-2011 to 2011-2012.” (Source
F) For many people, this seems to indicate the diminishing importance of libraries in society
because the loss of funding has led many to believe libraries are growing obsolete in the new
digital age. While digital technology has certainly grown in popularity, libraries have also been
adapting to their community. For example, the Chicago library “ lets any teen … have in-house
access to computers plus video and audio recording equipment to create their own content.”
(Shank) With these new changes, libraries can supply communities with literacy, books, world
news, and other important information. The innovations of the libraries allow them to meet the
needs of a modern population and help the personal growth of many people. People can
continue to learn and think critically about their lives with the continuation of public libraries.
Without these libraries, there would be a more significant division between the education of
individuals.
In conclusion, the digital age does not signal the end of public libraries. Instead, libraries
have been more important than ever because they supply information and resources to the
community. From connecting people from all across the world to stimulating the expression of
ideas, libraries continue to serve an important role in modern-day society and should continue to
be maintained.