In most cases, putting something tangible in a customer's hands before he or she leaves is more important than knowing it exists somewhere else. As needed, selective outreach will take library resources to where the customer is. Try to place the basic thrust of the collection just behind the curve of popular demand and current events. A public library should not strive to become a popular bookstore or an Internet switching station. Most people expect a public library to provide services that are at least a tiny bit dated, but which are enhanced with the value that careful selection, processing and interpretation provide.
Public libraries are places where people help people get a little closer to their potential.
This is perhaps the most human of endeavors, and librarians should be proud of the role they play.