Blockchain in Libraries

This issue of Library Technology Reports (vol. 55, no. 8), "Blockchain in Libraries," examines the application of blockchain in libraries. Blockchain technology has the ability to transform how libraries provide services and organize information. To date, most of these applications are still in the conceptual stage. However, sooner or later, development and implementation will follow. This report is intended to provide a primer on the technology and some thought starters. In chapter 2, the concept of blockchain is explained. Chapter 3 provides eight thought and conversation starters that look at how blockchain could be applied in libraries. Chapter 4 looks at the barriers and challenges of implementing blockchain in libraries. Chapter 5 raises some questions around ethical issues that librarians should consider with respect to blockchain implementation.

Michael Meth is the associate dean, Research and Learning Services at the Florida State University (FSU) Libraries. Michael's portfolio includes responsibility for the Learning Commons (undergraduate services), Scholars Commons (graduate and faculty services), and STEM Libraries as well as the Assessment and Engagement units of the University Libraries. Prior to his current role at FSU, Michael was the director of the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) Library at the University of Toronto (UofT). Michael has taught at UofT’s iSchool and in the Department of Management at UofT Mississauga. Prior to this appointment at OISE, Michael was the director of the Li Koon Chun Finance Learning Centre at the UofT Mississauga Library. He has a master of information studies degree from the Faculty of Information Studies (UofT) and a bachelor of business administration degree from the Schulich School of Business (York University). Michael is an active member of the library and university communities, having served in leadership roles with the UofT iSchool Alumni Association and the Special Libraries Association (SLA). In 2014, Michael was selected as a Senior Fellow at UCLA’s Graduate School of Education and Information Studies, and in 2013 he participated in Harvard’s Leadership Institute for Academic Librarians.