M. S. Koningsdam's Library: A reply from a Special Advisor, Office of the President

That's interesting. Sounds like someone realized how many people read at bedtime and planned for that. Unfortunately, my kindle is an app on a tablet, so I do still have the light issue.

I don't know what tablet you have, but this software is available for a variety of formats:

https://justgetflux.com

I completed an Internet survey sent to me by HAL a few days ago.

They asked questions about numbers of cruises, numbers of vacations days I've taken over the last two years, my age, my income, etc. In other words, demographic, target-audience qualifying questions.

Then there were a few interest-type questions. Most of these, I don't really remember. But because of this thread and other comments about the Koningsdam (which we will be on board a month from now), I do remember a question about the library.

My conclusions based on all of this are these:

- HAL's doing and has done market research on libraries

- Libraries don't matter to the demographic of the people likely to take a cruise on the Koningsdam and its future sisters

HAL is trying to be polite in its responses to its current loyalists who value libraries but it's not likely to change its mind here. EReaders, iPads, etc., have dramatically changed publishing. While not universally true, older folks buy paper books and younger folks download them. HAL has to start to skew younger or it won't survive. I'm 53 and my general view of HAL is that it's for old people and the truth is my 25 year old self would considered me an old people. Who will think of HAL as their line in 10 years as the current loyalists stop taking cruises?

When I am doing on a project I roam through my own library. I might need several book... all laid out on a table. I can go back and forth looking the information I need. It take a second to change a page on a book... or back until I need. Some books might have illustrations and some might have large plans and fold put papers. Sorry, no kindle can do that kind of work.

 

If you are talking about casual reading for a cruise.... yes a kindle can probably do that... if that is what you want. To say that a library is not necessary on a cruise ship is everyone's loss.

 

 

Kindle and paper is about the difference between eating a real steak or squeezing a 'mush' then microwave like in outspace. Sure, same calories, good taste. Which what you really prefer?

I agree with you in many respects. I have four large bookcases in my home filled with books; I particularly tend to keep those that I refer to often and as you say, those with good illustrations and maps. (One bookcase contains just books on the Roman empire!)

But for travel, sometimes we have to think a little differently. For example: as a woman, I would like to bring my entire wardrobe of clothes and shoes to choose from. But I can't, due to space and cost issues. The same holds with books. I simply cannot carry 10 heavy volumes of Roman history with me, just on the off chance that I might want to refer to something I see in a certain museum somewhere on my trip.

And I am very picky about what I read. I don't want to bring 10 paperback "lighter reads" with me only to find that I don't like 5 of them and 2 are so poorly written that I can't stand to read them...

Are e-Readers 100% perfect? No. But for many, they are a near-perfect solution to this problem. (Especially since not all of my travel is aboard ships, with or without good libraries....) I can bring 20 or 30 reference books if I like, plus a huge variety of lighter reads for whatever might strike my fancy at that moment.

If HAL does what they say in the article quoted earlier, it seems as if they will still have the large references and photo books that many enjoy browsing or referring to for their particular destinations. To me that makes a lot of sense. Those are the kinds of books that are difficult to experience the same way on an e-Reader.

Apparently, HAL has already decided to phase out North American librarians and libraries on certain ships starting in September. At least 2 librarians (one from the Volendam) that had contracts for this fall received notice that the contracts were terminated as the librarian position was being phased out. Internet issues are to be handled by the front office. Apparently, the final decision was made last week.

another dumbing down policy to annoy repeat passengers who liked the library.

Apparently, HAL has already decided to phase out North American librarians and libraries on certain ships starting in September.

Thank you for taking on the mantle of bearer of bad news. A sad task, indeed when it comes to this topic.

Another example of a change in direction of what was once a beloved cruise line.

I have always loved the on board libraries for one simple fact. They allow me the opportunity to browse many different authors I may not have seen before. Many (perhaps most) will put down after a chapter or two... Some I fall in love with. If you have a reader, you limit yourself to authors you know.

