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22 January 2007 - The Philosophical Context
Conversation Starter
Hello, Grisham -- So Long, Hemingway? With Shelf Space Prized, Fairfax Libraries
Cull Collections, by Lisa Rein, Washington Post, 02 January 2007
- does this tell us something about the philosophical context in which the
Fairfax County library management is operating?
- what do you think about how Arlington County is considering the problem?
- read some of the
comments posted about the article and ponder the philosophical context
of the posters
Discussion themes
There are three different interpretations in the literature review
- which one appeals to you the
most?
- are any of them invalid?
- or, do you have another take on the topic?
Other readings
Another view from someone you might want to get to know
Public library development in the United States, 1850-1870: an empirical
analysis
- Robert V. Williams Journal of Library History 21 (1) Winter 86, 177-201. tables.
24 refs
- The ability of the classical social conditions theory to explain public library
development in the USA during the middle of the Nineteenth century is examined.
Using data collected by the Census Bureau in 1850, 1860, and 1870 on public,
school, church, Sunday school, and college libraries, 7 socioeconomic variables
are analyzed using correlation and multiple regression techniques. Results
indicate that there are both merits and weaknesses to this classical explanation
of library development. While the best explanatory variable often differs from
one time to the next and from one type of library to another, education and
economic ability provide the best overall explanation.
Libraries for the many: the philosophical roots of the early public library
movement.
- A. Black Library 9 (1 and 2) 1991, p.27-36. refs.
- The idea of the public library emerged with the growth of mass society in the
first half of the Nineteenth century, underpinned by the philosophy of
utilitarianism. Explores the philosophical heritage of the public library
describing utilitarianism, idealism and their influential adherents. Discusses
the purpose of studying the public library's intellectual development.
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