Fiction and the quality argument

We have had a couple discussions concerning quality vs. demand in class. They have been interesting discussions to say the least, at least from where I sit. But isn't it interesting to know that the old saying is true, "The more things change, the more they stay the same"?

I sometimes research newspaper archives in my genealogy research. My reading has led me to an article in the NY Times archive with a press date of December 20, 1902. Here we are over 100 years later, and the issue presented in this article still resonates today. You will find it at http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?_r=1&res=9802EED71E3DEE32A25753C2A9649D946397D6CF. It is titled "Public Library Problems."

Now I don't know if I will ever find myself in a position to have to make these decisions because I hope to work in a state library or an archive or a historical library. But as a patron, I feel slighted by my public library because the non-fiction section, at least the American history selection, can be very lacking. In other words, I have to do a lot of ILL (yes, I am jealous of the fiction readers). I know I might catch some flak for saying this, but if a fiction patron doesn't get every book in their library that they want, I just can't feel any sympathy. I hear Andrea's argument that libraries are not bookstores and I agree. But even if they aren't collection wise, libraries are just like bookstores in all their attractions. I am referring to the loud patrons (because being respectful of others is now taboo) and the coffee shops. I am become confused as to where I am, whether I should get out my money or my library card out of my wallet. I know - my neighbor has already told me I was born 100 years too late. But I am frustrated too and I pay taxes just like everyone else.

So pardon me while I bow out of this argument, because I have already figured out that one way or another I will find the books I want to read. My thought is that there is more than on e way to skin a cat. Perhaps it's time for fiction readers to figure that out as well.