Are Libraries Important In Today 39;s World

[Bartie Spalitto]

Nucleartechnology uses the energy released by splitting the atoms of certain elements. It was first developed in the 1940s, and during the Second World War research initially focused on producing bombs. In the 1950s attention turned to the peaceful use of nuclear fission, controlling it for power generation. For more information, see page on History of Nuclear Energy.

Civil nuclear power can now boast around 20,000 reactor years of operating experience, and nuclear power plants are operational in 31 countries (plus Taiwan) worldwide. In fact, through regional transmission grids, many more countries depend in part on nuclear-generated power, particularly in Europe.

When the commercial nuclear industry began in the 1960s, there were clear boundaries between the industries of the East and West. Today, the nuclear industry is characterized by international commerce. A reactor under construction in Asia today may have components supplied from South Korea, Canada, Japan, France, Germany, Russia, and other countries. Similarly, uranium from Australia or Namibia may end up in a reactor in the UAE, having been converted in France, enriched in the Netherlands, deconverted in the UK and fabricated in South Korea.

The uses of nuclear technology extend well beyond the provision of low-carbon energy. It helps control the spread of disease, assists doctors in their diagnosis and treatment of patients, and powers our most ambitious missions to explore space. These varied uses position nuclear technologies at the heart of the world's efforts to achieve sustainable development. For more information, see page on Nuclear Energy and Sustainable Development.

Thirteen countries in 2022 produced at least one-quarter of their electricity from nuclear. France gets up to around 70% of its electricity from nuclear energy, while Ukraine, Slovakia, Belgium and Hungary get about half from nuclear. Japan was used to relying on nuclear power for more than one-quarter of its electricity and is expected to return to somewhere near that level.

Two AP1000 reactors are now in operation at Vogtle. There had been a further two AP1000 reactors under construction at VC Summer, but these were cancelled. One of the reasons for the hiatus in new build in the USA to date has been the extremely successful evolution in maintenance strategies. Over the last 15 years, improved operational performance has increased utilization of US nuclear power plants, with the increased output equivalent to 19 new 1000 MWe reactors being built.

The number of operable reactors has reduced in recent years, from a peak of 104 in 2012. Early closures have been brought on by a combination of factors including cheap natural gas, market liberalization, over-subsidy of renewable sources, and political campaigning.

Belarus has two operable nuclear power reactors, with a combined net capacity of 2.2 GWe. Almost all the rest of the country's electricity is produced from natural gas. In 2021, nuclear generated 14.1% of the country's electricity.

A government decree in 2016 specified construction of 11 nuclear power reactors by 2030, in addition to those already under construction. At the start of 2023, Russia had three reactors under construction, with a combined capacity of 2.7 GWe.

The strength of Russia's nuclear industry is reflected in its dominance of export markets for new reactors. The country's national nuclear industry is currently involved in new reactor projects in Belarus, China, Hungary, India, Iran and Turkey, and to varying degrees as an investor in Algeria, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Indonesia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Nigeria, South Africa, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan among others.

Bangladesh started construction on the first of two planned Russian VVER-1200 reactors in 2017. Construction on the second started in 2018. It plans to have the first unit in operation by 2024. The country currently produces virtually all of its electricity from fossil fuels.

The Indian government is committed to growing its nuclear power capacity as part of its massive infrastructure development programme. The government in 2010 set an ambitious target to have 14.6 GWe nuclear capacity online by 2024. At the end of October 2023 eight reactors were under construction in India, with a combined capacity of 6.7 GWe.

Egypt started construction in July 2022 of the first of four Russian-designed VVER units to be built at the El Dabaa site on the Mediterranean coast. The second unit began construction in November 2022, the third in May 2023, and the fourth in January 2024. All four reactors are expected to be operational by 2030.

South Africa has two operable nuclear reactors, with a combined net capacity of 1.9 GWe, and is the only African country currently producing electricity from nuclear. In 2022, nuclear generated 4.9% of the country's electricity. South Africa remains committed to plans for further capacity, but financing constraints are significant.

