I love libraries. And spend a lot of time in them, everywhere I travel.

But as government monopolies, most are slow to innovate. In all you can spot outdated technologies and nonsensical policies.

The painfully slow introduction of digital media is the most conspicuous example. Librarians like to pretend they offer digital video and books … but to actually access those files can be a nightmare.

Libraries will be somewhat defunct, you see, once digital media is ubiquitous.

I’m pleasantly surprised to report that Signal Hill Library in Calgary, recently re-opened after renovations, has been vastly improved. It’s bright, welcoming and the electronic media access has been upgraded considerably.