The influence of Web 2.0 upon the Library Supply Chain

The speed of change within the library supply chain is constantly increasing, with all formats of publication (including books, audio-visual material and journals) feeling the pressure.

Regardless of the chosen media and the method of discovery, discounting is now the norm, profit margins are shrinking and process needs to be as slick and rich as possible. In terms of the user experience now expected, the gauntlet has been thrown down by today’s Internet players such as Google, Amazon and eBay. Users want items to be instantly discoverable from wherever they are, and to have it in their hands as quickly and cheaply as possible - be it either a purchase or library loan.

Regarding library supply, the UK Government is certainly showing interest in terms of best value for money, whether this is from aggregated purchasing or moving resources to the front line to improve customer service. It’s a far cry from the heady days of the Net Book Agreement (NBA) which many feel set an unrealistic and somewhat steady state
environment.

Today’s industry is still largely in the throws of '80s technology (when the Internet was going through its own invention), certainly in terms of exchanging and integrating information. One could argue that if this has worked for so long, why bother changing it? We believe there is an easier, faster, cheaper solution that delivers a rich user experience built on open standards and the drive towards community, participation, aggregation and efficiency.

The evidence is becoming compelling. In order to survive, change is inevitable. All parts of the supply chain need to embrace a new way of working, supported by new technologies built upon the next generation of Web applications, to deliver the best experience and value to all of our customers.

Find out more in this white paper by Tony Stevens. Then why not share your own views in this forum?