But eliminate the libraries? Just one more check mark AGAINST a particular ship. (Along with a poor or non existant promenade deck! :D )

I have always loved the on board libraries for one simple fact. They allow me the opportunity to browse many different authors I may not have seen before. Many (perhaps most) will put down after a chapter or two... Some I fall in love with. If you have a reader, you limit yourself to authors you know.

 

Not necessarily. On Amazon, for example, they offer a good number of new books where you can download a single chapter for free and then decide if you want to purchase the ebook. Or libraries -- you can borrow any ebook at no cost.

I get plenty of recommendations for new authors from friends and from various websites that recommend books based on what you've liked in the past, as well as from places like the NYTimes book review, etc.

Not necessarily. On Amazon, for example, they offer a good number of new books where you can download a single chapter for free and then decide if you want to purchase the ebook. Or libraries -- you can borrow any ebook at no cost.

 

I get plenty of recommendations for new authors from friends and from various websites that recommend books based on what you've liked in the past, as well as from places like the NYTimes book review, etc.

Some people, myself included, simply enjoy old fashioned books. It does not necessarily indicate a dinosaur mentality. I was surprised how many bookstores we saw recently in Europe. They are sadly lacking these days in Sydney. Here on the trains people constantly read. But mostlyFacebbok, from what I can see.

We minimise the number of devices we take away with us, down to one Apple 5 phone is possible. At the most, add an iPad. I have some books loaded on it but love to browse in a library.

I have found it is almost as expensive to download books as buy them online. Then I share them around with my friends.

I must say that I'm surprised by the number of people who say they won't cruise on the K'dam, and presumably any future HAL ships, because of the lack of a traditional library. There are so many factors upon which to base a decision on this ship or that cruise, but the size or nature of a ship's library collection has never entered my mind as a criterion. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that it isn't a valid issue, just not one that resonates for me personally.

And I guess I would never have sailed on HAL. The collection of books in 'foreign' languages' was always dismal, one shelf.

Complete relaxation for me includes reading in my own language. :D

I have found it is almost as expensive to download books as buy them online. Then I share them around with my friends.

When I bought the original Kindle, ebooks were quite a bit cheaper. Fortunately, as their prices started to rise, our municipal library started an ebook collection that is excellent. I haven't bought an ebook in years now, instead downloading all of my Best Sellers List reading material from the library.

Some people, myself included, simply enjoy old fashioned books. It does not necessarily indicate a dinosaur mentality. I was surprised how many bookstores we saw recently in Europe. They are sadly lacking these days in Sydney. Here on the trains people constantly read. But mostlyFacebbok, from what I can see.

We minimise the number of devices we take away with us, down to one Apple 5 phone is possible. At the most, add an iPad. I have some books loaded on it but love to browse in a library.

I have found it is almost as expensive to download books as buy them online. Then I share them around with my friends.

I'm not saying anyone's a dinosaur -- read my previous posts, I love and read books too. Just trying to provide some additional information to the person who commented on finding new authors.

(My biggest problem isn't finding new authors, it's finding enough time to read all the books I've bought at my local bookstore and all the eBooks I've got on my Kindle....:o)

Did they say or do they know which ships will get rid of their libraries? For a short cruise 7-14 days we can bring enough books to read. For longer ones 30-40 days we would cruise on ships which have libraries.

Allan

I think our 15th cruise on HAL in November will be our last. HAL have clearly no interest in providing the things we want on a ship and I cannot believe they are abolishing the lovely libraries particularly on the R and S class ships. Kindles have nothing to do with this - I have one but I still read books too, and no cruise goes by without us spending time in the library and hopefully finding room to sit there. If there is nothing that appeals in the evening we often go to the library then.

So ...... we have booked a cruise on Seabourn in September and I think our view is to do fewer cruises and go on Oceania or Seabourn if we like it. We also fancy trying Regent. I think we probably mighthave cut down on the number of cruises we do anyway and do more in Britain.

If anyone hears anything more we would be interested to know if Nieuw Amsterdam will have a library in Novmber!! If not, along with having the Rebels political activist group on board and probably not much access to the Crows Nest it looks like being a good cruise.

