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September 1, 2012
Public libraries don't need to 'acquire' ebooks in order to make them available
One of the strange developments of the addition of ebooks into public libraries is that libraries believe that in order to make them available to the public they have to buy them in the same way that they used to do with print books
So we find libraries 'acquiring' a copy and making an agreement with the publisher or wholesalerthat it can be 'loaned' in the same way that a print book is loaned.
There is no need for this expenditure at all .. there is no need for individual libraries or councils or boroughs to acquire these copies - the technology makes it possible for every library to have access to every ebook that there is and make it available to their readers. There is no need for a small library to have a range restricted by the size of its budget or the size of its premises. That is the whole point of ebooks- there is no inventory cost.
Instead of trying to replicate the old model of print and lend- we have to think with an open mind about what is now possible.
It is fascinating to see this revolution taking place .... everything can be available to everybody all over the world. That is why the ebook development is so exciting
Posted by Perkins at September 1, 2012 6:26 PM
Comments
You imply that libraries do not need to pay for ebooks. Since they need to give readers access to ebooks, are the readers expected to pay? If not, who does pay? Authors & publishers do not generally want to make ebooks available to everyone without getting some income from them. Can you explain the model you have in mind?
Posted by: Christopher Pipe at September 3, 2012 2:42 PM
The model is the one we are now using in the US. I prefer to talk about it privately - but there is no need for individual councils in the UK to select and acquire ebooks
Posted by: perkins at September 3, 2012 5:22 PM
So you mean aquiring ebooks as a large consortium rather than as an indivudual library/council...as is being done in California...
Posted by: A reader at September 4, 2012 9:12 AM
Is this a legal system, if so could you let us know as well please?
Posted by: John at September 4, 2012 9:21 AM
Yes, Perkins is very pleased that after years of the complete rejection of her public library work in the UK, it is being taken up by states in the US - including California. And the weather is better
Posted by: perkins at September 5, 2012 5:26 AM