From Gutenberg to the Global Information Infrastructure; Access to Information in the Networked World

Citation

Freeman, M. (2001), "From Gutenberg to the Global Information Infrastructure; Access to Information in the Networked World", New Library World, Vol. 102 No. 11/12, pp. 478-482. https://doi.org/10.1108/nlw.2001.102.11_12.478.3

This latest offering from MIT Press’s Series on Digital Libraries and Electronic Publishing aims to bridge the gap between the specialists and the non‐specialists and answer some pressing professional questions. Will librarians be replaced by cybrarians? Will physical libraries be replaced by virtual libraries, and is the burgeoning global information infrastructure really the best thing since sliced bread – or at least Gutenberg’s holistic invention of printing? All the old certainties are ebbing away under the onslaught of the Web and ICT. This well‐produced and timely book by the Professor of Information Studies at UCLA attempts, quite successfully, to make sense of the oncoming global information infrastructure – “a constellation of networks which will promote an information society that benefits all”. She argues convincingly that the dire apocalyptic predictions of a grim dehumanised future which is a mix of “1984” and “Brazil” will not emerge; rather that the most likely future scenario will be a fluid mix of old and new technologies co‐existing amicably and profitably – “co‐evolution of IT, human behaviour and organisations”. Some very interesting and germane topics are dealt with soundly – that on “access to information” being a good example.

In conclusion, a well written, authoritative work, with a good List of References and a clear Index. This book should prove of interest and profit to many library professionals and to LIS students and faculty also.