http://hughrundle.net/2012/05/28/a-failure-of-imagination-the-problem-with-format-neutrality/
Viewed August 3, 2012
Hugh's blog looks at the problems of access to information - not just about the content but how to access the content. Focusing mainly on problems of using ebooks and the internet, which were supposed to give us easy access to information, he looks particularly at the differences in technology between devices which makes them incompatible and therefore stops us from accessing information. Whether it is the incompatibility of some websites to iPads or the fact that eBooks will not download to all eReaders, the way that information is presented is not necessarily giving us better access.
Things which have worked like Wikipedia and Facebook should be emulated for their ease of use and universal availability, and he talks about making services available on existing technology, not inventing new technology to provide the service. We need to stop reinventing the wheel and to stop trying to fit new technology to old methods and philosophy.
Summing up, Hugh wants to see "the perfect model of access, under imperfect conditions" so everyone can get information whenever they want and wherever they are. I enjoyed this blog because it explored our preconceptions of what comes first - technology or information and has a bit of a dig at "old school" librarians for trying to fit new technologies into old models of lending and library practice.
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