Comments | a_r_williams: Libraries and e-Books...What's a Fair Policy?

a_r_williams

Libraries and e-Books...What's a Fair Policy?

Mar 15, 2011 09:48

I'm sure a lot of people here have heard about Harper Collins setting a limit to how long libraries can loan out copies of their e-books before having to purchase another. karen_w_newton tweeted this link today: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/15/business/media/ ( Read more... )

e-books, libraries

Comments 9

kmarkhoover March 15 2011, 14:16:16 UTC

I've thought about this, too. I don't know what is fair, tbh, either for the library or the writer himself....

a_r_williams March 15 2011, 15:09:42 UTC

Yeah, I can understand that. I'm not too sure how many checkouts a paper book is able to withstand before utterly falling apart and a new one needing to be purchased.

That's why I think there should be a limit on how many checkouts there should be. I think 26 is way too few, but I also think it should be allowed for longer than the average book.

peadarog March 15 2011, 16:51:17 UTC

Another "haven't got a clue" from me.

a_r_williams March 19 2011, 03:19:18 UTC

Woops! I missed your response, sorry. I think I have a better idea of what I think ;) Although I still don't know what the length of time should be for libraries keeping the books.

peadarog March 19 2011, 19:36:20 UTC

No worries! I still don't know either ;p

alycewilson April 6 2011, 18:18:26 UTC

I believe that self-published authors can get their books into libraries, especially if there is a personal connection. For example, a book I put together for the Penn State Monty Python Society in college is in the Penn State collection at Pattee Library on the Penn State main campus. Haven't tried to get other books of mine shelved by local libraries, but I wouldn't be surprised if it was possible.

a_r_williams April 6 2011, 21:53:01 UTC

Yes, I agree. I think it's possible, maybe difficult, but possible. I'm going to give it a try once I publish my e-Book.

alycewilson April 6 2011, 22:33:23 UTC

Good luck! I would think it's easier with a print book, but any library that carries e-books might be interested, especially if there's a local connection.

a_r_williams April 11 2011, 12:39:59 UTC

Thanks :)

And I'm hoping that a local connection will help even though I realize it's a long shot. But trying and failing will get me to the same exact spot that I'll be in doing nothing.