MECHANIZATION, LIBRARIANSHIP, AND THE BIBLIOGRAPHIC ENTERPRISE

Abstract

‘Are you for or against microfilm?’ Alfred North Whitehead was once asked, and after a moment of reflection he replied in his high‐pitched voice, ‘What a curious question. Why should anyone be either for or against a tool?’ One is not for or against a hammer or a spade. The only question is, will the tool do whatever needs to be done effectively and efficiently? Yet, a mechanical innovation can become a cause célèbre, and an emotional battle is joined between antagonist and protagonist, each with his own band of ardent followers.

Citation

SHERA, J.H. (1974), "MECHANIZATION, LIBRARIANSHIP, AND THE BIBLIOGRAPHIC ENTERPRISE", Journal of Documentation, Vol. 30 No. 2, pp. 153-169. https://doi.org/10.1108/eb026573