The internet is increasingly becoming a storehouse and showcase, at the same time, of text, audio and video content on everything under the sun. For some people, this one-stop solution provider is a big alternative for libraries, museums, zoos and similar public places of interest.

• Do you think the internet can replace libraries and museums and the like?
• Is the relevance of these places increasing or decreasing, in your opinion?      

The Net enabled cyberspace is so smart that it works as a stockpile and a showcase of all that is known to man. This fact notwithstanding, to me it is hard to believe that it would replace museums and libraries, and the latter are gaining greater currency these days. Let me prove it.

I believe that the IT enabled information superhighway is not as encouraging as museums, libraries or anything. For example, the Net displays things to those who surf it, and the contents it brings forth may not be as live as what we find in museums and zoos. Besides, the physical look, feel and presence of objects makes people enjoy times and things of the past and present in a more involved manner; ‘seeing is believing’, in short. To be exact, the Internet is an electronically generated no-man’s space whereas the said places of public interest are concrete creations of man of all ages.

Naturally, there is much to believe that these creations would be as relevant as they have always been today. Generations may come and go by leaving their contributions behind. For example, today’s path-breaking achievements are pieces of display for the rest of the world to see. Eventually, people of all ages would be pulled to the differences of lives seen in different parts of the world; let it be of animals, people, or pieces of history and heritage. The thriving tourism in such places of interest shows it vividly.  

My conclusion is the Internet serves a purpose much different from what museums, libraries and zoos do. They are not just places for stocking and displaying contents. Obviously, as they have always been, museums and libraries will stand the test of all times.

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Ajaypeesdoc. 08.10.2013