[Libs-Or] Re: NYT Book Review claims librarians unfortunately becoming obsolete

[Bob Schroeder]

The two pertinent passages relating to the obsolesce of librarians are 
arranged, like book ends at the beginning and end of the review – “The 
Fog of Facts”(NYT Book Review Oct. 17, p.12.) Neither of the quotes is 
from the book, /The Librarian/, but from the reviewer, Neil Genzlinger.

The opening sentences are, “Poor librarians. Soon, no doubt, to go the 
way of blacksmiths and town criers, their chosen field made obsolete by 
Internet search engines and self-perpetuating electronic databases”

The last sentences of the review are, “Sometimes it takes a librarian to 
see these Fog Facts. What a pity that soon the only place to find one 
will be at the Living History Museum, along side the mule skinner and 
the wheelwright”.

Neither of these quotes seems to relate at all to the book or the rest 
of the review. Maybe Mr. Genzlinger had an unfortunate accident at a 
library in his youth – perhaps a volume of the OED fell on his foot?

Excuse me – I have to rush to Ask Jeeves for some career advice!

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_________________________________________________________
Robert Schroeder 
Reference Librarian & Coordinator of Information Literacy 
Assistant Professor
Portland State University

503.725.4519 phone
503.725.4524 fax
schroedr at pdx.edu

P.O Box 1151
Portland OR 97207-1151

280F Millar Library