The purpose of this paper is to discuss the role of libraries in access to, and preservation of, cultural heritage in concert with a wide range of other cultural institutions.
Considers a contest of values and the devaluation of reading and of the print culture as a feature of this contest. Rejects the values of information technology and scientific management and calls for their replacement by the humanistic values of libraries as one of a range of cultural institutions.
Relates “cultural heritage” records to a variety of cultural institutions who could be allies with libraries within a shared culture.
Calls for a structure and agreements between libraries and other cultural institutions aimed at pooling resources and harnessing energy and expertise to achieve cultural goals – particularly the organization, preservation, and transmission of the human record and the cultural heritage that it embodies.
