Library space, community space, virtual space

On reading the paper Millenial net values: disconnects between libraries and the information age mindset I had some ideas about the creative use of technology in libraries. I'm also influenced here by some ideas I had whilst listening to Charles Leadbeater at the State Library of Victoria (transcript and mp3).

At present technology is used structurally, operationally, functionally and nervously. It is still, to an extent, perceived as "separate" in some sense. If libraries are to retain (reclaim?) some relevance in a networked society the attitude needs to change. Technology is as much part of the fabric of libraries as shelving, digital information is as much a part of the collection as books. For the future more creative applications of technology will need to be applied, in order to connect with busy people who will use what is available to them, what gives them services and tools that they need, and who will bypass and ignore that which does not. Time to stop resisting and start embracing change. Time to think creatively about the use of technology and of media formats.

Some ideas -

• libraries as places for legal file sharing and distribution. Librarians to deal with access, rights issues.
• internet classes - on web publishing, searching, and importantly on the use of virtual space (sharing, communicating, storing content)
• virtual space for sharing of collaborative work
• online trust-based transactions - a community exchange?
• multimedia content
• seamless interactions between media formats
• reader reviews Amazon style within the catalogue - encourages interaction with the library, "I can read the book submit a review and get my next loan on the recommendation of someone just like me"

I'm a bit off-topic on this post, I'm still formulating my own ideas to some extent on how best to use virtual space. This seemed the best place to try to record these thoughts.