Blaise Cronin introduces his collection of 19 previously published papers as ". . . a personal retrospect on a turbulent decade." As a " . . . keen spectator, commentator and occasional agitator," Cronin draws upon his extensive knowledge and experience, weaving threads of erudition and wit (albeit sometimes scathing) into the fabric of this collection.
His introduction begins with a near apologia, quoting himself to defend his love of libraries, while acknowledging his "sometimes hectoring style." The introduction also sets the context for the collection, describing the environment of the period covered, 1981-1991, highlighting many of the major issues (such as funding for libraries, increased interdependence, copyright, and technology) and explaining the groupings of the articles, into six headings: contexts, assets, orthodoxies, markets, educators, and skills.
As in most collections, the articles are uneven; some are insightful, cogent, and well-written; sections of a smaller number seem dated, pedantic, or out-of-place in the collection. For example, I would have preferred that the pages be devoted to an article other than the "Expert Systems and Library/Information Work" reprinted from 1983, which, although no doubt forward looking for its time, now seems overly basic and very dated. The articles were not revised or altered from their originals, so the type varies in size, font, and clarity, and typographical errors (including, to this reviewer's mild dismay, Pittsburgh without an "h") were not corrected. Also, there is no index.
Reading the collection brought back memories for this reviewer from years working in the U.K., because the author's perspective is from the British Isles. Several of the examples and acronyms may be unfamiliar to the American reader. References to "the Government's Green Paper, " "UGCVUFC," and the use of British English and jargon may present barriers to the reader. These quibbles aside, the volume overall is well-worth reading.
Cronin is a provocateur of the first order. He challenges long-held beliefs, stirs up controversy, pricks the balloon of complacency and seems to revel in being a gadfly. In most cases he raises new models to replace those he destroys and introduces solutions, not just problems. His writing style is lucid and generally compelling of the reader's attention. He clearly enjoys reading voluminously and using his extensive vocabulary.
Several themes emerge from the papers. Among these are: l
We must have a forward-looking attitude, while at the same time, challenging the validity of predictions; l the library and information science profession needs to develop the expertise to anticipate and manage change;