Digital membership to Singapore Public Library

[Loosheesh]

Originally Posted by vxf

I don't get it. Wouldn't simply downloading a non-drm copy of the book be quicker?

The morality of stealing a book versus making up a fake identity to steal library access are very murky. In the first case, you are not preventing anyone from using the same item. In the second case, you are, at least temporarily.

Legal penalties... not sure. I suppose downloading an ebook is probably a slap on the wrist. Lying to the Singaporean government is not. Either way, you will not get caught, so that is largely irrelevant.

Book choice... for as much stuff the library might have, the black market on the web is still a winner...

But, truly, why the hassle? Don't get me wrong, I am not condoning either course of action. But if you want to be dishonest, there are easier ways...

Truly, I don't want to rain on anybody's parade. Thanks to the OP and to all those that point out good resources. I might consider registering - doing it 'properly'. But, really, i am puzzled.

Granted, this thread has been around a little while but I don't remember anyone advocating fake identities to steal library access. I do remember people being hesitant to use their actual passport #s and I don't see a problem with just using any string of numbers - my contention is that a passport # is most likely requested, not as a way to identify patrons, but as a hassle-free way of getting them access to the site without the Library having to go through the trouble of assigning a library card # or other unique log-in pin etc.

The 'ethics' of downloading from the darknet has been talked to death elsewhere on MR so I won't waste my time here, except to say, yes, I'd rather "steal library access" any day than steal from the darknet. And, no, I don't give a hoot (or a rat's patootie, for that matter) if I'm preventing someone else from accessing the book while I have it - they can wait in line, just like I have to sometimes.

Btw, I did sign up with, wait for it, my real name () and, wait again, my actual passport number ()

[soulfuldog]

Originally Posted by vxf

steal library access

How are people stealing library access? There is an option for foreigners without permanent residency/FIN national ID etc to register for use of the e-resources only. The only thing some people are doing is not registering with their passport number. It's hardly stealing anything and not comparable to illegally downloading books.

[Asawi]

Originally Posted by vxf

I don't get it. Wouldn't simply downloading a non-drm copy of the book be quicker?

Eeeeeh.... NO!
Morality aside, believe it or not, not all books are easily available on the darknet! I have zero intererest in surfing around for illegal copies of books I can easily find in one of the libraries I'm signed up with.

[Barty]

If you don't want to give them your passport number, then don't sign up. Exploiting the loophole this way just means they're likely to shut off access to all foreigners altogether. "because they let me do it" isn't a good excuse.

[HarleyB]

Originally Posted by Loosheesh

The Singapore Library is now allowing 6 checkouts (up from 4) and 6 holds (up from 2) ... sweet

This is fabulous news - especially the increase in holds! I always return my books as soon as I read them so only being able to borrow 4 was never an issue. But with only 2 holds you really had to be careful which books you reserved as some waitlists are very long.

[copyrite]

I can't seem to create an account. The page looks like it's loading loading loading after I fill everything out, but it doesn't. Doesn't even time out. Have tried every browser on my computer.

[Asawi]

Originally Posted by copyrite

I can't seem to create an account. The page looks like it's loading loading loading after I fill everything out, but it doesn't. Doesn't even time out. Have tried every browser on my computer.

Have you tried logging in anyway? Maybe the registration has gone through even though it doesn't say so. Worth a try anyway!
You won't get any e-mail or anything from that registration is successful (at least I didn't back when I registered - with my real passport number...)

[copyrite]

Won't let me log in, and when I click to see if the user name has been created it hasn't.

[vxf]

Originally Posted by Loosheesh

Granted, this thread has been around a little while but I don't remember anyone advocating fake identities to steal library access. I do remember people being hesitant to use their actual passport #s and I don't see a problem with just using any string of numbers - my contention is that a passport # is most likely requested, not as a way to identify patrons, but as a hassle-free way of getting them access to the site without the Library having to go through the trouble of assigning a library card # or other unique log-in pin etc.

The 'ethics' of downloading from the darknet has been talked to death elsewhere on MR so I won't waste my time here, except to say, yes, I'd rather "steal library access" any day than steal from the darknet. And, no, I don't give a hoot (or a rat's patootie, for that matter) if I'm preventing someone else from accessing the book while I have it - they can wait in line, just like I have to sometimes.

Btw, I did sign up with, wait for it, my real name () and, wait again, my actual passport number ()

I think your interpretation is pretty loose as far as why do they request a passport number. I mean, if it was just about assigning a username... they would just let you pick one. They obviously want your real identity, for whatever reason...

And don't get me wrong - using a real name and passport - that I don't have objections to. But clearly in this thread people are advocating making information up.

[vxf]

Originally Posted by l_macd

How are people stealing library access? There is an option for foreigners without permanent residency/FIN national ID etc to register for use of the e-resources only. The only thing some people are doing is not registering with their passport number. It's hardly stealing anything and not comparable to illegally downloading books.

Of course it's not comparable. If you download a book from the net, you don't prevent someone with a legal right of access from using it.

If you make up an identity to register and borrow the book - you DO prevent someone with a legal right of access from using it.

Morally, downloading from the net is much less damaging to others....

But both are not to be condoned...

[vxf]

Originally Posted by Asawi

Eeeeeh.... NO!
Morality aside, believe it or not, not all books are easily available on the darknet! I have zero intererest in surfing around for illegal copies of books I can easily find in one of the libraries I'm signed up with.

'easily' is a relative term...

[soulfuldog]

Originally Posted by vxf

If you make up an identity to register and borrow the book - you DO prevent someone with a legal right of access from using it.

No, if you make up multiple identities to register and borrow numerous books then you are preventing someone else from accessing them.

If you register once and use your own details but substitute the passport number for something else, I'd say that's slightly questionable, nothing else. What happens if you've never been abroad and don't have a passport. Is for example, inserting your National Insurance/Identity Card number instead illegal?

Easy thing to do is just register with your own details. I think that's what most people have done. Certainly no one is suggesting you "make up an identity" to register.

[baliantas]

Originally Posted by HarleyB

I always return my books as soon as I read them so only being able to borrow 4 was never an issue. But with only 2 holds you really had to be careful which books you reserved as some waitlists are very long.

Just wondering:
How exactly do you return the books? When I go to my eBookshelf under "My Account", I see buttons for re-downloading, but nothing much else...

[soondai]

Originally Posted by baliantas

Just wondering:
How exactly do you return the books? When I go to my eBookshelf under "My Account", I see buttons for re-downloading, but nothing much else...

You return them from Adobe Digital Editions (the program on your computer), not from the library site.

Go to the library in Adobe Digital Editions and click on the upper left corner of the title you want to return (there's a little button there). Select, Return Item.

I think you need to be logged into the library site when you do it for it to register as returned.

[iandix]

as stated above use ADE to return the books.....
you don't need to be logged in to the website to return, but don't return too many too soon as they will lock your account for a few days