Quote:
Originally Posted by Worldwalker
Why should public libraries treat electronic books different from paper ones? They lend out paper books, why can't they lend out electronic books? (note: the only library books that physically wear out are high-circulation paperbacks)
I already pay for my public library; I should not have to pay a second time to borrow books from it.
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exactly...the whole idea of a library is to help ensure the free access to information and learning. We all pay some taxes to support them. Sadly in many towns the money first cut is for libraries. Our small town library is a beautiful space which could really be re-invented into something amazing, if the funds were there, but they just aren't and haven't been for far longer than our current economic probs here in CA.
Still it is completely against the whole purpose of libraries in the US to consider the idea of charging any sort of fee to borrow a book. And libraries simply can't budget their year if there would be no fee charged to the borrower but the library had to pay a fee to the author every time it was borrowed. Even $1,000/yr could significantly affect some smaller libraries.