[Web4lib] Book discussion group for librarians

[Brenda Hough]

Hi!
This is a book discussion group we've started in Kansas, but we would 
love to have online contributions shared from the larger library 
community, too!

Intersections: A book discussion group for librarians

Do you only read bestsellers or do you like to find those little-known 
gems? Do you tend to watch blockbuster movies or do you like to find the 
"sleepers" and specialty documentaries that others probably missed? Are 
your musical favorites on the Top 40 charts or do you listen to bands 
and songs that won't be heard on mainstream radio? Technology and new 
services (like Amazon, iTunes, and Netflix) are making it possible to 
pursue more esoteric interests, regardless of where you live.

Chris Anderson, editor of Wired magazine, has written a book (initially 
an article in Wired) called "The Long Tail: Why the Future of Business 
is Selling Less of More". It's all about "mass customization as an 
alternative to mass-market fare". This is certainly a topic with 
implications for libraries. If you are interested in exploring those 
implications, consider reading the book (or the article) and joining an 
online discussion at Intersections http://intersections.nekls.org.

Intersections is a book discussion group for librarians, focused on 
emerging trends in the intersection of society, libraries, and 
technology. "The Long Tail" by Chris Anderson is the first book being 
discussed. NEKLS received an Interlibrary Loan Development Program 
(ILDP) grant, which is being used to purchase materials for the group 
(including multiple copies of the books -- in multiple formats... audio 
book, KS Audio Books, Music and More...). The website at 
http://intersections.nekls.org will host guest commentary about the 
books and will provide an opportunity for questions and ongoing 
discussion, too.

Everyone is invited to participate!  The Wired magazine article is 
available (free!) at http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/12.10/tail.html. 
Books have been purchased and added to the Kansas Library Catalog and to 
the Kansas Audio Books, Music, and More site, too. The Intersections 
website is at http://intersections.nekls.org. Discussion questions, 
guest commentary, and links to resources have already been posted.

Brenda

-- 
Brenda Hough
Technology Consultant
Northeast Kansas Library System
4317 W. 6th Street
Lawrence, KS 66049	
Phone: 785.865.6916
Email: bhough at nekls.org
Website: http://www.nekls.org