from co design
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I want to reinvent the book with you!
But seriously, doesn’t this idea sound pretty brilliant!?
“Coupland
This concept is the social network of publishing. Designed to help people ‘keep up with the latest must-reads,’ to quote the film, it suggests books based on what people in your company are reading. It also has features for creating book clubs and online reading discussions. Bonus: If enough employees buy a book, it’ll automatically become available in the company’s library for all to peruse — no more passing around dog-eared copies of Rich Dad, Poor Dad in secret.”
As Jessamyn pointed out today, ebooks aren’t selling as well as Amazon suggests. Ebooks are still selling more than hardbacks, but the success within the entire book market is somewhat hyped (fake-it-till-you-make-it). I think there’s more selling points to come, and I think IDEO knows what’s up.
Image from IDEO
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How often do you hear about libraries investing in high art? Not so much, which is why I had to write a post about it.
Walnut Creek (CA) Public Library made news when they installed 17 pieces of art for about $300,000. One of the items is this super tall piece (26 feet!) by the artist Christian Moeller, titled “Shh…A Portrait in 12 Volumes of Gray,” made with 3,960 books in 12 shades of gray.
It’s really inspiring when libraries broaden their scope and purpose. Libraries are not just book depositories — they’re the cultural and educational centers of communities. The library should be a free art museum, free school, free activity center, and — whatever the community needs, really.
You can read @issue’s piece on “The New Library” — a non-library perspective on the changing scope of libraries.
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It’s still a semi-secret library promotion project by @theanalogdivide (Toby Greenwalt) et. al., but I love this logo/header at www.cravelibraries.com
It makes me want to see more. Actually, I crave more. You can see some crave buttons on Tame the Web.
