The library rhizome grows

As cited in ALA Libraries Direct this week, the Contra Costa County Library is going to place book vending machines in public transportation hubs. I love this idea, and I hope it works. The press release has some very promising angles. First, the emphasis is clearly on meeting readers where they are, and finding a way to fit in to their hectic life/workflow and lowering the barriers to access. Secondly, it sounds like this is being seen as a genuine collaboration on both sides. It is the BART Board President, Gail Murray, who proclaims, “BART has a history of being at the technological forefront. Being the first in the nation to install the book lending machines continues this tradition. This project falls right in line with BART’s overall goals to help protect the environment, enhance accessibility and improve service to our customers.” Bingo–the library mission is interconnected with other public service goals. It’s wonderful to hear that coming out of a non-librarian’s mouth.

And of course, the whole principle of this is simply cool: the library (not just information) is an entity that is no longer tied to single physical spaces, but a large idea from which offshots can adapt and grow into new areas.

See rhizome.