Jim:
On this point you are absolutely on the right track.
On 4/15/10 4:39 AM, Weinheimer Jim wrote:
But even more, it seems to me that we should consider the future catalog not as
a separate entity from the rest of the web, but as an integral part of it (I
hope as an important part of it as well). The library catalog should not be
something that duplicates the work of others, and sometimes their work is much
better. We should also recognize that there are many places people can go, and
even should prefer, for the kind of information found in a catalog record about
a treaty, e.g. not only the major collection at the U.N.
http://treaties.un.org/Pages/Home.aspx?lang=en with a fabulous database where
you can find and search specific signatories in all kinds of ways, but there
are many other sites as well, linked to so nicely e.g. at
http://www.justlawlinks.com/GLOBAL/international/citreaty.htm.
The new world of data building quickly around is is full of these kinds
of resources, and using them certainly does not imply that we have no
role. We have data, too, to offer, and the importance of our
participation, for us, and for this web of data, is quite exciting.
So, let me ask the terrible question which will most probably make some others
angry: once somebody knows these sites, who will want to use our stuff, RDA or
not RDA? These are the future directions of our users--they are going there;
they *should* be going there, and libraries must follow or be left behind.
Not only should we follow, but there are areas where we can certainly
lead, if we don't spent too much valuable time dithering about.
Libraries could help build and maintain these types of sites in order to link
to and through them in a whole number of interesting and innovative ways to
save our time, and increase access for all.
First, we have to make sure that we can expose our data for others to
use for linking. We still have a lot to do there.
The catalog should no longer be seen as a separate entity but for efficiency's
sake to use the power of the web to really cooperate with all kinds of partners
out there.
YES!
Regards,
Diane
