the tail end of the long tail

...can libraries as a whole effectively utilize the "long tail" of our collections? Is it worth it? What would we have to do? or, what question didn't I ask that I should? why should I ask it?

to effectively use the long tail of our collections libraries would need to cooperate, pooling resources, creating a virtual centralized inventory which, I think, are the fundamental principles and objectives of ILL, consortia.....the NJ Union List of Serials. Libraries are increasingly offering more and more resources in digital formats. So, I think libraries are doing it, but maybe the more important question is how might it be done better, more effectively.

• perhaps designating specific member libraries to specific niches
  
• incorporating as many opportunities and tools as possible to give users/customers a way to impact, influence, "crowdsource" (pg. 219), customize their experience to their needs and their own time and skills.