Hoot Mon writes:
My last degree was in engineering in 1972, and if I wanted to know something about, say, the precise locations of functioning hydrological stations on the Themes, I had to do a bit more than just Google up that info. But, now, instead of taking a librarian twelve hours of work and three weeks of waiting, I can have it an instant with just a few flicks of my fingertips.
Yes, the WWW does provide convenience, for both of us. Does it then follow that it contains all human knowledge, or even as much knowledge as all libraries put together?
The primary problem with the way some approach the WWW is that they see all sites as equally valid as there is no peer review, no vetting as to whether they are true or false. People are not born with an innate knowledge of information literacy or critical thinking skills, these have to be taught.
My OP inquiry was about whether or not this amounts to the appearance of a awesome, new encyclopedic monster or just a better lady at the desk who will try to do cartwheels for you through the archives and get back to you in a month or two.
Your inquiry confuses a tool with a profession, indeed even a given person. To me, Google is one tool out of many, that searches the WWW, one source out of many.
So when you use the term 'better' that may be true in terms of immediate convenience but is false in terms of comprehensiveness or often even validity.
I dare say that my need for you, as a college librarian, has slipped down my list of important resources to have around because of Google and its peers. Once you were absolutely indespensible. Now you are good for making coffee and ordering more 3x5 cards.
My employers pay me for serving the information needs of my clientle, they could care less what you think as you speak for neither group.
Or are you really, as you say, more important than the Great Lord Google Himself?
Up to your old bad habits, I see. Show us where I said any such thing.
Read not to contradict and confute, not to believe and take for granted, not to find talk and discourse, but to weigh and consider - Francis Bacon
The more we understand particular things, the more we understand God - Spinoza