Michael Gorman (librarian) - Publications

Publications

Gorman has written extensively about librarianship and issues in library science in the professional and academic press, as well as editing and authoring several books, including:

• Anglo-American Cataloging Rules, 2nd ed (2005) ALA Editions; 2nd edition ISBN 0-8389-3555-2 - Gorman was the first editor of the Anglo-American Cataloging Rules second edition in 1978. AACR2 is one of the most popular cataloguing systems in the world; this guidebook accompanies the system, and aims to explain the rules for cataloguing library materials in simplified terms for practitioners and students.
• The Concise AACR2 (2004) Facet Publishing; 4th revised edition ISBN 1-85604-540-7 - now in its fourth edition, this revision aims to explain the more generally applicable AACR2 rules for cataloguing library materials for practitioners and students who are in less complicated library and bibliographic environments. It is intended for users who do not require extensive detail, but prefer a summary of AACR2 practice.
• Future Libraries: Dreams, Madness, and Reality(with Walt Crawford) ALA Editions ISBN 0-8389-0647-7 - co-written with Walt Crawford, Gorman argues that libraries can and should welcome advanced technologies while preserving their traditional role as service-oriented repositories of organised information and knowledge. He states that virtual libraries will destroy the impact libraries have on society, and as a result proposes what he calls a "human-oriented" approach to technology. A review in the Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology stated "As the chapters unfold, a wealth of important information and observations about digital technology is presented, particularly the failure of computers to correlate with the often hyperbolic gush of promise for a more economical, streamlined,and utilitarian workplace.", while another reviewer argued that some of the points from the book are ludicrous and suggests that the impact of technological advancements and the longevity of printed works has been exaggerated and instead could lead to a “dangerous complacency” within the profession.
• Our Singular Strengths: Meditations for Librarians (1997) ALA Editions ISBN 0-8389-0724-5 - this book, precursor to Our Own Selves, is a collection of 144 meditations with a short essay and resolution.
• Technical Services Today and Tomorrow (1998) Greenwood Press; 2nd revised edition ISBN 1-56308-590-1 - This book discusses the issues surrounding technology and libraries, centred on the technical services in libraries with views on its future. The four main sections deal with acquisition, bibliographic control, automation and administration. It aims to provide an overview of the way in which technical services are building on the foundations of past work to overcome the new challenges of the present, and aims to remind readers of the technical core of librarians' activities. Like many of Gorman's other books, this text is primarily intended as an academic textbook, and Philip Hider in Library Management wrote that “this book would serve as a primer for library school students“.
• Our Enduring Values: Librarianship in the 21st Century (2000) ALA Editions ISBN 0-8389-0785-6 -in this work, Gorman attempts to define the role of both library and librarians, discussing the core values of the profession. Gorman proposes eight values of librarianship which he believes are the principles which underpin the profession and, in turn, underpin democracy. The books considers the role of the library today, librarianship in the 21st Century, what patrons and communities want from their libraries, the effects of new and changing technology on libraries, and ways to maintain the core values of librarianship into the future. Some professionals have criticised the book for some of the personal opinions on which Gorman focuses, and questioned its suitability as an academic textbook for the library and information sector.
• The Enduring Library: Technology, Tradition, and the Quest for Balance(2003) ALA Editions ISBN 0-8389-0846-4 - This book discusses the issues surrounding traditional library services and the ideas of technology dominance. Gorman's argument is that to comprehend the influence of technology on society and libraries, we need to understand the history and development of technology. He claims that libraries have forever been affected by technology, suggesting we are in a significant point in the development and evolution of libraries. The book surveys the digital world and the internet, library work and the future of libraries, with special focus on reference and cataloguing. It also examines the impact of modern living on information overload and stress
• Our Own Selves: More Meditations for Librarians (2005) ALA Editions ISBN 0-8389-0896-9 - 100 essays focusing on the issues central to the library profession. This is a follow up to Gorman’s earlier work, Our Singular Strengths (1997).