Upon the Shoulders of Giants: Building Library 2.0 Together, From the Platform Up
Paul Miller
Talis
http://blogs.talis.com/panlibus/
In illustrating the potential for Library 2.0, commentators tend to point to the exemplary work of a small number of individuals; John Blyberg, Ed Vielmetti, Casey Bisson, Dave Pattern, to name but four. Their work is undeniably impressive, and has done much to illustrate possibilities for working with and extending the current generation of library systems.
However, much that they do requires the full weight of their hard-won knowledge of the internal workings of their particular library system, and of their unique local situation. Replicating their achievements elsewhere is often far harder than it should be – through no fault of theirs – and it remains difficult for the library sector as a whole to realise the potential of transforming their services.
In a recent white paper, Library 2.0: the challenge of disruptive innovation, we explored some of the ways by which Library 2.0’s promise will be realised in mainstream libraries as well as at the leading edge. We suggested that a common Platform of data and of ‘functions’ would allow both libraries and third parties to construct a new generation of applications, in which library services might appear alongside those from other libraries, or relevant organisations beyond the library sector.
This common platform lowers barriers to participation, and removes much of the need to know – or care – about which library system is being queried, or how it needs a search to be formulated. The platform deals with this complexity, and its open nature ensures that the community benefiting most from its capabilities has the interest and ability to maintain and extend the information at its heart.
Working with vendors, libraries and others to build, maintain and deploy such a technology platform is only part of the solution. Equally important is nurturing the expertise that already exists in the community, encouraging current and future developers to share their ideas and experiences, and to learn from one another. Through the TDN we offer a space in which this community can grow and share innovation.
Through the opportunity offered by HigherEd BlogCon, we would welcome the opportunity to explore ways in which a community space such as the TDN might best be shaped to meet the needs of the whole community, regardless of the library system with which they currently work.