No. 9
ISSN: 1559-0011
June 2008
Contents
One of the fastest growing trends today is combining data and functionality
from several sources to create new services that provide a unique user
experience. They’re called mash ups. Think Google Maps. Yahoo Pipes.
Facebook Plug-Ins. Libraries are doing Web mash ups as well: Meebo Instant
Messaging. Library Lookup. Bookburro. And, in a way, they’ve been doing
all kinds of mash ups for years. Think story hour, open-shelf access, cafes,
book lockers.
Since November 2006, OCLC has been engaged in a public library advocacy
research project, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, to evaluate
the potential impact of a nationwide library support campaign. What we
found out may surprise you.
Despite steady advances in information access technologies, fragmented search
and discovery systems in libraries have challenged information seekers’ abilities
to find the resources they need. WorldCat Local breaks down silos and
aggregates collections with a simple, locally branded interface.
Departments
President’s Report
Cover Story
Advocacy
Products and Services