GETTING LIBRARIES INVOLVED
Equally Distributed’s Griffey thinks that it is time for libraries to investigate blockchain. As he suggests in the ZBW MediaTalk interview, “it might be interesting to prototype a metadata or cataloging system that stored its information in a blockchain, and used cryptographic signing to allow for selective retrieval” in order to give libraries a chance to test out these new technologies. “New services and platforms such as blockstack, IPFS, and other media-driven decentralized technologies could be very interesting for libraries. Funding experimentation inside libraries, and supporting innovative individuals that have an interest in emerging technology would help libraries prepare for this potentially disruptive technology.”
Of course, experimentation requires funding and collaboration, which in the current economic and political economy seems difficult to imagine. However, the stakes are very high for information professionals.
When asked, RedLink CEO Kent Anderson encourages in formation professionals to “focus on the benefits to the user, which from my perspective aren’t many if any. In fact, I think blockchain depends entirely on non-technology issues to succeed, which makes the technology moot.”
Vittoria Bergeron, product lead at Blockchain.com, reminds Online Searcher readers that “humans typically fear what we don’t know and favor the incumbent. Systemic change begins when realized value trumps comfort of the existing system. We’ve reached that tipping point but still have a long way to go. A network is only as useful as it is trusted. First, security must not be seen as an added product feature, but as seen as part of the genetic makeup of the product. Second, it is imperative that those who build upon and contribute to these products put the security of its individual users first above all else.”
“Now that everyone is getting comfortable with blockchain platforms, what’s next?” asks the 2017 Deloitte Insights report “Blockchain to Blockchains: Broad Adoption and Integration Enter the Realm of the Possible.” According to the report, “As blockchain use cases grow in scope, scale, and complexity, the need for standardized technologies, platforms, and skillsets becomes more pressing each day. … Unfortunately, there are currently no overarching technical standards for blockchain, and it is unrealistic to think we will get them soon, if ever, across all use cases. …” (https://www2.deloitte.com/insights/us/en/focus/tech-trends/2018/blockchain-integration-smart-contracts.html).
“We decided to investigate the possible applications of blockchain in libraries since it appeared on our radar as an important emerging technology,” SJSU iSchool’s Sue Alman explains in an email. “Libraries and information centers are community hubs for public, academic, school, and special populations, and because our profession provides leadership in providing access to information, it’s important for us to understand new technologies, issues and trends. This investigation will make recommendations on next steps for the information profession to take with blockchain.” And it couldn’t come fast enough.
FACING THE ISSUES
In congressional testimony and public announcements, Facebook chief executive Mark Zuckerberg sought to placate lawmakers and their users, even admitting that his company would be open to regulatory efforts to protect the privacy of users on this global social-media behemoth. He apologetically stated that the company had learned much from the most recent crisis about better protecting user data. Zuckerberg proffered his support for consumer protection with warnings about regulation leading to unintended consequences for these companies. Yes, this is a major industry, driving much of the innovation, jobs, and profits during this technological transition; however, progress and profits have little value if they work to destroy trust, individual freedoms, and the very fibers of society.
If there is anything to be learned from the current investigations about foreign interference in American politics, it is that technology is changing too fast for legislation or regulation to keep up with, let alone be a step in front of, these developments. Industry leaders admit that potentials exist for both bad and good outcomes. We are left with the need for ongoing education and vigilance as blockchain—along with other technologies—continues to develop and evolve.