Iran has a single operable nuclear reactor with a net capacity of 0.9 GWe. In 2021, nuclear generated 1.7% of the country's electricity. A second Russian-designed VVER-1000 unit is under construction.

The United Arab Emirates has three operable nuclear reactors with a capacity of 6.8 GWe. A fourth unit is under construction at the same plant (Barakah). In 2022, nuclear generated 6.8% of the country's electricity.

As outlined above, Bangladesh, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates are all constructing their first nuclear power plants. A number of other countries are moving towards use of nuclear energy for power production. For more information, see page on Emerging Nuclear Energy Countries.

There is a clear need for new generating capacity around the world, both to replace old fossil fuel units, especially coal-fired ones, which emit large amounts of carbon dioxide, and to meet increased demand for electricity in many countries. In 2021, 61% of electricity was generated from the burning of fossil fuels. Despite the strong support for, and growth in, intermittent renewable electricity sources in recent years, the fossil fuel contribution to power generation has not changed significantly in the last 15 years or so (66.5% in 2005).

In addition to commercial nuclear power plants, there are about 220 research reactors operating in over 50 countries, with more under construction. As well as being used for research and training, many of these reactors produce medical and industrial isotopes.

The use of reactors for marine propulsion is mostly confined to the major navies where it has played an important role for five decades, providing power for submarines and large surface vessels. Over 160 ships, mostly submarines, are propelled by some 200 nuclear reactors and over 13,000 reactor years of experience have been gained with marine reactors. Russia and the USA have decommissioned many of their nuclear submarines from the Cold War era.

Russia also operates a fleet of large nuclear-powered icebreakers and has more under construction. It has also connected a floating nuclear power plant with two 32 MWe reactors to the grid in the remote arctic region of Pevek. The reactors are adapted from those powering icebreakers.

As technology continues to advance, digital literacy has become increasingly important. Librarians are on the forefront of teaching people how to use technology effectively. They provide workshops on topics like social media, coding, and online safety. They also offer access to technology like computers and printers.

The Ann Arbor District Libraries are unique and offer more than just a good read. The libraries offer a wide range of programs and events for people of all ages. These include book clubs, story times for kids, writing workshops, and even coding classes. Also, the libraries have an extensive collection of not only books but movies, music, and other media. Their digital collection is very impressive, which includes eBooks, audiobooks, and online resources such as databases and educational tools. With a library card, you have access to specialized equipment such as 3D printers, a sewing machine, and recording studios. This allows patrons to explore new technologies and pursue their creative side.

In Orlando, you can enjoy the Orange County public libraries. Certain items can be delivered right to your home, free of charge. Patrons may also check out new and classic DVDs, music CDs, and even stream music and movies for free. Multiple online databases, RSS feeds, streaming video and Wi-Fi access are also available. Numerous technology classes are offered along with author signings, special events and programs throughout the year. The Library is involved in several programs and partnerships to foster early reading success among elementary students.

Ainsworth Rand Spofford (Librarian of Congress 1864-1897) took full advantage of an emerging cultural nationalism to persuade the Congress to view its Library as a national institution and therefore the national library.

In the spirit of Jefferson, Spofford successfully advocated a single, comprehensive collection of American publications for use by both Congress and the American people. The centralization of U.S. copyright registration and deposit at the Library of Congress in 1870 was essential for the annual growth of these collections.

The 20th century would see that magnificent building welcome increased staff, diverse multimedia collections and a steady stream of new patrons. Most of this progress was shaped by Herbert Putnam, who was appointed Librarian of Congress in 1899, as the country entered the Progressive Era.

Having weathered two world wars, expanded its collections and constructed a second building, the Library of Congress approached the 1960s on firm footing. Challenges lay ahead, however, for a new global era of growth was underway. In response, the Library gradually took on a new international role. Hallmarks of the period were a continuation of post-World War II interest in international affairs (especially in relations with Soviet Union, Africa and Asia), accelerated technological change in all walks of life, and increased funding for libraries and research materials in the United States and abroad. A new national concern for civil rights was prompted in part by racial violence and the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, and Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.

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