Letter: Replacing humans
Photo credit: Heather Walsh | Sandra Feinberg, director of the Middle Country Public Library, deposits books into the new, automated return station. (Jan. 12, 2012)
I write to respond to "Check this out" [News, Jan. 19], concerning the placement of self-checkout stations at several Long Island libraries. It engendered a feeling of trepidation, dismay and, I suppose, resignation. Our society continues to inexorably replace the human element in our daily lives with a technological face that promises efficiency, speed and accuracy -- and, of course, saves money.
This cultural transformation is not without a few rough edges. How do you feel when you attempt to contact an insurance company or a state agency? Are you comfortable punching in a code and talking to a computerized voice? I always feel a bit ridiculous when the computer thanks me for performing according to instructions. At the risk of being labeled a Luddite, I would prefer to deal with a human.
There are some technological interfaces that are generally popular. It's easier to pay bills online, as long as you're not concerned about offering the Internet personal information.
The ATM is another generally accepted device but, should you wish to pursue a more involved transaction, drive carefully to the bank. Be sure to remain alert at the intersection where the traffic cameras are poised to pounce should you slide a second or two from yellow to red.
The library transformation from print to screen has been proceeding for a while with no end in sight, and the circulation desk is listed under "endangered species."
It appears that we will have to segue from conversing with human beings to tapping on computer screens.
No doubt the screen will be programmed to read: Transaction completed. Have a nice day. It won't be the same.
Edward P. Hayden, Patchogue
