The term “mashup” has been thrown around a lot lately when discussing web 2.0 technologies. But what exactly is a mashup? Essentially, it’s a combination of two or more sources of information to create a new product. Mashups are created using application programming interfaces (APIs). These APIs can be combined to create whole new applications that provide services neither of the two old services could before. While I can’t do justice to the topic, Library Mashups: Exploring New Ways to Deliver Library Data was just released this fall and Darlene Fichter writes an excellent chapter on the explaining mashups, which is available online.
Having trouble imagining it? Think of a map of your neighborhood. Then think of think of phone book that lists all the tailors in your city. Then imagine doing a search on Google Maps using the term “tailor” instead of typing in an address. Assuming you live in populated area, the search will a return a map with red bulletins marking the locations of different tailors. Ta-da! You’ve got your basic map mash.
Ok, that’s a pretty simplistic example that doesn’t really explain some of the more complicated aspects. Like quick overviews? Like whiteboards? Then I’ll recommend that you check out David Berlind’s informative five-minute overview on the topic. For someone who shies away from tech-speak, I found it particularly helpful.
Of course to create new content different APIs need to be made available. There has been growing trend toward media sharing and it’s an essential component to creating mashups. The Synthetic Librarian has a great post on the relationship between media sharing and mashups.
Sure mashups are fun to look at and they may make finding your nearest tailor easier, but there are some real implications for libraries. They can help promote local services, they can assist in the location of materials and they can improve the functionality of the library homepage. The potential of mashups seems incredible, and as they are relatively new technology (the past four or five years), librarians are still figuring out how to best utilize them. This blog will look at several libraries that are creatively using mashups to improve their patron services.
