jmtd → log → libraries

Cover for The Rise Of The Meritocracy

At some point during my Undergraduate years I lost the habit of using Libraries. On reflection this is probably Amazon's fault. In recent years I've tried to get back into the habit of using them.

Using libraries is a great idea if you are trying to lead a more minimalist life. I am registered to use Libraries in two counties: North Tyneside, where I live, and Newcastle, where I work. The union of the two counties' catalogues is pretty extensive. Perhaps surprisingly I have found North Tyneside to offer both better customer service and a more interesting selection of books.

Sometimes there are still things that are hard to get ahold of. After listening to BBC Radio 4's documentary The Rise and Fall of Meritocracy, presented by Toby Young, I became interested in reading The Rise of the Meritocracy: an alarmist, speculative essay that coined the term meritocracy, written by Toby's father, Michael Young.

The book was not on either catalogue. It is out of print, with the price of second hand copies fluctuating but generally higher than I am prepared to pay. I finally managed to find a copy in Newcastle University's Library. As an associate of the School of Computing I have access to the Library services.

It's an interesting read, and I think if it were framed more as a novel than as an essay it might be remembered in the same bracket as Brave New World or 1984.