Week 4: Music Technology

In addition to the discussion on Overdrive last week it has also become apparent that there are more advantages to having digital databases regardless of some of the hurdles. The hurdle as I stated last week is the choice of music made available by libraries on Overdrive. For example, only having classical and new age genres are not exactly the most appealing genres for young adults and even many adults. But, when libraries to make the right or applicable choices Overdrive or databases like this can be very cost-effective.

Materials in the library can get worn down quickly when a popular item comes into play. If you are an AV material you may even get broken within the first week of your introduction. The great thing about having a digital collection is that there are no worries with wear and tear. For that matter there are no issues with wear on tear on any digital format. As tech savvy generations increase the awareness of podcasts and MP3s will only advance in the music field. This concept of no wear and tear will allow more in print items to become indestructible.

Indestructible is just one more great appeal to the digitization of music. Another great aspect of a digital library is that if a library chooses to have Overdrive for instance, there can be an unlimited amount of copies available for a library material. This option can be more expensive than a one item = one person price, but the options are unlimited. Working in youth services this option is very advantageous when it comes to a school districts' recommended reading list for the summer. As soon as the lists are produced mobs of parents come into the library trying to find every book on the list. Not to say that this is a bad thing by any means - it is a great thing! But, when you are a library with a limited budget you may only have one or two copies of the book on that list.

On the other hand, if you have Overdrive's option of unlimited items for unlimited patrons, everyone can have the same book. Our library currently has the one item = one person price. However, if our circulation numbers go up and our budget crisis goes away then we could have a fairy tale ending. In conclusion, the supply is there our libraries just have to advance a little more quickly to catch up.