The history of recorded information and libraries
Date
2024
Authors
Howard, K.
Editors
Baker, D.
Ellis, L.
Ellis, L.
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Book chapter
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Source details - Title: Encyclopedia of Libraries, Librarianship, and Information Science, 2024 / Baker, D., Ellis, L. (ed./s), vol.1, pp.36-39
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Abstract
Libraries can trace their history back to palace and temples collections, with documents separated according to their function as opposed to format. This indicates evidence of an information infrastructure with early forms of classification. The separation of collections based on format came in the 17th and 18th centuries, and was largely linked to the invention of the printing press and movable type, leading to distinctions in collections of objects (museums) and collection of texts – or documents (libraries).
The new forms of analogue documents that emerged in the 20th century (photographs, sound recordings, microforms, and videotape) did not fit neatly into the institutional boundaries that had emerged, and these boundaries were further eroded with the onset of the digital age. Despite recent worldwide closures, libraries seem destined to continue to play their role as educational, social and recreational places, and tourist destinations.
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