Collectivism vs. Individualism in a Wiki World: Librarians Respond to Jaron Lanier's Essay

WCU Author/Contributor (non-WCU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)

Krista Schmidt, Research and Instruction Services Librarian (Creator)

Institution

Western Carolina University (WCU )

Web Site: http://library.wcu.edu/

Abstract: Jaron Lanier’s essay Digital Maoism: The Hazards of the New Online Collectivism is a self-described rant of the dangers of the hive mentality in suppressing individual human intelligence as demonstrated in online resources such as Wikipedia and MySpace. He sees merit in collective decision-making and problem-solving if evaluation is uncontroversial, but argues that individuals are essential in providing judgment, taste, and user experiences in many situations. Lanier’s essay appeared in the online progressive publication Edge and received responses from a variety of technologists, academics, and writers. In this Balance Point column, four academic librarians provide a library public services viewpoint in responding to Lanier’s essay.

Collectivism vs. Individualism in a Wiki World: Librarians Respond to Jaron Lanier's Essay
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Created on 1/1/2007
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Additional Information

Publication

Serials Review, 33(1), 45-53

Language: English

Date: 2007

Keywords

collectivism, academic librarian, collective action

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