“I’ll add it to my queue.” This was the statement from a friend of mine when a group was discussing a particular movie that needed to be watched or, as it happened, re-watched. He was referring to his queue of movies with Netflix. As I read his words (because many of our conversations take place online by email, IM, or within a weblog) I found myself thinking ‘Netflix generation.’

A Netflix user gets movies shipped directly to their home. They watch them and return them to Netflix when they are done. No due dates. No late fees. No postage. After returning the movies, Netflix will send the next videos in the user’s queue.

NextGen users are used to this type of service. More than that, they expect it. They are being raised on it. As we consider the future of library services, how do libraries compete? Should we being trying to replace “Netflix” in the above description with the word “library”? Perhaps not. I mean, this is not necessarily a competition. But, should we be considering how we can serve a generation of users that are used to this type of response to their information needs? Should we be considering how we can complement or partner with the Google, Netflix, and Amazons of the world that are already serving those users? Should we at least be taking a hint from the lessons they’ve learned or the features they’ve shown to be helpful to users?

Consider the ILS. Lorcan Dempsey posted on his blog May 15, 2005 to “think about some of the characteristics of the major web presences which have become the first — and sometimes last — resort of research for many of our users. And then to think about library services within that context.” Read his entire entry for his views on important characteristics of user interfaces.

As we look to the future, I am excited to consider all sorts of possibilities for library services. Please contribute to the conversation we’re having here exploring the many ideas.

-gina