if you don't read library ebooks , why not?

[meeera]

Originally Posted by Apache

Libraries do not pay the authors royalties. Royalties are paid to the author by the publisher.
Apache

Whether authors get paid per checkout depends on your location and the type of book. Australia has a Public Lending Rights Scheme that pays authors; this scheme was recently improved.

[meeera]

Originally Posted by neil_swann80

Is it really moral to check out a library book if you can afford to buy it?

Congratulations, this is the worst hot take I've read today.

[neil_swann80]

Originally Posted by meeera

Congratulations, this is the worst hot take I've read today.

Your sarcasm wounds me deeply Meeera.

For everybody else, some clarification...

Authors only get pennies per rental at best; as there are likely many library members struggling financially and a limited supply of each book title - if you can afford to purchase the book is that the more moral course of action?

[meeera]

Originally Posted by neil_swann80

Authors only get pennies per rental at best; as there are likely many library members struggling financially and a limited supply of each book title - if you can afford to purchase the book is that the more moral course of action?

If I buy lentils when I could afford prime steak from a local farmer, is that immoral?

If I take a walk around a park when I could afford to go to a movie, is that immoral?

If I go to the state art gallery when I could afford to buy art for my house walls, is that immoral?

I voted for the party that improved the lending rights scheme, I advocate for good public library funding in my community, and I submit purchase requests to my library (just did one tonight). But you're somehow sitting in judgement nevertheless.

[neil_swann80]

Out of the three questions, the first two aren't really similar in analogy. A bit silly in my opinion.

The third is closest, but I can improve upon it...

If I go to the state art gallery but neglect to pay the voluntary concession fee despite being able to afford to, is that immoral?

[meeera]

Originally Posted by neil_swann80

The third is closest, but I can improve upon it...

If I go to the state art gallery but neglect to pay the voluntary concession fee despite being able to afford to, is that immoral?

There's no tip box at the library.

If I watch the ABC instead of buying a Netflix subscription or DVD box sets, is that immoral?

[andyh2000]

Originally Posted by neil_swann80

Your sarcasm wounds me deeply Meeera.

For everybody else, some clarification...

Authors only get pennies per rental at best; as there are likely many library members struggling financially and a limited supply of each book title - if you can afford to purchase the book is that the more moral course of action?

Are you thinking of a moral duty to make sure as much money as possible goes to the publishers and authors? Or a moral duty to other library members to make it easier/quicker for them to get books from the library? Or maybe both? Because I don't think the first one exists. The second - well I guess it's nice if you don't take up a limited resource because you can afford an alternative but assuming you pay taxes that go towards the library system I'm not sure about there being a moral imperative there.

Andrew

[neil_swann80]

Originally Posted by meeera

If I watch the ABC instead of buying a Netflix subscription or DVD box sets, is that immoral?

Closer I guess, but still not in the same spirit. Libraries have a limited number of titles etc.

[neil_swann80]

Originally Posted by andyh2000

The second - well I guess it's nice if you don't take up a limited resource because you can afford an alternative but assuming you pay taxes that go towards the library system I'm not sure about there being a moral imperative there.

Perhaps not a moral imperative... but is one avenue more moral than the other, even slightly?

[meeera]

Originally Posted by neil_swann80

Perhaps not a moral imperative... but is one avenue more moral than the other, even slightly?

The more our libraries are used, the more they can make a case to continue or improve their funding.

[neil_swann80]

Originally Posted by meeera

The more our libraries are used, the more they can make a case to continue or improve their funding.

Great answer. I'm not actually a member of my local library, you've inspired me to register. I may not ever leave with any books, but if simply being a member that pops in to read their ereader helps their stats and funding it seems worthwhile. I imagine it will be a nice place to quietly read anyhow... and to find inspiration for my next purchase.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by meeera

As soon as you turn the last page of a book in Libby, there's a bold prompt "Return Loan to Library". Tapping that is the easiest route back to your Shelf.

A lot of people use ADE to get Overdrive eBooks. I prefer to read them on my Libra 2 and not on my computer of phone.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by DNSB

Ditto on Kobo ereaders where finishing a library book give you a Return early popup. Tap on it, wait for the preview to finish downloading and it's done.

ADE does not give you such a popup.

[JSWolf]

I use libraries. It's not immoral to borrow what they have to offer.

[rcentros]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

ADE does not give you such a popup.

I don't see the popup either, but I do return the book as soon as I'm done reading it.