Comments on: Local media coverage of my library’s stand on HarperCollins-gate

By: Sarah

Sarah — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 17:00:26 +0000

The Library is not denying users resources in any way. We have a limited amount of money to spend on materials. Within our budget for eBooks, as with all things, we have to make a decision about how to best invest that money on our community’s behalf. Buying a digital title that disappears after 26 uses is not a good investment in our opinion. Similarly, we would rather buy 10 great books that users requested rather than 1 obscure and expensive art book for the same amount of money. Libraries are considering different eBook models (subscribing, owning, tiers, etc.), including looking at user-driven purchasing (where you get to decide directly some of what we buy.

By: Brian DiNitto

Brian DiNitto — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 16:47:26 +0000

Yes, the San Rafael Public Library is making a stand against publishers and this policy, but they are also denying their users resources, or maybe to be more specific, resources in specific digital formats. Maybe a good next step, once they have HarperCollins attention, is to work on a use-directed model to substantially lower prices for the unique uses of these e-books in libraries. The model of buying digital library materials like we used to think of buying a car may need to be updated. Car leasing and the model of a ZipCar may fit into our budgets better and allow more access for our patrons, our ultimate goal.

By: Notable – 5.11.11 | The Digital Immigrant

Notable – 5.11.11 | The Digital Immigrant — Wed, 11 May 2011 18:25:11 +0000

[...] in Black continues to follow HaperCollinsp-gate. Check out her post for links, hashtags (#hcod), and more! My library, the San Rafael Public Library, has gotten a [...]