TGIF…almost

It’s been a tiring week. I fell behind on the readings for class (not for the lack of trying) and didn’t even finish my reaction paper until last minute Wednesdy right before it was due. Our topic for this week was Information Infrastructure. It took me awhile to get used to the word “infrastructure” and how it’s used. I’m definitely learning a lot of new vocabulary words in this class.
A great deal of our readings focused on improving imformation infrastructure on a global scale and “closing the digital divide” by providing better information technology to underserved communities and lesser developed countries. Basically, they’re trying to help the poor people out. When I told Mike about this he was rather repulsed by the idea and I have to admit that I am rather at odds with it too. Many of my classmates also showed some concern. One classmate likened it to a kind of “digital manifest destiny”. What right do we have to try and transform whatever remains of these indigenous cultures just so we can say that everyone in the world is “connected”. There’s this strange sort of enthnocentricicty going on, forcing a technological culture on those who are probably more interested in having access to food and water then they are with broadband internet connection. I have this bizarre image in my head with men and women in suites, waving computer manuals in the air, just like Christian missionaries with their Bibles “Save yourself, get connected!”
Obviously, I wouldn’t be in this profession if I didn’t think technology was a good thing. I have my complaints and a also many fears. However, I am a passionate believer in the code of my profession, in intellectual freedom and free access to information, etc. I realize the lack of knowledge leads to an oppressive society and if technology can help combat that then I am all for it. I just think we need to tread carefully. I have a feeling that those who are involved in this movement already have an understanding for this in the back of their mind. I was just dissappointed that none of the readings so far have made much mention to some of the negative implications of technology, socialogically speaking. These are things I have always been concerned with and are probably what will make me more of a “traditional old-fashion librarian” then a future informational specialist. Hopefully, I’ll find a medium somewhere.

I’ve provided a link to the website for the World Summit on the Information Society which met last December in Geneva. You can download their Declaration of Principles and Plan of Action where they outline some of their plans for global information infrastructure. I did my reaction paper over an article that summarized the event and expressed some concern for the Summits plans for internet governance. You can read that article here.

I have the day off tomorrow so technically today is a Friday for me. Thank heavens. I need a break. I think I’ll watch a chick flick and drink a nice cool cape cod. I might even do the laundry if I feel motivated enough.