Journal of Zhejiang University SCIENCE
(ISSN 1009-3095, Monthly)

2005   Vol. 6A   No. 11   p.1169-1178

The qualitative advantages of quantities of information: bigger is better

LESK Michael

(Department of Library and Information Science, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA)
E-mail: lesk@acm.org; lesk@scils.rutgers.edu
Received Aug. 5, 2005; revision accepted Sept. 10, 2005

Abstract: Digitization projects should focus on quantity rather than quality. Increasing quantities of information produce qualitatively more valuable services. Online writing and searching are now common, and it is only online reading that is still limiting our use of online books. New interfaces might increase our willingness to read online, which should be encouraged rather than fought, since it represents an increase both the amount of information available and the participation of more people in the writing and exchange of information.

Key words: Digital libraries, Search engines, Mass digitization
doi:10.1631/jzus.2005.A1169             CLC number: TP391