An Introduction to the Blockchain and its Implications for Libraries and Medicine
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28714815/
Full article requires a valid login, can be accessed through SJSU student login in sjsu library collection. Academic Journal: Medical reference services quarterly This article gives a brief description of Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies. It mentions how blockchain is used by cryptocurrencies. Current and future uses of blockchain are discussed in the fields of cryptocurrency, contracts/records, and information control. The article then focuses on possible future uses of blockchain in the medical field including allowing patient control of medical records while still preserving privacy. Possible future uses of blockchain in libraries is then discussed including verifiable scientific journal articles, DRM to prevent copying of electronic media and, for academic libraries, student control of their official academic records. Problems with blockchain discussed are scalability and growing demand for resources as the blockchains get bigger and prolific, integration into existing medical/academic/professional systems, and the uncertain current reputation of blockchains.