Apparently, HAL has already decided to phase out North American librarians and libraries on certain ships starting in September. At least 2 librarians (one from the Volendam) that had contracts for this fall received notice that the contracts were terminated as the librarian position was being phased out. Internet issues are to be handled by the front office. Apparently, the final decision was made last week.

This is terrible news! Are they going to put an Internet specialist in the front office as I doubt the regular staff there can handle those questions.

Our Mariners usually take extended cruises and the library is very popular. Think they are making a big mistake by phasing out libraries. They need to satisfy their base. [emoji27][emoji26][emoji30]

Think they are making a big mistake by phasing out libraries. They need to satisfy their base. [emoji27][emoji26][emoji30]

Ah, but that's where I think there has been a deliberate decision. It looks as if the Mariners, and those that think like them, who have been around for years are no longer wanted. Holland America wants to replace Mariners with a totally different group, with a different outlook, and different desires in cruise amenities.

HAL is looking to satisfy an entirely different base.

Maybe someone will use the comments here to encourage them to do a PHd thesis on the subject :D

Interesting idea there ... I just graduated this week with a Masters in Library and Information Management. I wonder if I could get a research grant to spend some time onboard a few ships studying this subject ... Well I can dream anyway :D

I'm not a "fast reader" but it was always a question I had for fast readers. If you can read a book a day, do you read every single word and comprehend everything or is it just a skim? Thanks.

From personal experience I'd say yes I read and comprehend every bit of a book. I read moderately fast and get through a book every other day roughly at home or away ...a lot of time on public transport from my small village home means a lot of reading time, plus I can't sleep without reading first.

Whether you read fast or slow the pleasure is in the beauty of the words either way ...

Ah, but that's where I think there has been a deliberate decision. It looks as if the Mariners, and those that think like them, who have been around for years are no longer wanted. Holland America wants to replace Mariners with a totally different group, with a different outlook, and different desires in cruise amenities.

HAL is looking to satisfy an entirely different base.

Very well stated, Ruth, but so sad to think this is HAL's motive.

As with many services today - the secret to success for a business is to monetize previously "included" services. Those who wish or need a particular service pay more than others who do not. For instance, most airlines charge for checked baggage or early check-in. Carnival has FTTF, or faster to the fun.

Since HAL apparently has many guests who love, or at least like, having a fully stocked library along with a librarian, that answer is to charge for the facility.

"The HAL Library at Sea" includes several copies of the NYT bestsellers, literary classics, current periodicals, and both fiction and non-fiction related to your itinerary and your ship. Superbly comfortable seating is available along with individually adjustable lighting. A degreed librarian is available throughout the day. Reserve your access online today! $180 for seven days.

So does anyone know what they are planning for the space if the libraries are shrinking so much?

Instead of the Library in the older ships you will now have a Dutch Café and instead of the Explorations. Yes? Or perhaps Emeralds in the Caribbean!

Apparently, HAL has already decided to phase out North American librarians and libraries on certain ships starting in September. At least 2 librarians (one from the Volendam) that had contracts for this fall received notice that the contracts were terminated as the librarian position was being phased out. Internet issues are to be handled by the front office. Apparently, the final decision was made last week.

I've never needed a librarian on the ships other than for the reference books that are locked up. So, as long as someone is around that can provide that service (unlock the cabinet) and someone can provide help with internet for those that need it, I don't see an issue as far as the librarian is concerned. They have been doing double duty on most ships I have been on and mostly as internet managers.

ie., Oceania's libraries have no librarian. You just take the book and return it. someone puts them away, of course. i suspect the person at Baristas.

Now, to dismantle existing libraries - that is a horse of a different colour! I hope that the libraries remain on board - especially on the ships that do the longer itineraries.

When went to "Library School" 30+ years ago, we were told the demise of the physical book was about 10 years out. It has not happened.

I haven't bought an ebook in years now, instead downloading all of my Best Sellers List reading material from the library.

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