Maybe this is a good indication of my attitude toward technology. I love the idea that I can access the Seattle Public Library's catalog via the internet. Without even putting on my shoes, I can look up a book, find out if the library has it, where all the copies are, put a copy on hold, tell the library at which branch I want it held, and then receive an email when it arrives. From the comfort of my home, I can do all the routine stuff like check on the status of my holds, renew books, or reserve a computer. In contrast, I don't like the library's self-checkout system. I feel that if I'm going out in public, making a physical trip to the library, I want to have some human interaction. When I check a book out, I want to talk to a librarian, even the librarians at the Capitol Hill branch - the most unfriendly librarians in town. (My friend Barbara, a Seattle Public Library employee and Capitol Hill resident agrees with me about the unfriendliness.) The problem is, I don't get a choice - only in cases of physical handicap will a librarian check a book out for you.
Part of this attitude is my sensitivity to the employment that such technology eliminates. I refuse to use QFC's self-service grocery checkout.
Part of it is my overall distrust of technology in general. Every month, I make a hardcopy printout of this blog. I made a backup file of the last (digital) photographs of Gladys this morning. Soon, I will order hardcopy prints.
Part of this attitude is my sensitivity to the employment that such technology eliminates. I refuse to use QFC's self-service grocery checkout.
Part of it is my overall distrust of technology in general. Every month, I make a hardcopy printout of this blog. I made a backup file of the last (digital) photographs of Gladys this morning. Soon, I will order hardcopy prints.