I see that my little doctoral student exercise in “citation systems as theories of truth” may gradually be sneaking its way into the Web of Science through the back door, thanks to a paragraph citing it in this intriguing article in Library Quarterly. (It has been cited quite nicely before, but not in the particular philosophical context in which I was attempting, rather naïvely, to place it!) Herder, hmm? Read more…
Terrific piece by Thomas Mann of LOC describing his ideal reference world, which incorporates expert mediated guidance, extensive use of both physical and digital finding aids, outstanding collection resources, and a healthy dose of scholarly curiosity. However, I suspect that, unless you are Thomas Mann, this convergence of experienced librarian, emerging scholar, and engaging topic given by his Athenian tribute example doesn’t happen too often. (And, when it does, should we call it a “perfect brainstorm”?) Read more…
Whenever I may think that I’m actually living the Memex life that I’ve fantasized about ever since reading Vannevar Bush’s “As We May Think” thirty years ago, I suddenly find out that I’ve totally missed some important news item: for example, that noted philosopher Richard Rorty died last week. And then I read something like this by one of Rorty’s former students, and I think a little more. Read more…
