What is the library, pt deux
10 days ago in Bexar County, Texas, Bibliotech opened as "the country's first public digital library of its kind." It has the components of a "traditional" library in that it offers computer classes, conducts storytimes, provides public computers and Internet access, and has study/meeting spaces. However, there's a glaring absence of books. Bibliotech is paperless but it does provide access to nearly 10,000 ebooks through a number of ereaders, computers, laptops and tablets.
Bibliotech is a really interesting concept because it challenges the notion of what a library "is." Historically, we've been accustomed to a library being a building full of books and bunned hairdos. Just kidding....sort of. But Bibliotech takes the notion of a library as a community space and a space in which the public is provided access to information, and gives it a radical twist. Bibliotech reminds me of an argument I've heard for ebooks that states "it's the content, not the container."
So, what do you think? Is this a library? Why/why not? And what do you think of this idea of a paperless library?
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That's a library, or a portal to a virtual library, or the diner car on a train to the library on the interwebs, or something. The lack of books, combined with the absence of privacy, the uncomfortable-looking stools and the implied forced socialization would make me unlikely to use it. But it's a library. Ish.
I just learned about Dead Drops today! The closest one to us is probably in Elk City.
Is a Dead Drop a library, a potential library, or something else?
http://deaddrops.com/
I'd say Dead Drop is something else, i.e. a guaranteed way to install malware on your computer.
http://dcskeptic.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/dr-evil.jpg
It depends on how the system is operated. If there is a uniform set of materials being traded (that can be verified using something such as md5 to ensure that the file is in the original state was when it was produced) it could work. However, human nature being what it is, it would only be a short amount of time before someone hijacked it in order to spread malware.
I could easily see this working as an addendum to traditional library services or in an area where there is an underserved population (rural, developing nations etc.) with little resources to cover the cost of a traditional library. Setting up 10-15 terminals running open source software (something along the lines of openSUSE or Debian) would ensure low costs and minimal upkeep while fulfilling a major need in many areas.
In some communities this could work really well. I kinda like the idea. In fact, this could work in MC. We have such a need for study space, wifi, and public computers. It is interesting when I notice circ numbers are dropping while computer usage and attendance remains high... Worth thinking about... I'm ready to pilot this idea. Anyone want part of our print collection? We could trade it for computers. :-)
Do they use ebooks to do story time? I'm trying to imagine how this would work.
I'm not "old fashioned" at all, but with story time, you really use the book in so many ways. I don't think you could do it with an ebook and get the same multi-sensory experience.
I would be interested to see it in action.
I assume since they have an "ebook club" that they also use ebooks for storytime.