submitted by: Rich Greenfield
For those with RealAudio installed, there are some interesting clips at http://www.thesis.co.uk:80/tp/10004660/PRN/OPEN/EVENTS/BEYONDHYPE/hype.html
The contention that there is no future for libraries outside of electronic media was defeated 52 to 32, even though the contention that the Internet will revolutionize British higher education was approved by an even larger margin.
Here's a brief description of the three recent debate topics:
Thursday 23 April 1998
The Debating Chamber, Oxford Union
A one-day colloquium organised by the Humanities Computing Unit, University of Oxford.
1. Teaching
This house believes that the Internet will revolutionise teaching across British Higher Education.
Introduction from the Chair: Stuart Lee, Centre for Humanities Computing, University of Oxford
For: Gary Alexander, Director of the Electronic Media in Education Research Group, the Open University.
Against: Nicky-Sinead Gardner, Joint Information Systems Committee of the UK higher education funding bodies
The motion was passed by 51 votes to 21 (6 abstentions).
2. Libraries
This house believes that there is no future for Libraries outside the Electronic Medium.
Introduction from the Chair: Sarah Porter, CTI Textual Studies, University of Oxford
For: John Tuck, Deputy to the Director of University Libraries and to Bodley's Librarian, University of Oxford
Against: Mike Crump, Director of Reader Services and Collection Development, The British Library
The motion was defeated by 52 votes to 32.
3. Publishing
This house believes that the New Technologies are raising publishing standards.
Introduction from the Chair: Michael Popham, Oxford Text Archive, University of Oxford
For: Michael Upshall, Executive Director of Publishing, Helicon Publishing Group PLC
Against: Jane Dorner, freelance writer and Author's Licensing and Collecting Society Director
The motion was defeated by 43 votes to 10 (3 abstentions, 1 spoiled ballot).
Rich Greenfield, Technology Coordinator
Alaska State Library, P.O.Box 110571
Juneau, Alaska 99811 (Tel. 907-465-2928) rgreenfi@educ.state.ak.us