It's yet another example of libraries trying to make it as easy as possible to access materials. For example, we've posted about a "curbside" delivery services in Houston and drive-up service at the new Novi Public Library in Michigan.
It's great that we can get materials directly to the end-user in a way that's convenient to them. What scares us just a bit is that in reinforces the idea that libraries are only about books. However, the scare is reduced when we realize that the user had to go online to "order" the materials. If done properly, this would be an IDEAL TIME to market the idea of a number of other resources that they have access to any web connected computer, for free, 24x7x365. In other words, combine the delivery of books with info/training that explains the library and it's services (including access to the info pros) extend beyond the four walls of the building.
The OCLC Direct home delivery idea is not new. Is been mentioned by OCLC publicly since at least 2007 (and very likely before that).
A 2008 presentation, "Rethinking Resource Sharing: Inspiring Librarians, Empowering People" by Brenda Bailey-Hainer, President and CEO, BCR [Bibliographic Center for Research] (PPT) mentions the idea a libraries home delivery and she says it's an idea that dates back to the 1950's instead of using bookmobiles.
A 2008 blog post about a home delivery test in Illinois (that began in July, 2008), involving WorldCat Local and home delivery.
BQ mentions a key pilot program in Montana that ran from June 2007-May2008. Here's the final report.
This is a good point to let BQ's article take over. It has every detail you can imagine. From the actual process of getting a book to a user at home, costs and who is responsible for them, info links to Better World Books, and more info on WorldCat Direct and WorldCat Resource Sharing.
Finally, BQ's NewsBreak also includes details about two items we touched on last week.
2) An OCLC Innovation Lab trial allowing a WorldCat.org search via Twitter. As we pointed out then, while you can post to Twitter without a web connection (via SMS) you DO need a web connection to access the actual WorldCat records.
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