L&P@CML: LuLu

Lulu is a site that allows would-be Grishams and Evanovichs self-publishing services. Basically, it is vanity press writ (posted?) large. All the next Shakespeare has to do is write the masterwork. Through Lulu, he/she can then choose a format, size, etc. Lulu offers more advanced services, such as having a designer create a cover for the book, perhaps enhancing sales.

One can also upload files to create music CDs or visual DVDs.

Lulu adds a marketing feature, so that one can put one's materials up for sale.

Library use? Well, a library could use Lulu as an option for printing/selling an annual report or a library history. I think it more likely that this will be a source from which we are asked to purchase items. Without any reviews other than user comments, I'm not sure how authoritative/reliable/high quality the materials here will be. It represents an interesting dilemma, doesn't it: we may wish to foster web/library 2.0 content, but how much will we trust such content in guiding purchases with tax payer $. Libraries with local history/author collections are perhaps likely to benefit from having another source where such materials could be obtained.