A Social History of Books and Libraries from Cuneiform to Bytes
By (author) Patrick M. Valentine
Not available to order
Publication date:
27 September 2012Length of book:
222 pagesPublisher
Scarecrow PressISBN-13: 9780810885714
While the importance of writing has often been recognized, the role of books and especially that of libraries has just as often been slighted. Knowledge, once generated, has to be communicated, preserved, and accessible. Books in their varying formats—from clay tablets to scrolls and manuscripts to pixels—have been instrumental in spreading knowledge, although relatively little attention has been given to the story of books themselves.
A Social History of Books and Libraries from Cuneiform to Bytes traces the roles of books and libraries throughout recorded history and explores their social and cultural importance within differing societies and changing times. It presents the history of books from clay tablets to e-books and the history of libraries, whether built of bricks or bytes. Following an introduction that sets the theoretical basis for the historical importance of books and libraries, chapters alternate between the history of the book and the history of libraries. Included within the chapters are short excursions on some particular development, such as book emblems or cataloging. Case studies are given as thematic illustrations of libraries everywhere.
Patrick M. Valentine argues that social and cultural forces have been more influential in determining the nature and status of information, books, and libraries than has technology. But A Social History of Books and Libraries is far from a jeremiad against technology; rather it presents history within the subtle yet shifting context of time and place. Although written primarily for librarians and library students, it will also be of interest to a wider audience of scholars and those interested in books, libraries, and cultural history.
A Social History of Books and Libraries from Cuneiform to Bytes traces the roles of books and libraries throughout recorded history and explores their social and cultural importance within differing societies and changing times. It presents the history of books from clay tablets to e-books and the history of libraries, whether built of bricks or bytes. Following an introduction that sets the theoretical basis for the historical importance of books and libraries, chapters alternate between the history of the book and the history of libraries. Included within the chapters are short excursions on some particular development, such as book emblems or cataloging. Case studies are given as thematic illustrations of libraries everywhere.
Patrick M. Valentine argues that social and cultural forces have been more influential in determining the nature and status of information, books, and libraries than has technology. But A Social History of Books and Libraries is far from a jeremiad against technology; rather it presents history within the subtle yet shifting context of time and place. Although written primarily for librarians and library students, it will also be of interest to a wider audience of scholars and those interested in books, libraries, and cultural history.
Valentine (East Carolina Univ.) here presents a comprehensive survey of book history and library history from their beginnings to the modern day. Libraries have changed and developed a great deal since ancient times, when most libraries were owned by the wealthy, and relatively few people had access to them. One overriding theme of this volume is how libraries have slowly but steadily become more accessible to the larger, nonelite public. Valentine also discusses the impact of library technological innovations such as the card catalog; it exemplifies something that may seem quaint now, but was a great improvement on older, printed catalogs of books....The last third of the book, which focuses on more modern developments in books, information, and American libraries, is more engaging than previous sections. This volume likely will be most useful to library students and advanced undergraduates in specialized courses. Additionally, library professionals and researchers in related fields may find it helpful. A bibliography is included for those who want to follow up in greater depth. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-level undergraduates and above, especially in library science.