I think this is a fantastic idea and it's very doable.  The actual coding would not have to be that complex, and if the ISBNDB and LibraryThing people donated their harvested records, the project would be off to a great start.
 
Ideally it would also incorporate a central repository of reviews, images, tables of contents and ratings of materials.  It's really cool that some libraries are starting to allow their patrons to rate and review materials, but it presents a definite "long tail" problem that can only be solved by some centralized collection.  
 
--Casey
 
 ( http://isbndb.com/ ) 

>>> [log in to unmask] 11/9/2006 8:31 AM >>>

As an aside thought, it occurred to me during this discussion that an open-sourced IBDB (International Book Database) - a la IMDB, would be grand Web 2.0 and 21st Century project. Has Amazon and Open WorldCat and other similar services made an "open" IBDB an impossible dream?

What if you could add your records to [insert catalog system or service here] *and* at the same time, populate an open-source book database with the records? Contribute to a "home" system, and a "global" one at the same time?

I see that there's already a IDBD (Internet Broadway Database), but that issue aside..

Without building a "new" core data collection - beyond MARC, meets or exceeds FRBR needs and goals - how else can we envision "getting there" (next generation OPAC heaven)?

Best,
Michael
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(speaking only for himself)


Michael McCulley, Collection Analysis & Online Services (CAOS)
San Diego Public Library, 820 E Street, San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: 619-702-8731 / FAX: 619-233-1892
E-mail: [log in to unmask]