1) The Internet isn’t about to fulfil the vision outlined in the 1964 Act – if it were to actually get close to this then the libraries would have an issue.

2) This was believe it or not also an issue at the time of the Bourdillon report (1961) but in terms of the newly arrived television – the vision of the future that the Bourdillon report gives however is one of suggesting that as inexpensive paperbacks and television take an increasing cultural role, the library could then turn its attention and resources to providing for the needs of the increasing numbers entering higher education. I’m not sure the libraries ever fulfilled this vision and role, but as the saying goes it is never too late to start!

I’m not sure what an MA as McTernan is is doing reciting no more than popular prejudice, one would expect some level of analysis and critical thinking, if certainly not some more research – although he hasn’t been involved with libraries since the early 90s by the looks which could explain.

As a technology trained employee of the libraries it is also certainly plain to me that there is a great deal of work that needs to be done in the information economy that we now live in – there is a great deal more information being produced then ever before, and it is if anyone our librarians that will put this information and literature to work for us (consumers), both frontline the library staff working directly with the public, and back office, adding a competitive edge to our economy, adding some joy and happiness to people’s lives otherwise.