James wrote:
...
> Yes, it might be *nice* to have this sort of information in the
> catalog--it would
> be nice to be able to tell someone where they can buy a copy of a
> certain book,
> for instance--but the system is not made for that.
...
That very much depends upon what 'the system' is... We're not necessarily
building a library catalogue here, or a museum collection management system,
or a database of news feeds. We're creating a framework that can be used for
the *discovery* (and retrieval) of resources.
Especially in a distributed, non-controlled environment, actually being able
to get hold of a person or institution can be a vitally important part of
the resource discovery process. There's therefore, arguably, a valid role
for contact-type information in (or accessible from, via something like a
ULAN/vCard reference) the record... despite the plethora of problematic
issues with this information which you and others have accurately
identified.
Paul
-- dr. paul miller - interoperability focus - [log in to unmask] --
u. k. office for library and information networking (ukoln)
tel: +44 (0)1482 466890 mobile: +44 (0)410 481812
---------------------------- http://www.ukoln.ac.uk/interop-focus/ --
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