Less is more?? Not always. When considering content enriched MARC records I say, “Go big or go home!” And why not?! Today library’s have to compete with the ever increasing amount of information that is freely and easily accessible on the web. Major book distributors such as amazon have already began offering added browsing features such as reviews and even a “look inside” feature that allows patron to electronically browse the contents of their books. I’ll be the first to admit that I prefer browsing the amazon website when completing an acquisition list for my library due to these available features. I can easily find new books, read reviews on them and actually browse through many selections without leaving the comfort of my computer screen! (And let me tell you, when you work in an isolated community in the Canadian Arctic, this is an incredible advantage!)
If library systems are able to enrich their content with this type of similar information and resources, I see it as a huge advantage. Let’s face it, today’s society is obsessed with having information available at their fingertips IMMEDIATELY. Anything we can do as a library to provide that to our patrons is essential. I myself, light up a little when I import MARC records that contain a cover photo of the book! And it has in fact made my own work a little easier. When a patron is checking out materials, I now have a visual cue to assist in the identification of the item and it certainly speeds the circulation process along. It also aids the process of book retrieval as content enrichment allows me to determine that what I am looking for is appropriate and already shows me what it looks like.
To me, the answer is obvious….bigger is definitely better!
All right! I love your enthusiasm, and I agree with your rationale. Anything we can do to provide a service in our catalogue that more matches services they get from comparable site, the better I think.
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