notes: Social Issues

Roush
Google's efforts really only offer "knowledge" to those who already have access to books - most of the developed world. Online access is access only in a different form. Roush's article recaps much of the debate over Google Books that's been previously discussed throughout my coursework. Although the Oxford library has electronic access, the lack of OCR searching capabilities makes Google's digitization project welcome.

Social Aspects report
"Our goals were to assess existing knowledge that might inform research and to propose a research agenda that would pose new questions."

The report reiterates a lot of the stuff from lecture, emphasizing that the people using the DLs need to be considered in the design of the DL. Final recommendations include collaboration and promoting diversity.

Arms, Viewpoint Analysis
"From the user's viewpoint, technology is irrelevant and organizations are of secondary importance." This is an important point - the user doesn't care so much about the technology, unless it is cumbersome or uncooperative. Advocates for a more holistic evaluation of DLs.