Dr. Wendy Schultz describes the evolution of libraries much like the evolution of selling coffee. Her view is intriguing and intelligent. I can't help but be attracted to the "dream" of Library 4.0 - The Experience. I could see this happening in the near future, especially since it "will not replace Libraries 1.0 through 3.0; it will absorb them."
Rick Anderson highlights three "icebergs" that we must avoid if we are to progress satisfactorily into Library 2.0. The first is an insistence on a comprehensive collection. He argues that because information is so available now, it is foolhardy to buy and keep material "just in case." My concern with this point is that good books are constantly going out of print. Does this mean that they have no value? If they still do, who (if not the libraries) will protect them from extinction? Another consideration is that although there is a large amount of information available on the internet, it is not all reliable by any means. Anyone may edit Wikipedia or write about historic events. Perhaps this is not a deal-breaker, but what can we do to ensure the best quality of materials?
Whew, this topic is just too big to discuss at length with only myself.
No comments:
Post a Comment