Chapter 2: Blockchain Primer

Abstract

In chapter 2 of Library Technology Reports (vol. 55, no. 8), “Blockchain in Libraries,” Michael Meth explains blockchain technology. He discusses the difference between private and public blockchains, the power consumption that blockchain needs to successfully run, and examples of the types of data that can be encoded in a blockchain. This chapter also explores how blockchain can help alleviate several privacy concerns related to sensitive data and answers why libraries should care about this emerging technology.