[315] in Public-Access_Computer_Systems_Forum
Re: Child of Computerspeak
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (BURNET%ZODIAC.BITNET@RICEVM1.RICE.)
Fri May 22 09:47:49 1992
Date: Fri, 22 May 1992 08:43:48 CDT
Reply-To: Public-Access Computer Systems Forum <PACS-L%UHUPVM1.BITNET@RICEVM1.RICE.EDU>
From: BURNET%ZODIAC.BITNET@RICEVM1.RICE.EDU
To: Multiple recipients of list PACS-L <PACS-L%UHUPVM1.BITNET@RICEVM1.RICE.EDU>
----------------------------Original message----------------------------
Jack Kessler writes "I think Jim's well-taken
point is that, amid the "computerspeak", we have to begin the
translation and public access process quickly if we are to avoid adding
to the ranks of the information-poor."
I'd like to share my own experience in this regard. Two years ago, when
I went to talk to public librarians, few had a clue as to what the
internet was or why they should pay attention. Now, when we talk they
know it exists and they have some limited notion of its potential; enough
at least to know that they need to get accounts for themselves. Some are
even beginning to explore mechanism for providing patron access. My
feeling about this is that if public libraries are to support their
"information access" mission, patron access to the networks is crucial.
Otherwise, they will be just another social institution, and as such,
I think we can expect to see their demise.
Kathleen Burnett
burnet@zodiac.rutgers.edu
