From coal mining to data mining: libraries after technology replaces colliers

The paper describes the world which faced librarians in 1970 and how centuries of stasis were followed by a period of rapid social, technical and professional change. It then outlines the significant contribution of Professor Melvyn Collier. It considers the failure of the profession to deal adequately with the huge growth of born digital material and data. Finally it argues that by returning to first principles the profession can retain a key and relevant role for the future.