Social Dimensions of Information Technology [Review]

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	Issues in Science and Technology   Librarianship
	Winter 2002

	DOI:10.5062/F45D8PTV



      

  Book Reviews
    Social Dimensions of Information Technology: Issues for   the New Millennium
      Daryl C. Youngman
  Kansas State University
dyou@ksu.edu        


     

  Social Dimensions of Information Technology: Issues for the New  Millennium. G. David Garson, Hershey, PA: Idea Group Publishing, 2000.  362p. (ISBN 1-878289-86-1)  
       Information technology issues and social issues intersect in an increasing number  of contexts, especially in modern libraries. This work is an anthology  representing many differing perspectives on the various impacts of information  technology. Twenty essays, each a revised version of a paper originally published  in Social Science Computer Review explore social, political and educational aspects  of the use of information technology. G. David Garson, editor of this volume and  also editor of Social Science Computer Review, brings to this book his extensive  background in public administration and computer systems. He is a full professor  at North Carolina State University, and the author of several books and many  articles relating to technology and social issues. Garson states that this  anthology strives to achieve a balance between breadth and depth. For most readers  this goal has been met quite well. The science and technology librarian, however,  will have to expend some effort in identifying that material which is of the  greatest interest. The book is divided into five parts, designated as focusing on  the social, political, educational, personal and international dimensions of  information technology. For those librarians endeavoring to better understand how  libraries and library users may be impacted by the increasing use of information  technology Part III, addressing the educational dimensions of information  technology and comprising four papers, is of particular interest. Providing  information via remote access and distance learning is an increasing concern in  many libraries. Science and technology librarians grappling with these issues will  find this section an excellent source of the non-librarian perspective. Beyond  Part III readers will need to determine which papers are germane to their specific  needs and interests. Librarians may find that some of the papers have little  direct impact on their local circumstances, but those who wish to read all of the  papers should develop a broad context in which to analyze the subject.

    As this work addresses many facets of a broad issue, the index is especially  helpful in identifying and locating pertinent readings. In this volume, the  endnotes and references are retained with each individual paper. Readers will  appreciate the "About the Authors" section that precedes the index. This section  provides useful biographical and contact in formation about authors that librarians  might not otherwise be familiar with.

    Garson has produced a work that will be appreciated by busy information  professionals who wish to develop a broader based understanding of these concerns.   This compilation provides an efficient means of developing such a perspective.

     

  

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