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Hello. This blog was set up to chart the progess on my Information and Library Studies MSc dissertation project throughout the summer months of 2006.

THE NATURE OF LIBRARIANSHIP: HISTORICALLY CHARTING AN UNBROKEN GOLDEN THREAD OF VALUES

By Rob Westwood

Abstract

Harrison (1994) suggests that landmark anniversaries within the librarianship can provide opportunity to take stock. Since 2006 sees the diamond jubilee of the teaching of library studies in Scotland, now seems like an appropriate time to examine the values of the discipline holistically.

By employing an archaeological technique in which primary texts are considered from select eras of library history, this literature review identifies a number of values inherent to the discipline of librarianship. The values identified fall loosely into two categories: those of the functional variety and those of an intellectual, moral variety. The values of the former group include (among others) material preservation, storage, mediation, organisation and accessibility. The values of the latter group include such issues as intellectual freedom, anti-censorship and the upholding of human rights. The symbolic nature of the library is discussed and a short manifesto for future librarianship is proposed in light of enduring values.

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