Published: January 14, 2018 by Sue Alman

Blockchain technology. It’s more than a buzz word, and it’s time librarians explore how it can be used to enhance the role played by libraries within their communities. Get involved in the research while the implementation of the technology is still in the infancy stage.

With a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the San José State University School of Information is investigating ways that blockchain technology can be used by libraries as a community anchor to partner with other organizations and to support city/community goals.

Some suggestions for blockchain applications in libraries include building an enhanced metadata center, protecting Digital First Sale rights, supporting community-based collections, and facilitating partnerships across organizations.

As the research project unfolds, there are many questions yet to be answered about how blockchain technology might specifically be used and how much value it would add to library services and the communities they serve. Through a free global web conference designed for information professionals and national forum with technical experts, librarians have the opportunity to grow the technology beyond the typical usage and elevate their community impact.

Seeking Participants for Two Blockchain Events

1. Library 2.018, Blockchain Applied: Impact on the Information Profession │June 7, 2018 │Online│12:00 – 3:00 p.m. Pacific Time
Explore the potential uses of blockchain technology in libraries during this free web conference featuring keynote sessions and crowd-sourced presentations. Visit the conference website to register and to view the call for proposals.
2. National Forum │August 6, 2018 │San Jose, CA
Make a nomination or nominate yourself for this enlightening forum to identify and discuss key opportunities for libraries to serve as community anchors using blockchain technology. Nominees should be knowledgeable in librarianship, blockchain technology, and/or urban planning. Invited participants to the National Forum are eligible for funding provided by IMLS to support travel expenses. Nominations (including self-nominations) are due by February 15, 2018.

A dedicated website has been created as part of the research project where visitors can access information and resources about blockchain technology, potential uses of blockchain technology by libraries, and project updates, along with a blog to foster open dialog. For more information about this potentially revolutionary research, visit https://ischoolblogs.sjsu.edu/blockchains/.

The Blockchain Technology grant awarded to the SJSU School of Information was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (LG-98-17-0209-17).