Knowledge Access Changes explores how society has been shaped by the evolution of information access, from ancient manuscripts to the digital age. It examines the educational and technological milestones that propelled this evolution. The book argues that access to knowledge is a driving force behind social, economic, and political change, not merely a byproduct of technological progress.
One intriguing fact is the shift from laborious manual transcriptions to the printing press, drastically increasing information dissemination. Another is the challenge of discerning credible sources from misinformation in today's digital abundance.
The book progresses through three major sections. It begins with oral traditions and written manuscripts, focusing on institutions like monasteries. It then examines the printing press and mass literacy, highlighting societal and cultural reshaping. Finally, it delves into the digital age, analyzing the internet and social media's transformative effects on knowledge access, addressing information inequality and digital literacy.
This interdisciplinary approach, drawing from history, technology, education, and sociology, avoids technological determinism, emphasizing the interplay between technology, society, and culture.
