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Originally Posted by Ex libris
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Maybe I'm a little confused, but is there much difference between physical and digital libraries now? I mean, I've done a lot of research through the U of C and I needed to visit the actual library once (very specific data in a massive 16 volume handbook...and the handbook actually didn't contain the data I needed). In theory, I think I get what they're are trying to state: that a digitized library may be more efficient than a standard one. But I'm not sure I fully understand the consequences of removing physical libraries.
Certainly, the physical assets of the library need to be better handled; wasting material like that is atrocious. Getting them a home is important. But, again, I'm wondering if having an online database is much different from the physical (aside from the obvious aspect of it being inaccessible if you don't have a computer).
The one net negative I could think of is how easy it is to get lost if you're not technically competent and how much misinformation by poorly written articles could crop up. Any Google Scholar trip can show you the latter's impact.