A Social History of Books and Libraries from Cuneiform to Bytes

Nonfiction, Reference & Language, Language Arts, Library & Information Services, Fiction & Literature, Literary Theory & Criticism, Books & Reading, History
Cover of the book A Social History of Books and Libraries from Cuneiform to Bytes by Patrick M. Valentine, Scarecrow Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Patrick M. Valentine ISBN: 9780810885714
Publisher: Scarecrow Press Publication: September 27, 2012
Imprint: Scarecrow Press Language: English
Author: Patrick M. Valentine
ISBN: 9780810885714
Publisher: Scarecrow Press
Publication: September 27, 2012
Imprint: Scarecrow Press
Language: English

While the importance of writing has often been recognized, the role of books and especially that of libraries has just as often been slighted. Knowledge, once generated, has to be communicated, preserved, and accessible. Books in their varying formats—from clay tablets to scrolls and manuscripts to pixels—have been instrumental in spreading knowledge, although relatively little attention has been given to the story of books themselves.

A Social History of Books and Libraries from Cuneiform to Bytes traces the roles of books and libraries throughout recorded history and explores their social and cultural importance within differing societies and changing times. It presents the history of books from clay tablets to e-books and the history of libraries, whether built of bricks or bytes. Following an introduction that sets the theoretical basis for the historical importance of books and libraries, chapters alternate between the history of the book and the history of libraries. Included within the chapters are short excursions on some particular development, such as book emblems or cataloging. Case studies are given as thematic illustrations of libraries everywhere.

Patrick M. Valentine argues that social and cultural forces have been more influential in determining the nature and status of information, books, and libraries than has technology. But A Social History of Books and Libraries is far from a jeremiad against technology; rather it presents history within the subtle yet shifting context of time and place. Although written primarily for librarians and library students, it will also be of interest to a wider audience of scholars and those interested in books, libraries, and cultural history.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

While the importance of writing has often been recognized, the role of books and especially that of libraries has just as often been slighted. Knowledge, once generated, has to be communicated, preserved, and accessible. Books in their varying formats—from clay tablets to scrolls and manuscripts to pixels—have been instrumental in spreading knowledge, although relatively little attention has been given to the story of books themselves.

A Social History of Books and Libraries from Cuneiform to Bytes traces the roles of books and libraries throughout recorded history and explores their social and cultural importance within differing societies and changing times. It presents the history of books from clay tablets to e-books and the history of libraries, whether built of bricks or bytes. Following an introduction that sets the theoretical basis for the historical importance of books and libraries, chapters alternate between the history of the book and the history of libraries. Included within the chapters are short excursions on some particular development, such as book emblems or cataloging. Case studies are given as thematic illustrations of libraries everywhere.

Patrick M. Valentine argues that social and cultural forces have been more influential in determining the nature and status of information, books, and libraries than has technology. But A Social History of Books and Libraries is far from a jeremiad against technology; rather it presents history within the subtle yet shifting context of time and place. Although written primarily for librarians and library students, it will also be of interest to a wider audience of scholars and those interested in books, libraries, and cultural history.

More books from Scarecrow Press

Cover of the book Charlie Parker and Thematic Improvisation by Patrick M. Valentine
Cover of the book Historical Dictionary of the Reformation and Counter-Reformation by Patrick M. Valentine
Cover of the book Historical Dictionary of Zionism by Patrick M. Valentine
Cover of the book Act Like It's Your Business by Patrick M. Valentine
Cover of the book James M. Cain by Patrick M. Valentine
Cover of the book Television Westerns by Patrick M. Valentine
Cover of the book Substance Abuse by Patrick M. Valentine
Cover of the book Shpil by Patrick M. Valentine
Cover of the book Historical Dictionary of Bangladesh by Patrick M. Valentine
Cover of the book Musical Landscapes in Color by Patrick M. Valentine
Cover of the book Building Blocks for Planning Functional Library Space by Patrick M. Valentine
Cover of the book Multicultural and Ethnic Children's Literature in the United States by Patrick M. Valentine
Cover of the book Teens, Loss, and Grief by Patrick M. Valentine
Cover of the book Adventures in Reading Cormac McCarthy by Patrick M. Valentine
Cover of the book Historical Dictionary of Ancient India by Patrick M. Valentine
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy