Shawne Miksa said: "Forgive me, this is a listserv about the future of catalogs for libraries, yes?"
I'm not so sure the answer to that question is "yes". I think this list is about more than simply "the future of catalogs for libraries". While we do discuss library catalogs, the discussion ranges beyond that narrow focus. In a sense, we're discussing the future of libraries in an age where libraries might become less relevant. What should we do differently to ensure that libraries remain some semblance of relevance when information resources seem ubiquitous? Focusing narrowly on the library catalog is not the answer.
I'm fond of saying that library catalogs are systems designed BY librarians FOR librarians. Catalogs (and other functions like circ, etc.) are designed primarily to help librarians manage library collections. They're not really designed to help users. We risk marginalization if we just focus on improving what's basically a librarian's tool kit.
Granted, this list is called "Next Generation Catalogs for Libraries". But the discussions have evolved way beyond that since the list was founded. I'm betting that if Eric Morgan had access to a time machine, he'd be tempted to set the dial to June 2006 and give the list a different name. :-)
Bernie Sloan
Received on Tue Oct 20 2009 - 10:56:38 EDT