Books and libraries

Abstract

University libraries are facing the farce of NICT (New Information and Communication Technologies). Libraries are ancient indeed - they date from the third century BC. Their staff are, as a rule, not well equipped to judge the impact of technological change (who is?). Instead of being too conservative, they are often naïvely accepting of technological overclaims. As a result, librarians plan to reduce access to print in favour of text on screen. Here I counter-attack, arguing that the day of the printed book is far from over.