I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For (title reference from U2)

I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For: Weighing In On the Benefits of Content Enrichment

Modern libraries have certainly come a very long way since the advent of the library and the old-fashioned card catalog system for organizing bibliographic records.  The card catalog system, while sufficient for its time, was highly time consuming and meticulous.  Everything had to be written up by hand on the cards.  If a patron borrowed more than one book, each title would have to be written on their card to denote that these books are currently out in circulation.  In today's fast-paced society, information transfer is instantaneous.  Electronic databases have replaced card catalogs, in turn relieving a daunting task for librarians. 

Content enrichment in the Integrated Library System (ILS) is significantly useful and helpful for patrons who do not always have time to physically go to the library.  Many patrons are tech savvy and would prefer to use an electronic database to find what they are looking for as opposed to browsing the countless number of book shelves.  Content enrichment services accumulate various information sources concerning a particular resource, in turn making this information directly available within the OPAC to aid patrons in evaluation of sources.  This allows patrons to perform this action using only a computer; making a visit to the library optional and not mandatory.  Content enrichment is a wonderful concept!  Oftentimes, a third party is needed to provide content.  If a patron is looking for a book review, some great third party table of contents providers include Blackwell's or Marcive.  Including a table of contents in the MARC record will make it easy for patrons to see what a certain book or periodical is about and be able to view the various subject headings.

Alas, content enrichment makes it relatively easy to find exactly what you are looking for!

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October 18, 2010