LIBRES: Library and Information Science Research Electronic Journal ISSN 1058-6768 March 31, 1995 Volume 5 Issue 1 Quarterly LIBRE5N1 Reviews _____________________________________________________ _Mastering Information in the New Century_. By Marvin J. Cetron and Owen Davies. Washington, DC: Special Libraries, 1994. 94 pp. ISBN: 0-87111-431-3. For an information provider and consumer, mastering information in a technologically fluid environment is a compelling issue that raises many questions and demands much thought. The intent of this work is to attempt to answer some of the questions many of us many have, in our profession, and in our roles as members of a complex global society. It also provides a framework within which to view the outcome of technological advances, and to make decisions that will govern our viability in the work place. Cetron and Davies state that they ...will try to forecast both the development of the information superhighway and the changes it will bring within the next decade(p. 3). They accurately assess that this is no easy task in light of the fact that ~... many of the critical decisions that will shape the result are just reaching the discussion stage. (P. 3) As stated in the preface by David R. Bender, Executive Director of the Special Libraries Association, the authors' goals are to define what the information superhighway is, how it will change information specialty, what new opportunities it will bring, what new skills it will require of information professionals, and lastly, what this transition will mean for the Special Libraries Association. This highly readable text approaches these topics by first focusing on the broader issues involving the complex causal relationships of economics, politics, education, and technology, and then synthesizing this information in a final chapter dealing with the evolving demands placed on information specialists. In its contextual approach, the book provides a meaningful framework for this analysis. A lengthy appendix dealing with seventy-four major trends now changing the United States follows, detailing demographic, economic, and social patterns affecting the issues discussed in the book. (P. 53) Of the forces at work, the computer is ~...seen as one of the most potent...transforming American life. (P. 4). This is illustrated by the fact that ...computer power doubles every eighteen months to two years. (P. 8). Cetron and Davies accurately list time, demographics, international trade, and competition as the other major forces involved in the process of reshaping our social environment. For those who may view the resulting changes with skepticism and/or wariness, the first chapter may paint a bleak future. It is indicated that ~...at least two generations of Americans...will be lost in the era of information: the baby boomers who completed high school and counted on manufacturing jobs..., and too many of their children, whose schools have failed them completely. (P. 21) As one delves further into the book, one sees an intimation of a more positive light shed on a future which may bring undreamed of opportunities as a concomitant to change. One criticism one could make of this work is that, although it relies heavily on statistics, no references are given to the sources used, with the exception of one figure. This does not allow the reader to explore specific information without conducting additional research, nor does it allow for verification of information. In light of the implications that learning should be a lifelong pursuit, and that information specialists must hone their skills, one could generously interpret these omissions as intentional. Additionally, it would have been of interest to the reader to be provided with information about the authors. Nonetheless, within its intended focus, this text presents a wealth of data in a manageable format and is clearly written. Even though the final chapter deals with information specialists and discusses the impact on the Special Libraries Association, its readership should not be limited to these specialists within the field of Library and Information Science. The information superhighway has far-reaching implications for our society, and is fast becoming the warp and the weft of a global tapestry that will impact all individuals, and for those wondering what may lie ahead in a fast-approaching future, this book provides a useful summary of vital information. Suzanne Milton Eastern Washington University ________________________________________ This document may be circulated freely with this statement included in its entirety: This article was originally published in _LIBRES: Library and Information Science Electronic Journal_ (ISSN 1058-6768) March 31, 1995 Volume 5 Issue 1. For any commercial use, or publication (including electronic journals), you must obtain the permission of the authors. To subscribe to LIBRES send e-mail message to listserv@kentvm.kent.edu with the text: subscribe libres _ ________________________________________