Things #14

Wow! The library landscape may be rapidly changing, especially for the library user willing to change. I have copied so,e quotes from the readings with the kink following ech post. I will insert them, then add my reflections:

Build better data Perhaps the most important principal of Web 2.0 at OCLC is that “data is the next Intel inside.” O’Reilly argues that “every significant internet application to date has been backed by a specialized database.” For OCLC, this of course immediately calls to mind the decades of investment that member libraries have made in the quantity and quality of the metadata that comprises WorldCat. We’re involved in a number of projects that are intended to expand the database i

http://www.oclc.org/nextspace/002/4.htm

Who checks the data for quality?

Streamline metadata creation Libraries have a long history of collaborating on cataloging. This should be extended to coordinated multi-institutional activity, perhaps even beyond the library sector. The systematic sharing of bibliographic data across institutions can lead to the automatic sharing of enhancements and freeing up of resources to put more material under bibliographic control. If there is similarity in the uses made of bibliographic descriptions by publishers, vendors, and libraries for their inventories, and if there is significant overlap among needed data elements, then it makes a lot of sense to pursue a single metadata creation effort whose results we all can use.

http://www.oclc.org/nextspace/002/5.htm

Library 4.0, the neo-library: Experience This will be the library for the aesthetic economy, the dream society, which will need libraries as mind gyms; libraries as idea labs; libraries as art salons. But let’s be clear: Library 4.0 will not replace Libraries 1.0 through 3.0; it will absorb them. The library as aesthetic experience will have space for all the library’s incarnations: storage (archives, treasures); data retrieval (networks—reference rooms); and commentary and annotation (salon). Available as physical places in the library “storefront,” they will also be mobile, as AR overlays we can view (via glasses, contacts, projections) anywhere. Both virtual and augmented 3D reality will enable us to manipulate data via immersive, visual, metaphorical, sculptural, holographic information theatres: the research and analytic experience will merge with drawing, dance and drama.5

http://www.oclc.org/nextspace/002/6.htm

In order for small libraries to succeed, they need to think big. Here are some suggestions:
0. Develop an innovative strategic and tactical plan. Work on one tactic at a time, and eventually, you will accomplish your goals.
0. Network with other libraries, especially other library types (i.e., academic and public). School libraries can learn from other library successes.
0. Make the most of your ILL capabilities
0. Purchase more electronic content and use local and state consortia, including your OCLC network.
0. Consider adopting the customer service motto, “we want to serve you,” and mean it.
0. Be more visible to your patrons by applying for library awards and grants.
0. Ingrain your services into your patrons’ world so that they cannot live without you.
Finally, promote your services. This seems simple, but otherwise students and faculty will not be aware of your expanded services.

http://www.oclc.org/nextspace/002/advocacy.htm


Santa Monica’s Screen Broadcast:

http://www.smpl.org/screencasts/ibistro/owc/index.html

OCLC Terminologies Service will map and connect knowledge organization schemes

http://www.oclc.org/nextspace/002/labs.htm

The tight linking of OCLC PICA local and central system solutions with the global services of OCLC provides a close synergy between the two organizations that can deliver local, national and global solutions for libraries. And once again it shows how something small can lead to something big.

http://www.oclc.org/nextspace/002/productsandservices.htm

One thing seems clear even at this stage of the research. Although the researchers are studying VRS chat transcripts, much of what they have found has to do with interpersonal communication and providing good service to clients. As stated by Tenopir,1 this “analysis can help improve any interaction between librarian and patron.”

1-Carol Tenopir, “What Chat Transcripts Reveal,” Library Journal, March 1, 2006. http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA6308689.html

http://www.oclc.org/nextspace/002/research.htm

Watch WorldCat grow—a new record and 13 new holdings are added about every 10 seconds:

www.oclc.org/worldcat/grow

Lyle's reflections:

It seems to me that we are in the middle of a struggle between controlled vocabulary and tags as a way to look for information. As certain tags become the norm, they will become part of the "thesaurus." That development from bottom up will take some time and awareness on the part of the user.

Another key question is, "Who controls the quality?" The great thing about the philosophy behind Library 2.0 is that it will make more information available to the user by using RSS feeds and other new technologies. It seems that the task for librarians in Library 2.0 envirionment will be to assist users in the ability to assess the gathered information. The assessment will need to include applicability, accuracy, helpfulness, timeliness, and how to avoid redundant articles.

Some of the ideas, for example, having a link on the catalog page to other libraries' collection, are already done for the MISD libraries but in a different way. I see the advantage of having the link on the results page. If a student is looking for a particular title, it would be very handy for him/her to be able to search the other catalogs with just one click, rather than going back and clicking on "All." It would be even easier if the public libraries could be accessed from that page. I wonder what that would take and cost!