Dear Videolibers, I am going to broach this topic, because no one else has, which has left me shocked. Given the "normalization" of fake news, and our "post-factual" reality, how has not one librarian here brought this up? I am frankly shocked! I have no other word. How has this listserv missed this topic for discussion? How people evaluate information? It's the core of the profession, regardless of format. To me, it seems more urgent than ever that we have a primer in the basic understanding of what information is, and what facts are. And information gathering is. Is this not the very core of librarianship?Authoritative, vetted sources? High standards and scrupulous care that what we approve meets strict criteria? What IS that criteria? That hasn't been discussed here, if ever. I am having a crisis of confidence, in general, an existential one, some hubris (I don't think so), about librarianship's role in mitigating this very public handwringing. Why have none jumped? Are we not the purpoted experts in evaluating information, and especially, its sources? Seriously, are we obsolete? The word "curate" for programming, was co-opted years ago. And not a peep. Everyone's a curator, a librarian, is that it? Someone tell me, is it?
I feel better. Elizabeth McMahon Former completely excellent film, video, audio librarian and moving image preservationist at Donnell Library Center, which was sold because the whole goddamned Board of NYPL are/were RE scions and sold the 53 year old ***public library*** for $38m to become a high end hotel/condo valuated now at over one billion. $1b.(Mid Manhattan property) With a eunuched, pseudo library in its intestines. This is the trend. THIS IS THE TREND. I know it's confusing, because it seems ostensibly about RE, but it's not. It's about control. And power. Yes, I know this seems crazy, but I only say it because I've experienced it. Information is power, a rote saying. But think about it. I am asking you to contemplate that, like your life hinged on doing that. The larger picture being, annahilite access to truth. Libraries equal information/truth equals destruction. And PS, you're next $1b Water is next.
VIDEOLIB is intended to encourage the broad and lively discussion of issues relating to the selection, evaluation, acquisition,bibliographic control, preservation, and use of current and evolving video formats in libraries and related institutions. It is hoped that the list will serve as an effective working tool for video librarians, as well as a channel of communication between libraries,educational institutions, and video producers and distributors.
