Critical Approaches to Information Technology in Librarianship - (Contributions in Librarianship and Information Science) by John E Buschman

About the Book

Constant developments in information technology are creating fundamental changes in librarianship. This book challenges the uncritical acceptance of these changes caused by technology. The volume begins by explaining the importance of a critical approach to information technology in librarianship. The first part of the book then explores the fundamental critical issues at the heart of technology in the library. Chapters in this section consider such topics as the neutrality of technology, information technology and censorship, the role of computers in education, and the sometimes critical views of scientists on technology. The second part of the volume looks more closely at issues related to the application of technology in librarianship. These chapters discuss technology and the civic role of libraries, the political apsects of electronic information, and the role of technology in the labor process. A selected bibliography concludes the work.

Book Synopsis

Constant developments in information technology are creating fundamental changes in librarianship. This book challenges the uncritical acceptance of these changes caused by technology. The volume begins by explaining the importance of a critical approach to information technology in librarianship. The first part of the book then explores the fundamental critical issues at the heart of technology in the library. Chapters in this section consider such topics as the neutrality of technology, information technology and censorship, the role of computers in education, and the sometimes critical views of scientists on technology. The second part of the volume looks more closely at issues related to the application of technology in librarianship. These chapters discuss technology and the civic role of libraries, the political apsects of electronic information, and the role of technology in the labor process. A selected bibliography concludes the work.

Review Quotes

?By far the best of this month's books, and well worth its price. All of the essays are very much on the mark in offering a broad perspective on the key contemporary issues. By going well beyond a simple discussion of practical applications, each of these essays serves to stimulate our thinking on both the real issues involved in the use of technology in libraries and our relationships to many of those issues in a broader societal context.?-Wilson Library Bulletin

"By far the best of this month's books, and well worth its price. All of the essays are very much on the mark in offering a broad perspective on the key contemporary issues. By going well beyond a simple discussion of practical applications, each of these essays serves to stimulate our thinking on both the real issues involved in the use of technology in libraries and our relationships to many of those issues in a broader societal context."-Wilson Library Bulletin

About the Author

JOHN BUSCHMAN is Associate Professor-Librarian and Coordinator of Collection Development at Rider College. He has published numerous articles in journals such as The New England Journal of History, The Progressive Librarian, Library Quarterly, Reference Librarian, and American Libraries.