Blog Post 3: Mike Roche

Of our readings so far, I found the "Frame of Reference: Special Collections" article by Lori A. Goetsch particularly provocative for its emphasis on how technology has affected our understanding of who gets granted access to the rarest of the rare. Goetsch writes, "

We are moving from an environment that values special collections as a treasure to be hoarded to one that recognizes that for these collections to be truly valuable, they should be used." In other words, what good is it doing anybody keeping the brilliant and long-lost manuscript in the attic? I think it is wonderful how many more people can reach deep into the literary canon and get their hands dirty now.

However, I do maintain t

hat Academia has not exclusively benefited from all the recent technological advancements. I agree with

Dana that there is tremendous tension around publishing now, particularly with regard to its use in establishing credentials.

Nevertheless, this blog is pro-technological advancements. I began this course a little suspicious about technology's tendency to infiltrate everything, including the study of literature. Its drawbacks are evident enough. But the progress we've made with just the most basic regard to the dissemination of rare texts (special collections, for example) is amazing. In this way, technology has leveled the playing field for curious people (for example, me) everywhere!