LM_NET: Library Media Networking

Previous by DateNext by Date Date Index
Previous by ThreadNext by Thread Thread Index
LM_NET Archive



I disagree...somewhat....yes, the basic service is to provide
information/research/pleaseure reading.  HOWEVER, a library implies
"books" and in today's world, there is sooo much more than just "books."
Technology has taken a great big part of of our center...media implies
that it is a center which provides much more than books...instead it
provides informtion/research/pleasure in ALL forms of media, print or
nonprint.  Why not use a term that makes reference to that?  Our world is
changing rapidly...and we are very much part of that change.  My job as a
MEDIA SPECIALIST is not the same that it was two or three years ago.
Should I be called a "librarian" instead of a media
specialist then? On the other hand,
Should we be caught up in "titles?"  Let's not be in the stoneage...let's
progress with the times.  There are lots of terms out there that NOW
describe the facility that we work in (actually these terms have been
around for some time):  library, media center, LRC, IMC, etc.  What's in
a name.....?   How do others feel?

On Sun, 26 Feb 1995, Marbeth Szczerban wrote:

> Dear Connie,
>
>      The media center of the future should still be the __Library__ a
> place to find information and also pleasure reading.
>
>      A Dr.'s ofc is still a doctor's office even though it has
> "media/technology" to serve its patients/ clients .
> Patients/clients know that the same/better/expanded services are available
> to them.  Are their offices now called  "medical care/media centers"?
>
>      I simply state that the library of the future retain its original name
> - Library .  No matter how much media/technology is in it, the basic
> services are to provide information/research and pleasure reading services.
>
> Please let's not lose sight of __our roots in information/reading services__
> no matter how retrieved for patrons/students.
>
> *** Some time ago someone else on LM_NET, I think, stated the same idea of
> not changing the name of a dr. to "medical technologist" just because s/he
> uses technology...Sorry I do not recall who said it, but it rings so true.
> >>(I'd like to know who said that because I'd like to give him/her credit!)
>
>    Anyhoooo, Connie, I envision the library of the future to be equipped
> with many online services with trained librarians to retrieve the
> information requested, interactive media, and BOOKS and PERIODICALS IN
> PRINT.  Libraries may be _the_ only places available (remainining!) to
> _hold_ a book or magazine in one's hands to sit/lie/curl with and READ...
>
>
> An aside:  Are you familiar with Borders the book/music store?  Their
> design is that of a comfortable library... and __they are always crowded__!!
>
> HTH, :-)
> Marbeth
>
> Marbeth Szczerban, Librarian       email:marbeth@strauss.udel.edu
> Hanby School, 2523 Berwyn Rd.      fax: 302-479-1643
> Wilmington, DE 19810               tel.#: 302-479-1636
>


LM_NET Archive Home