Silicon Snake Oil

In her review of Silicon Snake Oil, Susan Caryl-Gordon makes the point that future libraries may be a combination of Stoll’s view of libraries (set up as they are today with real books and real librarians) and a more virtual library that includes information in software. I think that this is a realistic view of libraries in the future. I agree with her when she says that people form attachments to books and I would assert, after reading what people wrote on the Discussion Board in this class, that most people prefer to have a hard copy of material when they need to do research, or even when reading for pleasure. I do not think that people will be able to “overcome their romance” with books, at least I hope they never will! However, I do not think that libraries will be able to ignore technology and all of its good qualities such as how computers can save time when doing research.

Another point made on the topic of virtual libraries by two authors who reviewed Silicon Snake Oil was that technology is not yet able to produce permanent archives. Any book that is digitized now may not be available to read in 20-30 years from now. There is no choice but to agree with Stoll who says that the 1^st printed edition of Shakespeare’s sonnets can still be read, but will magnetic discs of this sonnet be available to be read two decades from now? Probably not. As much money as it takes to digitize material the fact that it is not permanent is huge deterrent to making virtual libraries a reality. Researchers need to look at the financial issues as well when taking into consideration the future of virtual libraries.

Jackie Dooley says in her review that another financial concern when discussing the future of virtual libraries is the copyright issue. Since libraries do not own the rights to books they must pay outrageous fees to be able to digitize them. Again, this is not worth the copyright fees when the digitized forms will be obsolete sooner than later. It seems as if librarians should not fear that computers will replace them anytime soon.

In his review of Silicon Snake Oil Darren Stevens addresses the issue of computers creating isolation. Stevens says that Stoll’s fears are justified as telecommuters often have a difficult time “turning off work time” when they are at home. This is so true, as it becomes so difficult to be on vacation at home while your boss is e-mailing you the crises that are occurring in your absence. Work becomes inescapable and not only does the employer suffer, but so does his family as he gets drawn into work against his will. Telecommuting can be more difficult than it is accommodating for the employer, however it is just as beneficial as well since more work can be accomplished at home in a more relaxed atmosphere.

However, Stevens points out that Stoll’s book does not discuss the benefits of technology. Stevens points out that the Internet is a wonderful way for people who are homebound to keep in touch with their family and friends. It has also benefited students who can communicate around the world about how to achieve safety in schools. It is evident through our class’s discussion on the Discussion Board that with monitoring and education, technology can be a truly wonderful resource. It is important for parents and teachers to maintain close supervision of children’s use of the Internet. Also, it is necessary for us to educate them on how to use the Internet responsibly. This can help children from becoming isolated within a virtual world.