The Googlary

Google (n): An online search engine important to users worldwide.
 (v): The act of researching online using the online search engine, Google. 

A trip to the online oxford dictionary enlightened m e on the very meaning of “Google”. What appals me is that the verb “Google” isn’t even classified as a slang. However, I cannot deny that I myself am responsible for excessive usage of the Google search engine. But, I do enjoy being at the library. Hence, in this blog post, I would like to share my view points on the article “Today’s library, tomorrow’s ‘googlary’.” 

Though, it is true that libraries are irreplaceable, both the word and its function. However, it definitely is much more convenient. With a few clicks and we have access to almost any knowledge we desire. However, “Googlers” still have to learn to be wise and selective towards the vast information provided by the internet. 

But, this cannot be blamed entirely on the users of Google; “credit” should also be given to Google themselves. They are by far the only search engine that provides an extensive search for websites, videos, blogs, news etc. You name it, they have it. Google even has a satellite imagery program that allows users to view any location in the world. It is no wonder that it is the most popular search engine all over the world, with the exception of China who banned Google. 

There is, however, one competitor of Google’s that too has gained much recognition. It too, has become a verb widely used by people. That competitor is none other than the online encyclopaedia: Wikipedia. Even teachers are using “Wiki” as a verb: “Got a question, just wiki it!” Furthermore, if you were to try Googling a certain topic, more often than not, the first hit would be from Wikipedia. Some claim that this is a conspiracy. 

Bringing the topic back to libraries, what exactly would happen to these libraries? I personally feel that they would not change. As stated in the article, libraries will always have a difference between the internets, have you ever tried browsing through the vast internet of websites, a mere word search of “I” would garner you more than a million hits. Furthermore, this already involves the narrowing of the spectrum, browsing through the internet would be insane. 

Hence, I believe that there is certainly nothing wrong with having both libraries and Googlaries. What exactly is stopping us from having both?