The Distributed Library Project 105
An anonymous reader writes "Mike Benham of thoughtcrime.org has started a cool project for sharing information and building community in San Francisco. From the website: "Unfortunately, the traditional library system doesn't do much to foster community. Patrons come and go, but there is very little opportunity to establish relationships with people or groups of people. In fact, if you try to talk with someone holding a book you like - you'll probably get shushed. The Distributed Library Project works in exactly the opposite way, where the very function of the library depends on interaction." It looks like the software is now available for other cities."
Good concept, hard to implement (Score:3, Insightful)
Re:If only... (Score:5, Insightful)
How does it work?
Create an account, then list the books and videos that you own. You will then have access to the multitude of books and videos available in other people's collections. You can search for specific authors or titles, browse individual collections, find nearby users, or find people who like books in common with yours. You will have access to user-written reviews and have the opportunity to write your own.
If the owner of a book or video you're interested in has time for you to pick it up, you can check out items for a 2, 7, 14, or 30 day period (at the owner's discretion). Returning books late will get you negative feedback, while returning books promptly will get you positive feedback. You are never under any obligation to lend an item if you don't feel comfortable doing so.
They say it's more about creating a community though, in the real world for a change. I like the idea in principle, there's nothing wrong with getting out from behind the screen now & then and actually going out & meeting people!
The eBay style "Web of trust" is also interesting, it could be a good way to meet new people who live nearby & have similar interests - some of them may even be girls! Now watch as the server is
libraries are changing, too (Score:5, Insightful)
Times, my friend, are changing.
It's often acceptible to socialize in libraries now. There are usually designated quiet portions of the library, but for the most part interaction between patrons is allowed. In fact, larger libraries set up study groups and so forth where interaction is ENCOURAGED among patrons who are interested in a similar topic.
It's a good idea in theory but... (Score:5, Insightful)
Libraries (and librarians) are cool! (Score:5, Insightful)
Ahem. This ALA [ala.org]-accredited librarian (I just happen to work in the software industry) is offended by the summary and linked-to site's suggestion that libraries don't encourage a sense of community.
As well as making books, videos, CDs, and other media available to patrons, physical libraries tend to offer their facilities to groups (for no or nominal fees) to get together for discussion. I have attended poetry-writing sessions, mid-80's computer clubs, environmental activism sessions, and local community groups, all hosted by local public libraries. Just check the bulletin boards (physical, or online) for notification and invitation to attend the many happenings at your local library.
Here are a few stats from a March 2002 survey [ala.org] commissioned by the American Library Association:
Those 14% sure have good opportunities for developing some sort of a community.
Maybe walking into a room without knowing anyone else there is daunting, so virtual communities like http://www.communitybooks.org offer a lower courage barrier for participating -- but at the same time, it's a little easier to melt into the background (or flame like mad) when you disagree with someone else's position.
And please--that stereotype of you'll probably get shushed is way wrong. If you get shushed, it's not going to be a librarian telling you to be quiet; they want you to be active and engaged. If you're approaching another patron who is trying to read, that patron might respond positively or negatively--but that's the risk you have to take if you really want to make contact with someone else who appears to share your interests.
What library does this guy go to? (Score:5, Insightful)
While this concept sounds neat, and can probably serve a certain audience, if you wish your local library was more active, volunteer some time and get involved.
I am a huge technology advocate, but things like person to person contact off the net are just so important.
Way too many opportunities for scams and thieves (Score:3, Insightful)
If I have a CD or book to lend out, I GIVE it to the library and let them handle the distribution.
Establish trusted relationships (Score:2, Insightful)
Swap, then? (Score:3, Insightful)
One problem I can see is disputes: say you spilled orange juice on my books and aren't willing to buy new ones. Or say you just spill a little on one page and I decide to be a jerk about it and demand you buy a new one.
But with some inventiveness, it just might work out.
Re:Libraries (and librarians) are cool! (Score:3, Insightful)
How are you ever going to simulate the sense of excitement and curiosity one gets going into a library? Wandering the shelves looking at books, finding that serendipitous find? Or simulate a thousand other things I'm sure I and other library fans could mention