Check It Out
By Mark W.F. Condon, Unite for Literacy vice president
Think of all the places you can check something out, like grocery stores, hotels, doctor offices, and, of course, libraries. Now, think of all the ways you can check something or someone out.
“Check out that hairdo over there!”
“Sorry, could you repeat that? I must have checked out for a sec.”
“Everything checks out. It’s good to go.”
“Did everyone get at least one book checked out before we go back to class?”
In the library sphere, this last kind of “Checking out” is a huge step. It is where books that have been read by perhaps thousands of people become new again. When checked out, books can become a special treasure for the next reader.
Digital discoveries
Unite for Literacy’s library is a different kind of library because it’s digital. Like most public libraries in the U.S., our library also is free for everyone to use. However, we offer a few benefits that brick-and-mortar library buildings cannot.
Our books are what we call “global digital public goods.” This phrase, taken from a UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) document, is about resources that are available to the world, potentially positively impacting everyone on the globe. There are no restrictions to use our library or access our books. They are for free for everyone, forever. 24/7/365!
Mostly non-fiction, our picture books written for children birth to about 8 years of age, deal with topics and subject matter that can be of interest to readers from any place on earth. In addition, all of them are available with one or more narrations read by real humans, speaking U.S. English and more than 60 other world or indigenous languages. That is what makes them Global Digital Public Goods. We offer the world a Book Garden to enjoy whenever those new to reading choose.
While we print our books and have special programs to deliver them to registered households, childcare providers, schools, direct-service nonprofits, and more, our digital collection with 600+ titles and 60+ narrations has unique value.
To infinity and beyond
Printed books are finite; they are limited in number. If a library has six copies of the latest bestseller and they are all checked out, the library does not have any more and patrons must wait their turns. Further, they are finite in durability. Printed books wear out and are sold or given away by the library, taking them out of circulation and eliminating further checking out. They also require care and maintenance performed by librarians and others library staff.
On the other hand, digital books are infinite. They never wear out. If a digital book file becomes corrupted, it can be replaced with a new digital file in a few moments time. And because they can be accessed in every corner of the world via mobile networks and the Internet, digital books are globally infinite.
One book and infinite, simultaneous readers
Finally, though there is only one “copy” of each book in our Unite for Literacy library, an infinite number of individuals may access that same book at the same time. There is no waiting list. There is no check out. There is no renewal. There are no late fees or fines.
That means readers do not have to wait until you are finished with a book to recommend it to friends.
So, check out the Unite for Literacy library!