Again, thank you for sending me your first draft. Early rather than later
makes my life easier.

I read with a great amount of interest your ideas regarding open data. The
parallels you make between open source software, open data, and open
libraries are compelling. I think your article will stimulate debate. I
have a number of more specific comments:

* Consider literally illustrating your comparison between software and
libraries. To your mind, both have three components which operate in
corollary ways. I believe a picture, no matter how crude, will help you
re-enforce your idea.

* You make many analogies in your essay, and when it comes to the
packaging of software I believe you alluded to another one. Namely, the way
computer programs are packaged, linked, and require other software packages
is analogous to the processes of libraries and librarianship. Both create
relationships -- linkages -- between information objects. If that allusion
is something you had in mind as well, then consider elaborating on this
idea. If not, then never mind.

* The description of computer libraries, such as Perl modules, is
something I think many in the library profession do not know or
understand. It is interesting to see how programmers have interpreted the
definition of a "library." I'm glad you mentioned it. Thank you.

 * Libraries as descriptions of objects. Again, nice.

* In the section called "Examples of open digital libraries", you mention
community involvement. I believe this is one of the defining
characteristics of successful open source software projects. Please
outline a few ways community involvement can be obtained. As Ian Witten is
mentioning in his article, a "compelling vision" and "excellent
implementation" are necessary for successful open source software but so
are the "need to communicate clearly, widely and enthusiastically." What
are some of the ways community can be built? How did you build community?

* A couple of times I believe some of essay was missing. Specifically, the
sentence starting "Readers may object that a CV is not just a list..."
looks incomplete. Similarly, "The gathering of usage records, and the
linking..." looks like something is lacking. We will chalk this up to first
draft. No big deal.

* When it comes to the phrase "open library" I am sure you feel some sort
ownership, and when it comes to the domain I bet you feel, well
something...  I have similar thoughts when it comes to the word/phrase
"MyLibrary". Alas. Please re-craft the paragraph where you first describe
the term "open library" to give the sense that others think similar to you.
You were there first, and people make advances by standing on the shoulders
of giants.  ;-)

* You like open data, obviously. Can you elaborate on the advantages &
disadvantages of structured data and less structured data? You begin to
touch on these idea when you mention Wikipedia.

* Finally, I really like what you have to say in regards to free text and
metadata. You will pluck the heart strings of catalogers everywhere with
your position. Frankly, I never thought about it in this light before.

I hope this helps, and at the same time is not overwhelming. Okay?