Publishers limit shelf life of ebooks

Divia · Post by **Divia** » Thu April 21st, 2011, 3:55 pm

Dislike! 26 checkouts seems a little low for a public library.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/15/busin ... .html?_r=1

Michy · Post by **Michy** » Thu April 21st, 2011, 4:02 pm

I agree. I heard about this a few days ago on the news, and I was wondering, rather than require libraries to re-purchase the e-book numerous times (which is what they would have to do, right? especially if it's a popular book with borrowers) why don't they sell libraries a version that would cost more but have unlimited checkout capabilities? It's a shame that they're choosing to be less friendly to libraries with e-books than with print books, just to make more money and because they can.

Divia · Post by **Divia** » Thu April 21st, 2011, 4:48 pm

When I buy videos for the school they do cost more because we are allowing more than one person to watch them multiple times. So, instead of a dvd that could be 19 I typically have to pay 30 or more.

That's an idea. Libraries would be used to it, that's for sure. The problem is with shrinking budgets would this be a good option. Although I suppose it is the lesser of two evils.

Michy · Post by **Michy** » Thu April 21st, 2011, 5:07 pm

[quote=""Divia""] The problem is with shrinking budgets would this be a good option. Although I suppose it is the lesser of two evils.[/quote] The method I'm suggesting would cost more up-front, that's true. But in the long run it would cost libraries less than having to re-purchase an e-book every 26 checkouts -- especially for those books that are most popular with patrons. And the publishers wouldn't totally lose, either, because they would sell these "library version" of e-books for more money than the regular retail version, even though they would cost no more to produce.

LoveHistory · Post by **LoveHistory** » Thu April 21st, 2011, 8:25 pm

I've run into a similar issue with a game I like. It used to be you got 5 unlocks with each code. Now it's you can put it on two computers. Though their forum says four computers. Very annoyed. Since I won't join their club I had to pay $20 to buy the game (which I love and which only they sell). I'm not paying another $20 because they changed the rules. Bad them!

Margaret · Post by **Margaret** » Thu April 21st, 2011, 8:45 pm

26 checkouts seems way too low! Not every reader keeps a book out for the full 2 week period, plus libraries usually keep books on their shelves for years and years. I'm still having to put a "hold" on some popular books from last year and the year before in order to check them out.

princess garnet · Post by **princess garnet** » Fri April 22nd, 2011, 9:01 pm

I heard about this on a library listserv earlier this month.

Alisha Marie Klapheke · Post by **Alisha Marie Klapheke** » Mon April 25th, 2011, 2:34 am

I am curious as to how the library loan on ebooks is going to effect authors, publishers, and agents. I mean why in the world would I buy an ebook or a "real" book if I can simply log on and borrow it anytime. I don't have to visit the library, right? This seems financially dangerous for the authors in this world. I want those fantastic artists to keep on keeping on! Educate me...

Michy · Post by **Michy** » Mon April 25th, 2011, 3:18 am

[quote=""Alisha Marie Klapheke""]I mean why in the world would I buy an ebook or a "real" book if I can simply log on and borrow it anytime. [/quote] My guess would be that ebooks borrowed from the library will have a time limit on them, just like "real" books. In fact, logistically I think they would have to. So I don't think that libraries offering ebooks is going to kill ebooks sales any more than libraries offering print books has killed print sales. There are always going to be people who are willing and able to pay for a book rather than get it for free from the library, in exchange for the privilege of having the book for as long as they want it, or for keeps, even.

Divia · Post by **Divia** » Mon April 25th, 2011, 10:03 am

I believe the check out time can vary but out library is looking at a 3 week loan period. I know some other libraries, such as public ones have it for 2 weeks. After that time your book vanishes, which is tiresome because I can't always read a book in 2 weeks.