Bibliotech: Why Libraries Matter More Than Ever in the Age of Google

by John Palfrey Narrated by Tom Zingarelli

Overview

Libraries today are more important than ever. More than just book repositories, libraries can become bulwarks against some of the most crucial challenges of our age: unequal access to education, jobs, and information.



In BiblioTech, educator and technology expert John Palfrey argues that anyone seeking to participate in the 21st century needs to understand how to find and use the vast stores of information available online. And libraries, which play a crucial role in making these skills and information available, are at risk. In order to survive our rapidly modernizing world and dwindling government funding, libraries must make the transition to a digital future as soon as possible-by digitizing print material and ensuring that born-digital material is publicly available online.



Not all of these changes will be easy for libraries to implement. But as Palfrey boldly argues, these modifications are vital if we hope to save libraries and, through them, the American democratic ideal.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

"A significant wake-up call to increase citizens' access to knowledge and culture, which requires both public awareness and financial support." ---Kirkus

From the Publisher - AUDIO COMMENTARY

"A significant wake-up call to increase citizens' access to knowledge and culture, which requires both public awareness and financial support." —Kirkus

Library Journal - Audio

10/01/2015
Palfrey's (Interop) exposition on libraries is both thoughtful and personal—he was a director at the Harvard Law Library and assumed a key role in bringing that library system into the digital age. He presents here more problems than solutions, and while some of his ideas are quite controversial, including library responsibility to the homeless and changes to intellectual property rights, his book has a lot of meat. Of particular interest is his succinct explanation of the differences and ramifications of digital licensing in the world of copyright protection. He also introduces issues of preservation and the challenges of providing analog and digital resources in a single environment. Tom Zingarelli's capable narration keeps listeners engaged. VERDICT Intended for library lovers and those responsible for funding libraries, this belongs in most professional collections but should also be available to library users. ["This work should be required reading for librarians, particularly those who are looking to lead their libraries into the future": LJ 4/15/15 starred review of the Basic hc; see also "The Human Network, cover story LJ 9/15/15, p. 22.]—Janet Martin, Southern Pines P.L., NC

SEPTEMBER 2015 - AudioFile

Palfrey presents a defense of traditional libraries and suggestions on how these institutions can adapt to survive and thrive in the digital age. In making his case, the author provides two perspectives—that of a library director and that of a non-librarian. Narrator Tom Zingarelli provides the perfect delivery for this message. His deep voice is expressive, and he adeptly uses pauses to break the text into manageable pieces, especially as Palfrey explores some jargon-heavy topics such as changes to education, copyright laws, and emerging technologies. Zingarelli also uses shifts in inflection and pitch to highlight Palfrey’s arguments and conclusions. Overall, this is an excellent reading of a timely book. E.N. © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine

Product Details

BN ID:	2940171037819
Publisher:	Tantor Audio
Publication date:	06/25/2015
Edition description:	Unabridged

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