My fellow participants,
I’m looking for articles, editorials, or blog posts that are critical of libraries and librarians. I’m in the final stages of prep work for a talk, which I will release online, and want to add a little more apocalyptic flavor. There has been a lot lately about the Google Migration , and that’s fine, but I am trying to cast a wide net. I don’t just want to limit myself to the ‘patrons want to use google and librarians want them to use databases—therefore we’re out of touch’ mentality.
A sampling of the stuff I’m reading:
- The Annoyed Librarian’s: On the Purpose of Public Libraries
- Brian Quinn’s: The McDonaldization of academic libraries?
- Hernon & McClure’s: Unobtrusive Reference Testing: The 55 Percent Rule.
- Ross Singer’s: The Librarian & the Travel Agent
Also, I vaguely remember something comparing library collection development to grocery stores or supermarkets. I’m not limiting myself to contemporary issues (like L 2.0′s you’re with us or you just don’t get it approach) but looking at the historical range of change.
If you have anything to share I’d greatly appreciate it.

