BOOKS AND LIBRARIES IN THE SCIENTIFIC AGE

Abstract : The author proves to his own satisfaction that this is indeed a scientific age, not for its cultural impact but its nuisance value. He then contrasts the popular image of scientists with drab reality, enlivened only by the scientists' love-hate relationship with his 'literature', whether it be read, written or kept in piles, even the latter function being undelegatable. A cursory summary of scientists' of the literature in general and libraries in particular is followed by pronouncing anathema on those who would substitute a toilet roll of printout for books as we know them and an unabashed paean of praise for books, libraries and librarians.