Limits to Information: Lessons for the Library

There is no doubt that we are living in an age where we are inundated with information everywhere we turn. The developments of new technologies to communicate information have been wonderful, but each comes with caution. The ability for an individual to garner information alone is problematic and can be impaired by technology in the assumption that technology holds all the answers to gaining the information. This is where libraries need to raise their collective voice and continue to strive to be the place that people go to for guidance in their information seeking. It would seem easy for libraries to fall into the romanticism of things from the past as Brown mentions like no ATM’s. However, where it would be hard for people to really want to live without ATM’s, it would be difficult for some libraries to fall into this category if libraries do not embrace technology and take command how information is utilized in the 21st century instead of falling into complacency.

I think Brown also offers a bit of caution in jumping on the technology bandwagon. It is easy to get caught up in the wonders of technology, but it is necessary for technology to be evaluated for its true usefulness in disseminating information. Brown also sees that information and the technology behind its spread are not limited by just itself. It is being shaped by someone or thing and libraries and librarians should play a role in that. Brown’s parting thoughts in this chapter state that he hopes that they show how to participate in the shaping and not merely a passive receiver of information through the understanding of social organizations. The library is the perfect place to take an active role in this shaping.