The active involvement of librarians is vital to influencing the use of this technology in content creation, storage, and distribution. Failure to do so could lead to potential disruption. In the not-too-distant future, we may see the emergence of decentralized libraries where patron records are securely stored on a blockchain instead of a centralized database maintained by the library. This innovative approach gives users the autonomy to manage their circulation records and borrowing history. It also paves the way for new economies to flourish where library users can be rewarded for willingly sharing their data with libraries. The emergence of blockchain technology has triggered a wave of transformation in libraries, allowing them to use its potential to their advantage.
Facilitating the publication of e-books and protecting the rights to the first sale of digital materials
In the field of e-books, the presence of third-party intervention often hinders libraries and users, as they are forced to pay for entire packages, not just the parts they need. In addition, authors often do not have full control over their creations. However, with the advent of Publica, a platform that allows anyone to publish their book, these problems can be overcome. Here’s how it works: authors can use smart contracts to outline the terms of use for their books. These smart contracts create an Ethereum network that allows individuals to purchase books using book tokens. Publica is introducing a new feature called crowdfunding or Book ICO, through which creators can pre-sell their tokens, thus raising funds to cover initial costs. This innovative approach empowers authors, readers, and libraries by providing greater flexibility, control, and financial opportunities in the e-book environment.
Blockchain-based network for research institutions
Private blockchain technology offers a revolutionary solution for sharing research between institutions such as the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). It allows for the publication of important research materials such as gray literature and laboratory work that do not fit traditional publication formats. Through the private blockchain, researchers can share their inventions and discoveries with each IIT, fostering collaboration and minimizing parallel research efforts. Blockchain ensures data immutability, eliminating concerns about digital rights, data tampering, and data erasure. This transformative approach facilitates seamless knowledge sharing, collaboration applications, and efficient research dissemination. It allows researchers to focus on their work while facilitating general access to research, driving innovation and collective progress in an environment that values intellectual property protection and data integrity.
Peer-to-peer or user library
One of the most promising applications of blockchain technology is its ability to facilitate the borrowing of books without the need to visit a physical library. LibChain, a distributed library management system built on the blockchain, is revolutionizing the process of borrowing books from libraries. With LibChain, patrons can borrow books directly from other library users without having to physically return them to the library. The only requirement is that the visitor must be a valid member of the library. In addition, LibChain supports interlibrary loan, enabling the seamless sharing of resources between libraries. LibChain’s ultimate goal is to improve popular library services and create an ecosystem where patrons can access the services they want in an efficient, comfortable, and secure way. This innovative approach is changing the traditional library experience by making borrowing more convenient and expanding access to library resources.
Digital rights management for scientific publications
The current model of publishing scientific papers is publisher-centric, with publishers owning all rights and authors often remaining anonymous. Orvium, however, offers a solution to these problems by utilizing an advanced blockchain platform for scientific publications. Anyone can sign up for Orvium using a user-friendly graphical user interface (GUI), and scientists can use their ORCiD ID to register. When creators publish their work on Orvium, they receive tokens that can be used to facilitate the peer review process, which can be conducted in either a blind or open way.
The tamper-resistant nature of blockchain technology is also proving useful for storing information in libraries, and its potential extends to scholarly communication and publishing. Blockchain can create verifiable, time-stamped versions of journal articles, revolutionizing the way scientific results are recorded and disseminated. In addition, blockchain technology is being used in the field of digital rights management, providing a unique and accessible record that guarantees proof of digital resource shortages.
Blockchain technology has become a reliable and decentralized method of confirming transactions, verifying their content, and recording the date and time of submission without the need for third-party verification. Although still in its early stages, blockchain has great potential for a variety of areas, including libraries and smart libraries. Libraries, which are responsible for collecting, storing, and disseminating reliable information, can benefit from the distributed, timestamped approach of the blockchain, which allows for verifiable creation and ownership records. However, the adoption of new technologies in library and academic environments tends to be slower than in the tech world.