Aiyya - Everyone wants the new Murakami book
I was trying to borrow it from the National Library (in Singapore) and all the copies are loaned out or reserved.
You know something - public libraries should take lead in building social networks. People love to talk about books. What better way to link people then to have them list their favourites, their reading list and then let them find others with interest similar to theirs. Add recommendation engines like Amazon - “the people who read this book also read these other books”.
I did send this suggestion once to the Library and they replied that their database system was not up-to it to add such features. We must spank these lazy software vendors.
February 19th, 2005 at 8:47 am
>public libraries should take lead in building social networks.
did you manage to convince Ngee Ann to go along with the idea?
i remember you telling me this two years back?
February 20th, 2005 at 12:36 am
Try NP Library. They have almost every Murakami title anyway. Recommend it. You will [almost certainly] get it. Request to be informed and you will be the first to get it.
February 20th, 2005 at 11:58 am
Hi Ashwin,
Well NP also had the same problem i think, most of these library database were pretty closed systems. Meanwhile i am looking at sites like http://www.bookswelike.net/ and trying to integrate the feeds from there.
Hi Bookaholic,
Nice of you to drop by, long time no see you, will recommend that book. But you know how it is, I read an online review of the books and wanted to read it.. instant gratification.
March 20th, 2005 at 9:52 pm
>>>
public libraries should take lead in building social networks. People love to talk about books… I did send this suggestion once to the Library and they replied that their database system was not up-to it to add such features. We must spank these lazy software vendors.
>>>
We recognise that — the social networks part. Not trying to defend NLB or anything but well, just trying to meet our targets for loans and visitors has been tough enough. And not many Singaporeans are comfortable with engaging in conversations with each other people (the very small blogging community may be an exception). That’s the real obstacle in my opinion.
But NLB is coming to the end of the L2000 phase of development. Next lap, you’ll see more of the social networking part. We have to. It’s the next logical step and a given really.
As for the vendors, hmm… how can I put it diplomatically? I can’t so I won’t comment. But it’s not always the vendor’s fault, if you know what I mean.