The Longgggg Tail

Is the library world as a whole, set to benefit from the Long Tail? I don't believe so. Since the Long Tail is essentially based on "unlimited shelf space, abundant information, and smart ways to find what you want" (Anderson, p. 50) it would be difficult for the library to fit into this role. The library would not be able to serve this niche market. As a matter of fact, they are more like the "short tail!" One of the biggest problems I found while working in the library was the LACK of shelf space. We were always weeding, trying to make space for newer books. We had to get rid of the books that only a few people would check out periodically. They were said to take up space for something more popular. This is opposite of what the Long Tail embodies. Whereas the library wants to carry only what can generate sufficient demand, the Long Tail would include those demands for that obscure book. As Anderson states, "You can find everything out here in the Long Tail" (p. 22).

I believe, though, that the library would LOVE to actualize the theory of the Long Tail. Unlimited shelf space, abundant information, and smart ways to find what you want! The librarians would be in heaven! Imagine a library that carried ALL the books that you could ever want, even the most obscure titles. If they didn't have them on the shelf, they possibly had a warehouse full of them that they could get to a patron in a days time. Or perhaps, if they didn't have the actual book, they could send you a file of the text so you could download it and read it on the computer.

Smarter ways to find what you want...possibly a better OPAC, more databases, better reference materials (or more encompassing reference materials), more computers with Internet access...I could go on! Again, a librarian's dream. Who wouldn't want to help a patron find anything that they wanted, making it as easy for them as possible. You want what? No problem...here it is!

Overall, I think that the libraries would LOVE to epitomize the Long Tail, but unfortunately, they just don't have the space!