Unplug and connect

I recently stumbled across an LA Times article on the debate over cell towers and wireless access in national parks. After listening to many discussions about cell phone use in libraries, this provided an interesting perspective.

“This is a commercial service that is using public resources and land,” said Jeff Ruch, executive director of Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility.

The introduction of wireless service is an added insult, he said. “The park service is saying unplug and connect with nature — but when you come, you can check your e-mail and trade stocks.”

Yellowstone does not permit televisions in its hotel rooms, but officials contend that wireless Internet is different. “It’s a way to get information,” Ollitt said. For example, visitors could research bison after seeing them in the park.

Snapping photos of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone on a recent afternoon, Bic Ngo brightened when he heard the park might introduce wireless.

“I’d love to get my pictures on Facebook tonight,” said Ngo, 33, of Toronto.

I’ve often thought that parks and libraries shared a similar set of tensions: between preservation and access; sanctity and convenience. At least no one is trying to build cell towers in the library.