The NYTimes’ article “The Web Time Forgot” is on the amazing, Paul Otlet. He is credited as being the father of information science. He created the conceptual framework for the new way in which we consume information. The words were a bit different, but the ideas are very alive today.

In 1934, Otlet sketched out plans for a global network of computers (or “electric telescopes,” as he called them) that would allow people to search and browse through millions of interlinked documents, images, audio and video files. He described how people would use the devices to send messages to one another, share files and even congregate in online social networks. He called the whole thing a “réseau,” which might be translated as “network” — or arguably, “web.”

Make sure not to miss the little video included with the article.