Jason,
These are great questions to ask. I love the library, some have wonderful reading rooms that create a quiet, companionable atmosphere for reading and studying. To think that this may disappear is a cultural loss, as well as a loss of information access. There already is a "Knowledge Gap" or "Digital Underclass" for people who can't afford smartphones and data plan , great apps etc.., with fast access to information. There are plenty of people who do not own PCs and have to go the Library to use one. Where will they go when or if the libraries go? Considering the state of the economy it's hard to see local or federal funding for libraries. Foundations like Gates might do some funding, but the last thing we want is for readers to be locked into anything proprietary. I think the answer may be in part to have companies such as Amazon, and e-book readers give a percentage of each sale of a device and a book, go toward creating digital libraries or god forbid, maintaining existing libraries. Another aspect of e-content regards text books. There is the real issue of different types of learning styles. E-content is great for people who are just visual learners. People who need to highlight, underline, fold pages etc., i.e., kinetic learners will be at a disadvantage. They will still need tactile elements. Then there are people who need audio as well.
Maybe there will need to be more grass roots involvement and get PTAs and education groups involved. I do know the answers, but capitalism with a touch of social good is not as horrible as shareholders think. Maybe people need to reread John Donne (1572-1631) "No man is an island" poem to understand the interconnectedness of all things (yes, it is about mortality).
On a last "Butterfly Effect" note, a country that has more uneducated poor, a shrinking middle class, and one percenters can morph into a 3rd world nation.
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