Are you connected in Media, PA? Some aren't!

Whether at my home or at work, or even on the go; I take for granted the connectivity and computer processing power I have within an arm's reach.  However, it's a lot more of a stretch for others, who like all of us, have come to rely on internet access.

Tonight, the Media Upper Providence Library made an announcement that their server that manages the public computer access crashed.  That might not be a big deal for a lot of people, but if you've ever swung by the library, you'll see the computer stations are quite crowded and often have a waiting list.

Whether it's looking for a job, emailing a resume, paying bills, looking up an insurance claim or catching up with friends on social media; internet connectivity has become a vital need in the Media community.  There was a recent article in the Wall Street Journal that explored the feasibility of a bookless library that instead relied on computers, tables and Kindle type readers for sharing information.  We will always have books, but they will and are sharing space with other electronic mediums.

I don't know how quickly that eventuality is approaching, but then again, no one really thought the demise of the print newspaper  would happen so fast either.  Today's news about the Daily Times substantiates that tectonic shift many industries are undergoing, especially in the print business. Remember getting the Newsweek delivered in the mail?  Well, that doesn't happen anymore and what was a powerhouse in news, is nothing more than a blog now.

What's concerning here is a vulnerability for Media residents who rely on public computer access and may not get it.  Whether a server crash, prolonged outage, or limited use due crowded conditions at the library; these issues are becoming serious, as around the clock dependencies develop for these services.