Michael Gorman: Perspectives on Digitization, Knowledge, and the Future of Librarianship
Michael Gorman, a prominent figure in information science and former president of the American Library Association (ALA), has sparked significant debate through his critical views on the digital revolution. His perspectives challenge the prevailing enthusiasm for the internet and the mass digitization of texts, arguing that the speed of modern information retrieval often comes at the expense of deep, scholarly understanding.
Key Facts
- Information vs. Knowledge: Gorman distinguishes between "information" (isolated facts and data) and "real knowledge" (literary and scholarly texts).
- Digitization Stance: He opposes the mass digitization of scholarly books but supports the digitization of reference works like dictionaries and encyclopedias.
- Educational Concern: Gorman warns against a decline in reading proficiency and the over-reliance on search engines for research.
- Professional Role: While holding leadership roles in the ALA, he maintains that his criticisms of technology are personal opinions and not official organization policy.
The Debate Over Digitization
In 2004, Google announced plans to digitize collections from five major research libraries: Harvard, Stanford, Oxford, the New York Public Library, and the University of Michigan. Gorman responded with a critical article in the Los Angeles Times titled "Google and God's Mind," expressing his disapproval of the project.
Gorman's opposition is rooted in his definition of information—which he describes as facts, images, and quotations used out of context—versus real knowledge, which is found in comprehensive scholarly texts. He argues that "Google boosters" prioritize speed over quality, comparing the rapid consumption of online data to "fast food," where speed does not eliminate the presence of "rubbish." To Gorman, real knowledge is only acquired through traditional scholarly engagement with books.
Critics, such as Digital Initiatives Technology Librarian Peter Binkley, have challenged this view. Binkley argued that digitization does not necessitate the destruction of physical books and noted that digital databases can actually facilitate the discovery of physical texts via inter-library loans. Binkley also refuted Gorman's claim that electronic communication is an unprecedented shift, citing historical transitions from papyrus to vellum codex and from manuscripts to printed books.
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Blogging and the "Gormangate" Controversy
The digital community responded vigorously to Gorman's views. This interaction led Gorman to write "Revenge of the Blog People!" in Library Journal, where he criticized the blogging medium and his detractors. This clash, dubbed "Gormangate" by blogger Karen Schneider, highlighted a generational and philosophical divide within the library profession.
Despite the friction, the controversy demonstrated the power of the "blogosphere" as a communication tool. Library Journal eventually launched its own technology blog as a result of the discussion, and some individuals, such as Michael Stephens, were inspired to pursue doctoral theses on the role of blogging in librarianship.
Views on Web 2.0 and Wikipedia
Writing for the Encyclopædia Britannica Blog, Gorman expressed concerns that Web 2.0 has led to a "flight from expertise" and an increase in credulity. He cautioned that web-based research often relies on texts of "doubtful or unestablishable authenticity," leading to incomplete scholarship. His skepticism extends to Wikipedia, which he famously compared to a "steady diet of Big Macs" when recommended by professors for academic use.
Education and the Enduring Value of the Book
Gorman has expressed alarm over declining reading proficiency among college graduates and a lack of familiarity with basic library systems among freshmen. He argues that there is a failure in core educational values, where the goal of college has shifted toward job procurement rather than producing truly educated people.
He advocates for a restructuring of library education in the 21st century, suggesting that the internet should be an accompaniment to, rather than a replacement for, existing educational methods. Central to his philosophy is the belief that serious research is impossible without the sustained reading of complex physical books.
| Topic | Gorman's Position | Counter-Argument/Context |
|---|---|---|
| Mass Digitization | Opposed for scholarly books; supports for reference works. | Digitization aids discovery and preserves access. |
| Internet Research | Often superficial; lacks depth and authenticity. | Provides unprecedented speed and accessibility. |
| Blogging | Critical of the medium's scholarly value. | Effective for professional networking and news. |
| Library Education | Needs restructuring to prioritize complex reading. | Must evolve to integrate new digital resources. |
Ethics and Spirituality in Librarianship
Beyond technology, Gorman emphasizes the importance of a strong ethical stance for librarians. In his work Our Enduring Values, he proposes eight values to guide the profession, suggesting that a librarian secure in their beliefs is more likely to maintain high self-esteem and professional resilience.
Some reviewers and the Association of Christian Libraries (ACL) have noted that these values align closely with biblical theism. Gorman's writings, including Our Singular Strengths and Our Own Selves, encourage librarians to engage in meditation and reflection to reaffirm their professional responsibilities and the vital task of preserving human knowledge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between information and knowledge according to Gorman?
Gorman defines information as discrete facts, data, and quotations that can be extracted from their context. In contrast, real knowledge refers to the deep understanding derived from literary and scholarly texts.
Does Michael Gorman oppose all forms of digitization?
No. He believes that certain types of information, such as gazetteers, encyclopedias, and dictionaries, are suitable for digitization, but he opposes the mass digitization of entire scholarly books.
What was "Gormangate"?
"Gormangate" was the term used to describe the heated public debate between Michael Gorman and the library blogging community following his critical articles on Google and the nature of blogging.
How does Gorman view the use of Wikipedia in academia?
He is highly critical, suggesting that a professor who encourages the use of Wikipedia is the intellectual equivalent of a dietician recommending a diet consisting entirely of fast food.
What are Gorman's concerns regarding modern college students?
He is concerned by the decline in reading proficiency, the inability of many freshmen to use basic library systems, and a general lack of reading for pleasure.