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Re: OT: Lobbying college library for Knuth's "Art of Computer Programming"
by Abigail-II (Bishop) on Oct 21, 2003 at 07:37 UTC
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Ask him whether he would replace the bible with something
more current.
Abigail | [reply] |
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Agreed,
This is bit like saying that they shouldn't stock Newton's Principia Methematica in their (history of) physics section or Saussure's essays and lectures on Structuralism in their English Language library.
Elgon
Please, if this node offends you, re-read it. Think for a bit. I am almost certainly not trying to offend you. Remember - Please never take anything I do or say seriously.
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Re: OT: Lobbying college library for Knuth's "Art of Computer Programming"
by TVSET (Chaplain) on Oct 21, 2003 at 02:39 UTC
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Well, one of the arguments is that there are things that never change (or rather change extremely slowly). For example, books on Assembly language programming. They haven't changed much during the last 20 years. "Art of Computer Programming" is mostly about concepts that never change (or, again, rather change extremely slowly).
As another good argument in your case I would consider a collection of reviews for the books you want your library dean to consider. One of the places for reviews of technical books is of course Slashdot.
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I agree with the basic premise of your post, TVSET, that some fundamental texts don't need to change too often.
However, I disagree with your example.
For example, books on Assembly language programming. They haven't changed much during the last 20 years.
You know about that whole VLIW thing that popped up recently, right?
If you are unfortunate enough to have to look at itanium assembler, you're going to have a tough time doing it with a reference from 20 years ago at your side. It's _very_ different.
Just about like doing perl 5 using K&R would be...
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Point taken. Maybe I could have been more specific, like: "For example, books on 80386 Assembly language prgramming. They haven't changed much during the last 20 years." :)
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Re: OT: Lobbying college library for Knuth's "Art of Computer Programming"
by Aragorn (Curate) on Oct 21, 2003 at 07:06 UTC
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Of course, Knuth is very good, but if the dean insists on something more "recent" (which is of course B.S., as if the fundamental algorithms change every 2 years), then maybe he'll find Introduction to Algorithms, Second Edition more "appropriate", or "recent".
Arjen | [reply] |
Re: OT: Lobbying college library for Knuth's "Art of Computer Programming"
by jacques (Priest) on Oct 21, 2003 at 03:33 UTC
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Why? If enough people complain, I am sure they will get the book. Apparently, not too many people are complaining. Perhaps a better solution would be to transfer to another college that cares.
"Something more current"? I wonder what could be the replacement!
Well, the Alpaca, of course. Personally, I much rather read about Mister Ed and the Skipper, than one of Knuth's sorting algorithms. | [reply] |
Re: OT: Lobbying college library for Knuth's "Art of Computer Programming"
by jdtoronto (Prior) on Oct 21, 2003 at 14:26 UTC
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I think the replacement might easily be either a new Dean or a new College!
I was recently (about a week ago!) replacing my original set of Knuth. They were getting pretty tired and my young nephew - who had put on a lot of the dog-ears - was complaining that he couldn't find a secondhand set in Australia at a reasonable price. So my old ones went there and I bought another set here in NA. In my search I saw this on one site selling a set:
Donald E. Knuth's classic work, The Art of Computer Programming, has been widely acclaimed as one of the most influential works in the field of computer science. For the first time, these books are available as a boxed, three-volume set. The handsome slipcase makes this set an ideal gift for the recent computer science graduate or professional...
In fact any of Knuth's work is more than worth having in the library. I agree with the writer of that review that he was and still is, one of the most influential comnputer scientists of our time. As a code hacker (since 1969) and an engineer turned mathematician and physicist I know that Knuth had a huge influence on my own work. I even enjoyed his work on TeX even though I have never used TeX I have all the books.
jdtoronto
PS I am still trying to get over the shock of a college that teaches ANYTHING computer related that DOESN'T have "The Art" - inconceivable | [reply] |
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Right, because its best to blame shortcomings of the library (most likely a completely different department with completely different management) on the college of engineering. Chances are that most of the Computer Engineering professors have their own copy of "The Art", and haven't even noticed that the library doesn't.
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Re: OT: Lobbying college library for Knuth's "Art of Computer Programming"
by artist (Parson) on Oct 21, 2003 at 16:14 UTC
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Well, why it was not there in the first place in 1997-98, when it came out or an year after..? Tell them it is time now to correct the mistake.
I wonder what type of feedback they take from the students and professors while selecting computer books. Study material carries a major weight and shapes your fundamentals duing college years. It better be high profile.
The book-list on Internet for computer science students, would make a great resource here and can be used as an additional argument.
artist
===================================================
Perl is fast.. So I spend more time doing fast things
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Re: OT: Lobbying college library for Knuth's "Art of Computer Programming"
by CountZero (Bishop) on Oct 21, 2003 at 19:14 UTC
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What, you want to read TAOCP in a library and not have your own copy to read? I'm a lawyer by training and profession and even I have my own copy!
CountZero "If you have four groups working on a compiler, you'll get a 4-pass compiler." - Conway's Law
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my $.02;
I have a copy at home and a copy at work. I even managed to get work to pay for that one!
-QM
--
Quantum Mechanic
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Re: OT: Lobbying college library for Knuth's "Art of Computer Programming"
by parv (Parson) on Oct 25, 2003 at 23:40 UTC
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