I had an idea (today?) involving setting up a website for people who would be willing to become a part of a internet-based peer-to-peer library.
This idea first started with the idea of getting together some people that I know and creating a list of all the books and AudioBooks that we had and keeping the list updated. If we wanted to read something we could check the list and borrow the book from the friend if someone had it.
Then the idea grew to anyone in Gainesville that had a collection of Christian books that wanted to participate. Now I am thinking that it would be cool to have it be online. This would make the idea available to everyone, it would make the lists easier to manage and search, and it would give people the option of creating groups, meeting new people through a common interest, sharing with other Christians, etc.
It would still need to be kept local though, because getting books to people would get expensive if mailing them was involved. Also, it is nice to know the people so you know you can trust them to return the books and keep them in good condition. The returning and return condition issues are actually something that I am also going to have to overcome too -- likely with some sort of recommendation and rating system. Finally, websites cost money to design, update, host, and manage so I'd need a way to pay for it -- likely through donations like a typical library.
If you are reading this often and would like to get involved in one of the ways listed below send me an e-mail or leave a comment.
--Book/AudioBook Enthusiast with a collection of ten or more items.
--Financial Contribution.
--Web Designer.
--Web Host.
Things typically need to start out small so I am thinking that it would be great to just start out with my circle of friends and their friends and to make it topical to begin with. I am begining to have quite a collection of Christian Living books and AudioBooks and know a few other people who do too, so I am thinking about starting there.
Posted by David at August 2, 2004 02:29 PMIs it not already obvious I'm totally into this! Impressed with your creativity here, way to be thinking.
Posted by: JennJula at August 2, 2004 08:24 PMI'm all for this idea! I think it's great! But there's one problem, many people don't return books no matter how many times you ask. It's not important to them, and you get tired of asking. I've lost a few books this summer to people who borrowed them and know either can't find them or don't want to bother looking. It saddens me because I put a lot of money into my books and I hate to have to buy more copies. Oh well.
Posted by: Jessica at August 3, 2004 08:28 PMNote to Jessica:
I have your book that you let me "borrow", it is safe in my room and it will find its way back to you in a few short weeks. I could claim I had it with me when I knocked on your door and you were asleep and didn't answer, but that would be a lie, darn it! Just wanted to let you know "Not even A Hint" is quite happy, but does say he misses you.
I have to agree with Jessica here. I like the idea of the library, but not the idea that I have to beg people to get my books back. Maybe it could be set up more like a book swap. Like, I could only read one of Jessica's books if I let her read one of mine.
Posted by: Elizabeth at August 4, 2004 11:10 AMYeah, people's failure to return books is a big issue with this. I don't think it has to kill the idea/project though. It is an early hurdle that will need to be passed.
There is bound to be a way to make people feel secure that their books are going to come back to them. The book swap idea is great, and might be something that should be required of people new to the program. I think that a user rating will help a bit in the long-run, and a time requirement should also help because people will know precisely when to expect their books back.
If you guys have any other thoughts please share!
Posted by: David at August 4, 2004 02:08 PM