An Appeal from the e.Librarian

Diagram 1 Click image for large view

Some History
Since the beginning of this initiative in 1980, the cost has been covered by the e.Librarian (that's me, Jim Stewart) as a gift to the world, and it has been a joy for me to be part of this effort. Originally, the project involved converting documents to electronic format in a searchable database – no more pestering the knowledgeable with questions about where a quotation or subject could be found! With the advent of the internet, it became possible to share the results. In the early 1990's, we shared documents as email attachments sent in response to requests. We had a regular dial-up modem connection (c. $30.00US/month), and one Altos server. This was cumbersome and consumed a lot of your e.Librarian's time.

As the internet evolved we were able to put the materials online for the world at large. This involved converting text files to HTML. Your e.Librarian also created study and research tools. These allow users to search for words and phrases, use cross-links referring from one document to another, pull up background information including short biographical sketches, and see statistical information (e.g. how many lectures Steiner gave in a particular place or during a specific time frame).

The Need
In the process of searching for materials, we have become aware of the massive amount that is being lost through natural deterioration and in catastrophes such as the recent fire in Weimar. There are so many irreplaceable resources at risk worldwide! The focus of our digitization has expanded to encompass preservation of these treasures. We have also become aware that there are many people who do not have access to the kinds of materials we present here. A wonder of the modern age is that the internet reaches many who do not have access to large “brick-and-mortar” libraries. We encourage our users to purchase materials from publishers and vendors whenever possible; our online offerings emphasize works that are out of print or unpublished.

Diagram 2 Click image for large view

The Cost
A major ongoing effort has been to continually add more materials to the information available online, as well as to handle the increasing traffic as we are up to more than 3000 visitors per day on average. Long ago we could no longer use a dial-up line, and our Altos server was quickly overwhelmed. Our current operation involves 18 servers, each one much more powerful than our original Altos server, and our bandwidth requirements necessitate a much larger “pipe.” Needless to say, this all costs a lot more than the old $30/month. Three years ago, our internet connection cost $2500! Fortunately, some of the prices have come down, so that we can now run the core operation on that amount (internet connection, heat, electricity, telephone, normal equipment maintenance/replacement costs). This does not include anything for salaries or benefits, office supplies, taxes, rent, or catastrophic costs (such as the $8500.00 US in equipment losses that resulted from the extreme weather and electrical problems in Michigan this spring and summer).

The Funding
The bulk of the funding for this initiative has come from my retirement funds and our family inheritances, but that money is all but gone. We generate an average of $600 per month from web hosting and related services, but obviously this does not cover our basic costs.

Since the end of July, when we put out an Appeal for help, particularly with this spring's catastrophic equipment losses, the response has been generous and heartwarming. We are extremely grateful to those who have helped, and for the kind words that have come along with the contributions. We really do need to hear from more of you, though! If you can help us with a contribution, you can see the details (including our nonprofit status) by going to our Helping Out page.

We also provide web-related services (with discounts for Anthroposophical organizations and individuals), for the purpose of helping support our continuing existence. If you would like to find out about the services we can provide, check our Services page.

We also have some items for sale, with a portion of the proceeds counting as a contribution. These include mugs, clocks, mousepads, notecards, as well as other items. To see these, check our Products pages.

And while we're all thinking about this, here are a couple of Steiner quotes we all should think about and meditate on:

“There is a maxim — on the face of it rather perplexing — that whatever is achieved in the way of development of consciousness in the world does something to further the evolution of the consciousness of every single being, even if such a being has not actually worked at the development of his own consciousness.” Steiner also says, “It will be realised — by the public mind too — that the atom is nothing but coagulated electricity. — [That] thought itself is composed of the same substance. Before the end of the fifth epoch of culture, science will have reached the stage where man will be able to penetrate into the atom itself. When the similarity of substance between the thought and the atom is once comprehended, the way to get hold of the forces contained in the atom will soon be discovered and then nothing will be inaccessible to certain methods of working.”

The Atom as Coagulated Electricity Rudolf Steiner, Berlin, December 23, 1904

We need your help, folks ... won't you please consider how much you value the information provided here, and find it within yourself to help preserve this initiative. Think about this ... imbue it with your deepest feelings ... and will it to be done.

I thank you, in advance.

James D. Stewart
e.Librarian