User:Simon/bootleg library

the bootleg library

The bootleg library is a particular, situated social infrastructure. It operates from the understanding that a library is a collection; the texts contained within, and the readers collected around them.

instances

the physical bootleg library

User:Simon/physical_bootleg_library

the digital bootleg library

The digital bootleg library runs on the software calibre-web from a Raspberry Pi4. It is available at the following URL:

hub.xpub.nl/bootleglibrary

Users who know the HTTP login can use the guest account to upload/download books and edit metadata. Users with a registered account can create and edit public and private shelves, which are ways to collectively, or individually organise the collection.

activities

There are three main activities;

1) bootlegging, republishing and distributing printed books
Each book is printed and bound in an edition of one. Bootlegging happens on a case-by-case basis; by myself, for others, and with others, depending on individual demands. These bootlegged books are contained in the physical bootleg library.

2) conducting bootleg library sessions in various locations
bootleg library sessions are moments for readers to collect together around texts. Each session is loosely organised, and readers are invited to stay as long as they like. Sessions are open to everyone, and the conversation often drifts. What is important is the texts that are produced in these sessions (see below).

3) producing texts
This activity happens as the result of both the first two activities. Texts are printed and bound when bootlegging. Texts are written on index cards, in collaborative writing environments such as Etherpad, in the metadata of the digital library when users are registered and books are uploaded, and in the various conversations that happen in each bootleg library session, which happens in different places, with different publics.