Web Search–Google
“Google�s Human Touch”
Where should I start? The article begins by doing a great job of reinforcing the librarian stereotype. “In the good old days, if you had a question, you’d head to the library to do your research. And if you were still stumped, the nice librarian with the horn-rimmed glasses would gladly help.” It continues with the sentence, “Search engines such as Yahoo!, AltaVista, and Google have largely replaced those library trips.” All of that in the first two paragraphs! The author continues on with a the virtues of Google Answers making no mention of the free virtual reference services available from libraries. Also, no mention of remotely accessible databases. The article does contain a mention of Jessamyn West’s experience as a Google Researcher. Nevertheless, this article once again shows that while we may be building some great services and more importantly have the skills to help others find answers/use these tools, many of the people we are trying to offer these services to think the “open web” and Google Answers is it! Sad.
UPDATE: I telephoned the writer of this article and at about 10pm Friday she got back to me. I briefly explained that libraries and library services (databases, virtual reference, non-commercial directories) are available. After hearing my explanation, she told me that she had “no idea” that all of these services and content is available from today’s public and academic library. Good news, It looks like these ideas will become stories that she’ll write in the next few months. Let’s keep our fingers crossed.
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