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The Distributed Library Project

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the just-might-work dept.

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."

7 of 105 comments (clear)

  1. If only... by JohnGrahamCumming · · Score: 5, Funny

    This is actually a really cool idea.

    But imagine if we could do the same thing with digital media on the
    Internet. We might invent a system for sharing, for example, music
    and video files and call it "file sharing" or even "peer to peer".

    We might even register a domain name for the service and call it
    something like "Napster". Dammit someone already registered
    napster.com, I guess my dream will never become a reality.

    John.

    1. Re:If only... by Meffan · · Score: 5, Insightful

      This is more like a real world Napster, from the site:

      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 /.ed by the lonely surfers...Heh heh heh

      --
      I don't think I'm very happy. I always fall asleep to the sound of my own screams.
  2. It's a good idea in theory but... by GeekGirlie · · Score: 5, Insightful

    It's a great idea for sharing books and videos with other people. But, personally, I am really picky about to whom I lend things. Regardless of whether they plan to steal them, you'd probably never get your books back in the same condition that you loaned them. Then, you'll just have to end up going out and buying new books...

  3. This system could be exploited by grug0 · · Score: 5, Informative

    What's to stop a whole bunch of people giving themselves high ratings and good feedback, and then stealing other people's books?

    I suggest they use something like the Advogato trust metric to maintain the integrity of their system. This allows bad "nodes" to be isolated and damage to the system avoided.

    I also think that there should be penalties, like at any library, for having overdue books. Get a bad rating from one person is just a slap on the wrist.

  4. Libraries Don't foster Community? by gpmart · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Maybe I'm the exception to the rule, but our local library has done a lot for fostering community. My wife has participated in the annual poetry contest and readings at the library. We have gotten to know our library staff, met people and our kids have discovered new materials through the connections that they have made at the library. I won't argue that this program has value, but your average local library is community-run, a center for local civic involvement and community programs and projects. The American Library Association puts community involvement at the heart of it's mission. In fact the major advertising campaign for this is called connect@the.library. Still, the project has merit, especially because the materials that your average library offers is limited by limited finances, and this might fit niches that go unfilled right now, like making high-end geek stuff available to others.

  5. Libraries (and librarians) are cool! by DenialS · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Ahem. This ALA-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 commissioned by the American Library Association:

    • 66% of all respondents reported using the public library at least once in the last year in person, by phone, or by computer.
    • Of those respondents who reported using the public library in person in the last year, 67% said they had taken out books, 47% had consulted a librarian, 47% used reference materials, 31% read newspapers or magazines, 26% connected to the Internet, 25% took out CDs or videos, and 14% heard a speaker, saw a movie or attended a special program.
    • 91% believe libraries are changing and dynamic places with a variety of activities for the whole family.

    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.

  6. What library does this guy go to? by wordisms · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Libraries and other non-profit organizations are generally the source of the few community gatherings in any town. From chess clubs to book clubs, summer reading programs to adult discussion groups, the libraries in my communities have always served as a strong foundation for social interaction.

    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.