Friday, May 23, 2003

What is a Librarian?

In some ways a librarian could be described as paranoid:

"If we understand libraries simply to be nodes in a global digital network of common resources, nobody retains any responsibility for either those materials or serving the needs of the community. In this environment, there would indeed be no meaningful role for libraries. We do not see this as serving the needs or interests of our readers, particularly if viewed over time. We have come to understand "access, not ownership" more as rationalization of constrained choices than as a functional understanding of libraries' service to their communities, other than purchasing and licensing agents."

And somewhat snobbish:
"So to some extent the question of what is a library anymore could be one about which, "if you have to ask the question, you wouldn't understand the answer.""

I think it's all pretty justified mind you. An interesting read.

What is a library anymore, anyway?

No comments: