Re: "To everything a purpose ..."

From: B.G. Sloan <bgsloan2_at_nyob>
Date: Fri, 7 Sep 2007 17:07:53 -0700
To: NGC4LIB_at_listserv.nd.edu
  Nathan Rinne said:

  "I think a good analogy for us to keep coming back to is the physician. If I think its 'good enough' and 'relevant' to the hilt but the prescription kills me, I've got a problem."

  I don't think it's a good analogy.

  Doctors and librarians play very different roles (some differences are more obvious than others). A physician is alleged to be an "expert" in his/her field. We go to a physician more or less looking for the one right answer to our question/problem. The physician prescribes a solution.

  The role of the librarian is quite different (other than with straightforward ready-reference questions). People come to the librarian with a question, often in an area where the librarian is not an "expert". The librarian usually recommends a number of sources as well as suggestions for further research. The librarian does not "prescribe" a solution to the question/problem. The librarian gives the user information that hopefully will help the user determine his or her own solution.

  Bernie Sloan




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Received on Fri Sep 07 2007 - 18:10:16 EDT