Rent-a-Book
Everything today is moving from a purchase model to a subscription model: take NetFlix and library databases as examples. And now: Google’s reported rent-a-book program. All of this is speculation, but for 10% of the list price for a new book, users can get online access for a week. I agree with the ars technica post that guesses this is a reponse to the Amazon Pages project (allowing users to purchase online portions of titles).
So, aren’t libraries doing this now? "Renting" out books, physical and e-versions, but for free? Even so, my guess is that people will use the Google service, and quick-fast try to read the newest bestseller on their screens within a week…and then come to the library when they can’t finish it in time and want to read the last few chapters. Ah, we come to the rescue again. *droll laugh*
November 21st, 2005 at 11:48 am
Rent A Book
There’s been a fair amount of talk about the speculation that Google will launch a rent-a-book program… giving you a week to read the latest tome on your computer. The Librarian in Black suspects she knows how this will all…
December 21st, 2005 at 8:28 pm
I was reading the aritcle about Google’s rent-a-book. I think this could work because isn’t it true that libraries do not have many of the popular titles even if they are bestsellers or not. Isn’t it true that they do not have but a few copies of one book like romance novels. When it is checked out, it is gone (at least for an unknown period of time.) Isn’t it also true that libraries lag behind in ordering up to date books due to budget or space issues?
I sure would appreciate some feedback.
Thanks
Sandra
December 23rd, 2005 at 3:38 pm
Sandra,
Library collections vary greatly from place to place, but most public libraries make it a priority to carry multiple copies of bestsellers as soon as they come out. Libraries have a set check-out period for items (usually 3 weeks), and if you place a hold on the item it will come to you as soon as it is returned. I haven’t heard of libraries lagging behind in ordering up to date books because of budget or space issues, especially bestsellers. You may want to check with your local library to determine their specific collection strengths, weaknesses, and procedures. I’m sure they’ll be happy to answer your questions.