Greetings,
Although I'm not 100% certain that MG sent this to me via FW, I'd bet on it.
Apologies if I'm mistaken. My comments are intended as suggestions for improving
these types of agendas, not as negative criticism.
Sounds like a fairly comprehensive conference, but one glaring omission jumped
out at me. There is no mention of *sustainable* anything: economy, environment,
cities, population... I'm aware that "local" economic activity has many
advantages such as knowledge about the content of locally produced foods and
other products & services, easy recourse if any is needed, and energy &
pollution savings over longer distance sourcing. "Growth" is mentioned as
desirable; surely that needs careful explanation and qualification.
I strongly support libraries & information technologies, and believe that they
are a plus for humans in striving for a sustainable future ("the Problematique"
is the Club of Rome term for the sum of the problems challenging us). I'm just
puzzled how a conference of diverse esteemed individuals can develop an agenda
that seems to have missed the forest for the trees. Better "ergonomics" while
pursuing "growth" may make workers happier in the short term, but the big
picture deserves inclusion when designing best uses of libraries & Info. Tech.
At least that's how I see things.
Steve Kurtz
Fitzwilliam NH
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> A TWO DAY INTERNATIONAL PRE-CONFERENCE TO THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE
> OF THE CANADIAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION
>
> TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 1998, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
> (Special Tuesday Evening Session 7:00 - 8:30 PM)
> WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 1998, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
>
> The Victoria Conference Centre,
> Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
>
> This unique, two-day event will combine process with product:
> The outcome will be a set of strategies, useable models, and
> skill sets/competencies for libraries to follow in order to
> become actively involved in local economic development.
(snip)
