An Open Library

The objectives of the open library group are laudable but it’s got a heck of a job on its hands to achieve its goals. It seems that three players are already in the space, Amazon where you go to find a book or an out of print book, major libraries that have built up specific catalogues over time, the ubiquitous Google and fledglings like Wikia.

Yet there is something about the approach that just feels right. It’s backing from the internet archive and the “success” of WikipediA point to a potentially successful model, which involves engagement with the community of users, in a manner that could benefit Amazon, Libraries, Google and publishers.

It will be interesting to see what happens once catalogues meet users, in an interactive manner; it’s a way overdue happening.

I for one would like to see it work