[303] in Public-Access_Computer_Systems_Forum
Libraries vs. Computer Centers
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Public-Access Computer Systems For)
Thu May 21 11:19:13 1992
Date: Thu, 21 May 1992 10:10:14 CDT
Reply-To: Public-Access Computer Systems Forum <PACS-L%UHUPVM1.BITNET@RICEVM1.RICE.EDU>
From: Public-Access Computer Systems Forum <LIBPACS%UHUPVM1.BITNET@RICEVM1.RICE.EDU>
To: Multiple recipients of list PACS-L <PACS-L%UHUPVM1.BITNET@RICEVM1.RICE.EDU>
2 Messages, 44 Lines
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From: "Thomas C. Wilson" <LIB4@JETSON.BITNET>
Subject: Re: Subject Guides to Internet Resources
Bill Strickland and others have commented on the notion of in whose territory
technical issues belong. I believe we risk something dangerous when we
classify knowledge and responsibilities so tightly that individual flexibility
is removed. I remember growing up (perhaps I still am in the process of that)
thinking that all members of certain professions possessed a given set of
experiences/expertises. I have since learned that that idea is based on my
own perceptions and stereotypes. When I look at individuals, I see much
greater variance. With so much at stake in the building of an electronic
community, I believe it is important for us to recognize that there is
plenty of work to be done, and the expertise of many individuals, regardless
of their professional affiliation, is needed. This is not a time to deny
the contributions that can be made by librarians to this effort; neither is
it the time to mount professional high-horses in an attempt to defend
imaginary fiefdoms. Please do not interpret this message as an attack on
anyone in particular; it is intended as a gentle reminder of the need for
wide participation.
| Tom Wilson, Head of Systems LIB4@jetson.uh.edu |
| University of Houston Libraries 713-743-9673 |
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From: Howard Pasternack <BLIPS15@BROWNVM>
Subject: Libraries Vs. Computing Centers
I am dismayed at reading once again the postings on who should be
responsible for teaching users how to access internet resources.
It concerns me that large numbers of librarians are still propounding
the "library versus computing center" mentality and that "we" must protect
our turf or "they" will take it over.
It is not our turf to begin with. It is an uncharted territory in which
we are working together in organizations such as the CNI to map the
terrain. And the territory is expanding so rapidly and that both of us
working together are finding it difficult to get the road maps straight.
And in many cases there are no maps.
Howard Pasternack
Brown University
