[Original posting on this topic appeared in COLLDV-L no.
2121 and it is reproduced below before the follow-up.]
From: marilyn gibney <nfn00237_at_naples.net
What are your thoughts about the 'Dummies' (ie Word for
Dummies, etc) and 'Idiots' books as being appropriate for a community
college collection.
Personally, I was offended when I saw them on the shelf ...
not because of the titles, and I think they are great books (I have used
many gaining computer skills) but it seems to me that they don't
impart a student approach or do not meet the level that a community
college collection deserves.
What say ye all?
Marilyn Gibney
Independent Librarian
===========
Response--
From: Martha Starck <starckm_at_milwaukee.tec.wi.us 9/30/99
We have a lot of them in our 4 campus libraries, and they certainily are
popular. I have used the "Dummies" books myself and I think the humorous
approach eases a person into the topic, especially for those who are
intimidated by computers. At the reference desk, I recommend them by
prefacing my remarks with something like "Well, if you don't mind the
title, these are a good introduction to computers and they are very popular
with students." Usually the response I get is positive, something like
"Hey, that sounds like me! That's about the level I'm at." Occasionally
when I can tell the reaction is less than positive I just skip over those
titles and recommend something else.
--
Martha Starck
Library E-MAIL: starckm_at_milwaukee.tec.wi.us
Milwaukee Area Technical College Phone: (414) 297-6424
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53233 Fax: (414) 297-6798
"Of the making of many books there is no end." Ecclesiastes 12:12
Received on Thu Oct 28 1999 - 08:01:09 EDT