p.s. by "learned" I meant "taught by humans," as opposed to self-taught. kgs
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Next generation catalogs for libraries
> [mailto:NGC4LIB_at_listserv.nd.edu] On Behalf Of K.G. Schneider
> Sent: Monday, May 07, 2007 9:41 AM
> To: NGC4LIB_at_listserv.nd.edu
> Subject: Re: [NGC4LIB] Yes but
>
> A fallacy I keep hearing is that a complex tool is required for complex
> research. Yet what is complex about research is the process of winnowing
> and
> directing knowledge discovery, and I haven't seen any convincing evidence
> that transmitting the information for how to successfully research a topic
> is improved by software environments so difficult they must be learned. It
> would appear the opposite is true: when the activity is complex, tools
> must
> be simplified. Another fallacy seems to be that the role of the librarian
> is
> to explain the functions of complex software. I hope we have a more stable
> role in the pedagogical firmament than that.
>
> In any event, this discussion is all so many angels on heads of pins.
>
> K.G. Schneider
> kgs_at_bluehighways.com
Received on Mon May 07 2007 - 07:44:56 EDT