Drexler, K. E. (1986). The Network of Knowledge. Chaper 14 of Engines of Creation. Anchor Books. Available with permission on the web at http://www.foresight.org/EOC/.

Engines of Creation is a book about "the coming era of nanotechnology". In Chapter 14 Drexler states, "To prepare for the assembler breakthrough, society must learn to learn faster." How can we do this? With a nod to Vannevar Bush for the memex and Ted Nelson for hypertext Drexler explains how full_hypertext systems will allow people and groups to learn more and more quickly. He is especially focussed on immediate and dynamic criticism of primary sources which is itself subject to immediate and dynamic criticism.

A good resources for understanding the broad issues. Contains a good metaphor that demonstrates how hypertext works and why it is better than other systems considered thus far.