bookmarked by patrons

In relation to libraries, the first three chapters of Anderson’s The Long Tail (2006) help to set new technologies, and information overload, in their broader historical, and societal, context. If the long tail generally refers to the shift from a few hits to nearly infinite niches, what are the implications for libraries?

One immediate thought is that it might relate to collection development: don’t just focus on top sellers, go for variety. But, really, although I can’t comment on the library world as a whole, if I think of the libraries I am familiar with, they already have highly eclectic collections. And resource sharing (like interlibrary loan) opens up shelf space nearly infinitely. Through libraries with such collections and services, there are items in various formats for any niche available.

Another implication relates to how libraries position themselves in the Age of the Long Tail. How libraries fit in to the current economy is not easy to see, but it seems that, just as with new technologies, it would be fruitless, and even self-destructive, for a library to isolate itself, or to take a "nobly" defiant stance against change. One way to avoid this is for librarians to stay engaged and educated about what's new. With their finger on the pulse, info pros can be prepared to address niche interests as well as the communities arising around them, by providing items, services, spaces and training (including training in 2.0 technologies) to remain relevant, to stay within patrons' lists of bookmarks.
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Anderson, C. (2006). The Long Tail: Why the Future of Business Is Selling Less of More. New York: Hyperion.