How do Libraries/Librarians fill roles as New Producers, new Markets and New Tasetmakers?

"The Power of the PC means that the ranks of "producers" - individuals who can now do what just a few years ago only professionals could do - have swelled thousandfold." 

Librarians/Libraries as "New Producers": 

Libraries are often times community technology centers, helping others learn new technologies that enable them to be the "new producers". Libraries by educating patrons on how to use desktop publishing, video editing and audio editing tools are enabling the public to become thier own "creators".  In another aspect libraries and librarians provide the tools for "amateurs" to educate themselves on any number of topics and disciplines. Thus "creating" amateur experts.  Such as the case with Albert Jones and Robert McNaught, I'm sure they both did some amount of astronomical research at the Library and I'm almost doubly sure that a librarian helped them. 

Librarians/Libraries as "New Markets" and "New Tastemakers":  

On a side note, for my entire undergraduate studies, I only purchased previous additions. Already smart to the "only have to change 9 things to justify a new edition" rule. I never had any problems and was always able to figure out what page my teachers were on. I also swear by bookmooch and half.com for all my book purchasing. Yes, I still purchase books from Amazon and B&N, but thats only after I have been unable to find something comperable elsewhere. Libraries create new markets by offering books to patrons that they might not have purchased before in genres mabye they have been unwilling to pay-to-try in the past. If that experimental reader becomes a fan, they have just become particpants in a new market of genre types or "tastes". 

Librarians also through readers advisory can connect people with new authors they might not have tried before, again creating a new market and changing thier patrons "taste" in subjects. Libraries can also offer thier patrons choices of formats. For example NYPL offers e-books for download, thus opening themselves up to a wider set of content for thier patrons. On another level, more and more libraries are following the Amazon model and allowing patrons to post likes and dislikes, thus influencing any number of new readers. An much like the "LAUNCHcast" example, some libraries are even farming data from thier users and recommending titles. 

Libraries still have a ways to go, but if they start following more examples such as the ones mentioned in the chapters they will always provide useful services to thier patrons.