What WOULD Google do?

At the risk of being placed in front of a librarian firing squad, I must ask:

What would Google do if it were in charge of Ohio public libraries?

Not that Google shouldn't be in charge of ALL libraries, but let's just start with Ohio. We have always been cutting edge, so I think we should be the first ones. Relax...it will not be a hostile takeover.

I ordered the book What Would Google Do? by Jeff Jarvis. No, this is NOT a commercial for the book. I haven't even read it yet. It may, however, be a commercial for the title. Just seeing the Google font sitting on the desk next to me has been enough to make me want to share everything I have with unsuspecting people...Yes, even my Reese Cups. And I think this is good. Very good.

The question is not "Why DON'T libraries share our amazing coolness with everyone?" The question really is, "Why WON'T we share?"

Oh, I know...I know. We all have stereotypical preconceived notions that we are friendly librarians...the sharers of knowledge...the organizers and catalogers and seekers of all that is true and good. Dare I protest this? *again ducking the firing squad*

If we were true dispensers of information, I would be able to go to a neighboring city and use my library card to check out the latest great read. But alas, I can not...

• I must get a card for THEIR library and use that. (Shoot...did boy child bring the wrong card AGAIN?)
  
  
• I must go to the seven-mile-away library system to pick up a book that I absolutely MUST have because the library down the block doesn't have the same ILS and can't ILL if for me from them. (If you can't serve me, I WILL go somewhere else.)
  
  
• I must fill in the same forms that I already filled out at three other libraries to use their computers. (Hello?! I provide your Internets, why do I even have to sign ANYTHING?!)
  
  
• I must have a different username and password (meeting each library specifications) to access my various accounts online. (And do I remember any of these passwords? Of course not. Don't be silly. And middle child? Please. She remembers less than her mother.)
  
  
• I must search this catalog differently than I search that one. (Do I use KW= for a keyword search, or can I just type it in?)
  
  
• Why can't I search all of the library catalogs in one place? I sure would like to type that long title in once.
  
  
• I access the free statewide databases here differently than there. (Some provide the Ohio Web Library, some make me click on each database to search. Excuse me, I WORK here and I don't even know what an EBSCO is.) UGH.

Please. Just give me my desired items and information in one format. In one place. And I want ONE account to keep track of thankyouverymuch.

Why is it that we can't/won't Google-ize, so to speak? Is it pride? Is it the inability to agree on one ILS system? Please tell me. And then we will forget all about that and do the right thing. "CUMBAYA , MY LORD, CUMBAYAAAAAAA!"

One of the things I like about the Googlie is that they are open with everything...even their mistakes. Sure, others may laugh at them, but isn't that absolutely wonderful? Of course, bringing knowledge and infomation to people is rewarding. But making them laugh along the way is also a tremendous service.