Today, almost any question you can think of can be answered by checking sources on the internet. Long before the invention of the internet, the one place most people could reliably find information was the local library. Currently, there are more than 9,000 public libraries in the United States, each one packed with books, periodicals, and reference materials. But do we really need physical libraries in the digital age? What is the function of a brick-and-mortar library in a time when information is instantaneously available to anybody who has access to technology? Please visit your local county library website and review what is offered and think about its relevance in your life / community.

Question

Today, almost any question you can think of can be answered by checking sources on the internet. Long before the invention of the internet, the one place most people could reliably find information was the local library. Currently, there are more than 9,000 public libraries in the United States, each one packed with books, periodicals, and reference materials. But do we really need physical libraries in the digital age? What is the function of a brick-and-mortar library in a time when information is instantaneously available to anybody who has access to technology? Please visit your local county library website and review what is offered and think about its relevance in your life / community. 
Response Expectations:
Go to Google Docs in your Pearson/Connexus account you have just set up. 
Open new document.  
Set up page for MLA formatting. 
Create your heading.  
Create a title.  
Then set up your discussion body for double-spacing.

GPT-4o mini · Answer

To help you create a document in MLA format for your discussion on the relevance of physical libraries in the digital age, I'll guide you through the steps you should follow in Google Docs:

Steps to Create MLA Format Document

Open Google Docs: Log in to your Pearson/Connexus account and access Google Docs.
New Document: Click on the "Blank" option to create a new document.
Page Setup:
- Go to "File" > "Page setup".
- Set the margins to 1 inch on all sides (this is the default).
- Ensure that the document is in portrait orientation.
Heading:
- In the top left corner of the document, type your name.
- Press Enter, and then type your instructor's name.
- Press Enter, and then type the course name.
- Press Enter, and type the date (in the format Day Month Year, e.g., 23 October 2023).
For example:
```
Your Name
Instructor's Name
Course Name
23 October 2023
```
Title:
- After the heading, press Enter twice and type your title centered on the next line. You can use a title such as “The Enduring Relevance of Public Libraries in the Digital Age”.
- The title should not be bolded, underlined, or italicized.
Body of the Document:
- Press Enter again to start your discussion body.
- Ensure that the entire document is double-spaced. To set this, go to “Format” > “Line spacing” > “Double”.

Sample Body of Discussion

Here’s a suggestion for what you might write in your document:

The Enduring Relevance of Public Libraries in the Digital Age

In an era when information is readily accessible through various digital platforms, one might question the necessity of physical libraries. However, public libraries serve functions that extend beyond simply housing books. They are community hubs that foster learning, creativity, and social interaction among residents of all ages.

When I visited my local county library, I discovered a wealth of resources that went far beyond physical books. The library offered access to digital databases, e-books, and online courses that anyone could utilize for free with a library card. This accessibility is crucial for individuals who may not have the means to purchase books or subscribe to online services. Additionally, the library provides a quiet space for study and contemplation, which might be hard to find in an increasingly noisy digital world.

Moreover, libraries curate various programs that cater to diverse community interests, such as children's story hours, workshops on digital literacy, and events showcasing local authors. These activities not only enrich the community but also help build a sense of belonging—a crucial element in our modern, often isolating world.

In conclusion, while the digital age offers unprecedented access to information, brick-and-mortar libraries continue to play an important role in fostering community engagement, providing access to resources, and supporting lifelong learning. Thus, public libraries remain a vital aspect of our contemporary society.

You can use this content as inspiration or modify it to reflect your own views and experiences regarding your local library. Make sure you personalize it and include any specific programs or services provided by your library that you find particularly relevant.