What the everliving HECK? I am not onboard with this news at all!! Yes, I understand the need to save money on the annual cost to run NASA's Goddard Library and the additional money needed for repairs to fix issues and the continued upkeep of such a massive library.... But isn't the expense worth it for this unique library for the future of space travel, sending telescopes into space, the development of rockets, and so on? It's not like there isn't a future for exploration outside our planet. The information provided within Goddard Library is valuable for researchers, students, historians, and more.
Additionally, there is so much material that hasn't even been digitized from the Goddard Library for future reference to be used in aiding scientists and engineers! Goddard Library has materials which came from the former Soviet Union space program. It feels like we're erasing history by not keeping and maintaining this library's physical presence. We do not want to lose valuable material that will help future space programs.
I am fine with the concept of digitizing scientific materials for onsite and online research purposes. But I also overwhelmingly feel there is a need for the balance between digital and analog resources. Why not have both a physical and digital presence with regards to NASA's Goddard Library?
What are your thoughts regarding the shutdown of NASA's Goddard Library?
According to the NY Times this is part of a trend that's been moving since 2022 at least. Unfortunately, it seems a common plight of many libraries -- the past is simply discarded, and physical presence regarded as an inconvenience. This is widespread in public libraries, which are more like computer and social services centers than places of peace and literature, but I would've expected more academic -- especially research-oriented libraries -- to be exempt.
ReplyDeleteNY times article:
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/31/climate/nasa-goddard-library-closing.html
Thank you for your thoughts. I will read the NY Times article.
DeleteI think it's sad and wrong and I don't like it. But then I'm not a fan of change...especially when it comes to amazing libraries.
ReplyDeleteSame here when it comes to changing amazing libraries.
DeleteAnother false economy by an administration that seems to have no regard for history or for the need to preserve its records for historians and researchers.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you 100%, Dorothy!!
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