Quote:
Originally Posted by HarryT
Is that $106 for a limited time period, or one with a limited number of loans, or is it an "eternal" licence? If it's the latter, it's probably justified by the fact that library users (if my own library is anything to go by) tend to be rather hard on books, and a popular paper book will have to be replaced at relatively frequent intervals, particularly if it's a paperback. Ebooks do not degrade.
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While that is a valid point, there are other considerations.
1) Does an ebook actually receive 6.6 times the usage of a print book? (To use the provided example.)
2) Does the library have the same rights with ebooks, such as the ability to perform inter-library loans or sell extra copies once the peak in interest has diminished?
3) Does eternal actually mean eternal? Electronic books may not degrade, but the service providers may either go out of business or otherwise become less desirable (e.g. changes in price structure).
I also find the attitude of publishers quite antagonistic. It seems as though they want to reap the benefits of electronic publishing, but want to limit the benefits that other parties can enjoy.