Public Library as Dependent Variable

Most Interesting Idea: "Can the library (and librarians) be considered an independent variable that has an effect on its own development? The logical answer is yes. Construction of an explanation supported by empirical evidence, however, is not quite so simple" (Williams, 338).

I can certainly sympathize with that last sentence. Who is more likely to influence the development of the library than the people who work in it? As long as they are not keeping certain factions of people away from their library, I see actual people as shaping the library more than anyone else. Patrons are certainly a huge part of the shaping of libraries as well, however. This would be perhaps more in keeping with the Democratic Tradition Theory.

In keeping with the "Librarians shaped Libraries" theory, I can't help but think about Melvil Dewey. What single person did more to influence what the library would become other than that one man? I don't see any social theory bearing as much weight on the emergence of libraries as we know them than Melvil Dewey. He created the system by which we organize most of human history, and feminized the profession. If he did not become so unpopular within library circles, he would have likely done a lot more to change the profession.

Melvil Dewey was effective theory and action rolled into one. Perhaps there should be a fifth theory entitled "Dewey".