Mark Y. Herring

Another library science book I was not impressed with. Although the author has a couple of good points, overall his biases are pretty clear. They became clear in the introductory segment when he questions the sanity of some of his readers (maybe he needs to remember the First Amendment gives freedoms of expression and reading and that maybe the government should stay out of certain things). Overall, a lack of common sense. Pretty much another book about why libraries will not disappear. I have seen the arguments made better elsewhere.… (plus d'informations)

This book would have deserved three or even four stars for the subject matter, but several leaked out though editor-sized holes. The author is prolix, wordy, and repetitive. At times, several consecutive sentences say the same basic thing. Sometimes, the writer will use the very next line to communicate very similar information to the previous line. There are several errors of fact that a quick Google search could have fixed, and a sprinkling of those pesky typos that elude the guns of Fort Spellcheck (ie, "exit" for "exist"). If an editor looks at this and shaves off 40-50 pages, then this book becomes a lieutenant general, with a chance at further promotion.

One of the main criticisms Herring makes is that the internet has exacerbated pre-existent problems such as plagiarism, pornography, and plain old wasted time. This is a fair point, but I am still confused as to how this is a something that the continued existence of libraries will solve, especially since the author repeatedly denies that he thinks libraries should replace the internet. These are chapters better suited for the book "problems the internet must face".

His most compelling argument for the continued value of libraries is that a well-run library represents (and a good librarian enables) a meaningful selection, a curated portion of the sum knowledge of the world. Libraries are places where signal is isolated from noise by educated, competent people. If this is what we want, then we should want libraries to continue.… (plus d'informations)

Terrific title. Terrible format.

By the title alone, I thought this book would serve as a wake-up call for librarians, educators, and leaders of our country to save our libraries. But I had a hard time staying awake while reading the first 122 pages.

In 2001, the author wrote a piece titled, "10 Reasons Why the Internet Is No Substitute For a Library." And he spends the first 122 pages of this book "ferreting out" whether what he said in 2001 is still true. Who cares what he said about libraries in the past? Readers want to know what he says about the future of libraries.

The very last chapter of this book, Chapter 14, beginning on page 187, is titled, "Are Libraries Obsolete After All? Two Scenarios." In this chapter, the author looks into the future, and shows us two worlds: one where libraries are obsolete, and librarians are as extinct as dinosaurs; and another where libraries are still around, and librarians find ways to use the information highway as a tool to provide knowledge for their students and customers.

The very last chapter of this book, Chapter 14, should have been the first chapter of the book. And I recommend readers begin reading this book on page 187, "Are Libraries Obsolete After All? Two Scenarios." Only then can the rest of the book make sense. If one chooses to begin reading on page 1, I fear the reader will find the first 122 pages to be "too much information." But if one chooses to begin reading on page 187, the reader will find the first 122 pages to be "well-found knowledge."… (plus d'informations)