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Sunday, March 8, 2015

Will the web replace the librarian or ensure the profession?

Thanks to technology, information is easier to find and use. This has led to the debate over whether libraries are even necessary.  Some feel that librarians are becoming obsolete, while others believe that librarians are needed more now than ever before. I believe the later. Librarians have secured a place in this new technological age. 

Libraries have become a safe haven where researchers can go to receive guidance in locating the little bits of data necessary to complete their research projects. Libraries not only provide books and other physical forms of research material, but also, access to the internet, and databases filled with the accurate information they need. People can access a great deal of this information from the comfort of their own home, but, the problem that many people face is the difficulty of sorting through the vast amount of information to get exactly what they need. The library has an answer to that problem, the librarian.


Think of the librarian as a tour guide. The internet has become a jungle with false data creating a canopy over the accurate information, and hiding it deep in the shadows. Then there is the overgrowth of accurate data that looks like it might help with the research, but following it leads you down a completely different path, and makes it difficult to find your way back Much of what you find online is inaccurate, unverified, and opinion. Someone is needed to help those who are overwhelmed by this new found wealth of information.. The information overload has given a new security to the librarian as they are now becoming media specialists, trained to guide their patrons through the information jungle that is overpowering them.


 

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