OPAL: The Long Tail

Abstract

A "long tail" phenomenon occurs when books, movies, musical recordings, or other goods are offered via an efficient, cheap distribution system to consumers. If a large variety is offered, the "unpopular" titles may account for 25 to 50 percent of all circulations. In July Hyperion published Chris Anderson's new book, The Long Tail: Why the Future of Business Is Selling Less of More. A panel will discuss current and long-term effects of long-tail phenomena on business, libraries, and our culture as a whole.