Critical Approaches to Information Technology in Librarianship: Foundations and Applications

by John E. Buschman

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780313284151
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	08/23/1993
Series:	Contributions in Librarianship and Information Science , #74
Pages:	248
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.56(d)

About the Author

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

Table of Contents

Introduction: Why Do We Need a Critical Approach to Information Technology in Librarianship?
Critical Approaches to Information Technology in Librarianship: Foundations
The Neutrality of Technology: A Critique of Assumptions
Critical Scholarship on Computers in Education: A Summary Review
Censorship, Critical Theory, and New Information Technologies: Foundations of Critical Scholarship in Communications
New Worlds of Computer-Mediated Work
An Engineer's Critical Perspective on Technology Critical Approaches to Information Technology in Librarianship: Applications
Issues in Censorship and Information Technology
The Civic Role of Libraries
Librarianship, Technology, and the Labor Process: Theoretical Perspectives
The Politics of Electronic Information: A Reassessment
Conclusion: Contexts, Analogies, and Entrepreneurial Directions in Librarianship
Selected Bibliography
Index