On 8/31/10 1:13 PM, "B.G. Sloan" <bgsloan2_at_YAHOO.COM> wrote:
I know there are exceptions to what I just said, but I'm thinking that the core design principles of library catalogs are based on the need to manage physical collections?
The problem is ( and has been ) that "physical" objects provide only a fraction of information that your patron is in need of and is willing to use and as a proportion of available information is getting smaller all the time. Format/location doesn't matter any more. If we can, we need to break down silos of information. That doesn't mean you couldn't have a catalog that provided added value to physical objects but it's got to be discoverable in the user's normal work flow (not that I know what that is but Google comes to mind ).
The other thing I think Eric was trying to get at is "open" content. If libraries can provide both access to these types of materials AND value-added services on top of this access we would be providing significant service to our patrons.
While there are a lot of good people working on tools and services I don't think any body has all the tools they need. I think a contributing problem is that lack of majority of the profession to recognize the urgency of this matter and lack of support for this vision both in their commitment of resource and time.
Mean while Eric, I guess we just keep plugging away.
--
Brian Kennison
Western Connecticut State University
Received on Tue Aug 31 2010 - 13:53:19 EDT