The Canadian Disease: The Ethics of Library, Archives, and Museum Convergence

The Canadian Disease: The Ethics of Library, Archives, and Museum Convergence

Curation

The convergence of libraries, archives, and museums (LAMs) into monolithic organizations has been framed as a retreat from isolated, hierarchical institutions that are increasingly irrelevant in a networked age. The emerging prevalence of digital technology and mass digitization are also identified as primary motivators behind convergence. However, much of the literature on convergence is couched in business terminology that favors top-down management approaches and works to create nondemocratic structures with more power in fewer hands, with many of the pro-convergence arguments having little to no evidential support. This paper looks at LAM convergence from the perspective of working librarians, archivists, curators, and related staff and offers a reevaluation and critique of convergence practices in Canada and abroad.

Cannon, Braden

McFarland & Company

2013-09-01

Vieira, Lisa

Journal Article

Cannon, Braden. "The Canadian Disease: The Ethics of Library, Archives, and Museum Convergence." Journal of Information Ethics 22, no. 2 (September 1, 2013): 66-89. Philosopher's Index, EBSCO host.