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| | The web is the libraries arena – but maybe only if the echo rings truePublished on 2008-09-24 The web is the libraries arena – but maybe only if the echo rings true We want library activities to be noticed. What needs to be done? Libraries now has a respectful recognition of the free redistribution of selected material. Is that enough in a future world? If libraries want to make a change in the attitude of people most surely they have to make some changes? There is an ongoing debate about this. It could be necessary for libraries to reorganise their work forces, localities and programs in the coming years, among other things echoing their future work on the web. Is it e g necessary for the library to reserve at least 30 % of the work force for web activities and 20% for program activities to make a real change? And will this make things happen? Which is our role if we as system builders want to support this kind of thinking? We think we need new web orientated systems with open interfaces to the LMS:s. When we, as we do now, are building comprehensive library system API:s for web platforms we face a lot of challenges. You realize that a metadata box on top of the old system is not enough if the libraries need a seamless integration of all the virtual presence in their systems. Is this kind of API:s (broadest scope on the market?) what the libraries need? We at least think so. If the libraries want their competence, their users’ power and the system’s functionality to merge, in one for-all-parties beneficial creative scene, we think this is the path to tread. The power lies in new scenarios where the users’ suggestions form a base for another user forum which is echoed in a search for the same theme in the catalogue. The librarian’s suggestions of a good book in a theme will show up in a search for the title. The archivist’s carefully chosen metadata is picked up by a search for local history. The football fan’s search for local football literature also gives references to the local team and a telephone number. Opening the web site of the City Environmental Office offers new EU reports on relevant environmental issues. The home users have the (library) services they want on their desktop. The traditional searches have all the lipstick you can imagine plus facets, relevance rating etc. We however go on from there. E g we work on tags by making them context controlled, at times an explorative functionality, at times more like a drill down instrument, refining your search. We will work with all possible metadata in a city or university and we will work with the relevant information “objects”, including full text. From our side we will start by bringing forward the API:s and a corresponding full web site solution for six library systems this year. Of course there will be a need for some adjustments and a lot of further development but we are sure it is the right way to go. This we think will be a platform for us and others for many years to come. And your opinions on this are much appreciated because you are the ones who are going to use it!
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