Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin - Medienwissenschaft

The talk by Ronda Hauben will discuss the scientific origins of the Internet and how the science of communication was part of the vision inspiring the development of the Internet. The vibrant intellectual environment in the 1950s led JCR Licklider, to recognize the importance of developing an online community which would support collaborative modeling. From this environment emerged the role of the netizen as a basis for the continued support and development of the Internet.

Jay Hauben’s talk will look at JCR Licklider's understanding of the human-computer symbiosis and the computer as a communications device to see the foundation Licklider set for the Internet. It will examine Licklider’s projection of the library of the future. It will conclude by raising the question whether or not society can get closer to fulfilling Licklider's vision.