As you probably know, a lot of libraries are struggling a bit to provide eBook versions of their library. Lack of availability, publisher restrictions, etc. But also, libraries get a LOT of donated books, hardcover or other formats, that past a certain number of donations they end up reselling. The person doing the donation gets a tax refund, the library gets a couple of bucks in green cash. But if instead of reselling the books, what would happen if they bulk scanned them into eBooks? Granted, it would cost a certain amount per book, but you have all these extra copies around, practically brand new, and even with the scanning/conversion, frequently the cost would be less than the eBook (and without potentially all the restrictions on usage, etc.).
- Seems like this would all be allowed usage, anyone work through the legal details?
- Does any of the bulk scanners specifically support library conversion?
- Does any of the bulk scanners have a "donate to library" option?
- Could the library resell eBooks, after the demand drops?
- Anyone know what sort of inventory managemet (librarything or ?) could be done to make sure library had not "loaned" more copies than it had at any given time?
Hard to get around the book being destroyed aspect, but what really counts is getting the books into people's hands, and especially if we could get people to in effect donate eBooks, that would be pretty straightforward.