The Libraries' Long Tale

Libraries have always understood the concept presented in Anderson's book. In developing collections, libraries choose both best sellers and books in specialized areas that fill out their collections. They seek to provide a well rounded and varied collection that meets the needs of a diverse group of readers. Even if books rarely circulate, if there is no other book in the library on that topic, the library will maintain that book in its collection.

One of the ways that the changing economy may affect libraries is that the public will expect a greater amount of information to be available at their library digitally. This will be costly for libraries not only in the cost of the online services, but also in hardware and staff training expenses. It will cause libraries to have to rethink and reorganize their space, staffing needs and budget allocation.