08-05-2013, 12:20 PM | #1 | |
lost in my e-reader...
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NPR - E-Books Strain Relations Between Libraries, Publishing Houses
I heard this on the way to work this morning. It is part of an NPR series on libraries. It was pretty interesting, but I already knew a lot of it thanks to our MR forums and discussions.
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[related: Library skips publisher, goes directly to author, image by Wonderlane via Flickr] Last edited by Alexander Turcic; 08-06-2013 at 06:52 AM. Reason: moved to frontpage |
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08-05-2013, 04:23 PM | #2 |
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ebooks have led to strained publisher relations with everybody:authors, agents, retailers, readers, several levels of government.
Libraries are just the latest to complain. |
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08-05-2013, 05:43 PM | #3 |
Wizard
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Interesting article with a slightly different slant.
I am still waiting for the articles that mention the benefits of ebooks to libraries. Paper books can cost small libraries and even some larger ones, more than their cover price for each time they are leant out. (Average cost per circulation). Costs include housing the books, (cost of land/buildings/rent/utilities/shelves/reading tables) . Accessioning the books, (placing scanners, bar codes for checkout, reinforcing covers, the scanners themselves). Books lost or stolen with no fines paid. Staff to shelve, reshelve the books and assist patrons. And then their are incidentals like janitorial staff, accountants and fee collectors. Most of these items do not apply to ebooks. No storage costs for overdrive book AFAIK although I think their is a fee associated with each circulation. They may expire but they don't deteriorate. I think progressive libraries are realizing these facts which is why we have so many with a good ebook selection. But of course they won't come out and say it for fear of budget cuts. Helen |
08-05-2013, 07:39 PM | #4 | |
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http://news.3m.com/press-release/com...york-libraries If so, Neary was misleading. The number of New York Public Library (Manhattan, Bronx, Staten Island) and Brooklyn Public Library 3M books from all publishers, let along Simon and Schuster, remains tiny. The third New York City library, Queens, doesn't even offer the 3M system, although they may have a few Simon and Schuster eBooks via Axis 360 (a system I've never used). |
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08-05-2013, 08:01 PM | #5 | ||
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Fines, where I live, are maybe 10 percent of revenue -- or were before eBooks. Also, being able to keep an almost-finished book, for a couple more days, at a modest fee, is a good feature for readers.
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Libraries don't have just one mission. And some of those missions, such as providing a place for children to do homework, require that employees and buildings not be cut. Even though I read a lot of Overdrive eBooks, I can't say it is all for the best that I be catered to. |
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08-05-2013, 08:53 PM | #6 | |
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No where was I suggesting that library services be cut,. Although some services are added to keep libraries alive and maybe not properly their venue. I think that if a service is a library appropriate service it should be available at lall libraries where it is needed, not just those looking for extra funding. Not saying they should not offer it but if one library does why not all if it is considered a valid library service. My current local library is open on alternate Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and they lend about 3 books a week according to the librarian who is paid $34 an hour and would dearly love more hours. The building is only used for this purpose and was recently acquired for $300,000. Can't even imagine what the cost per book lent out is. I am not in favour of curtailing library services, I am just saying ebooks are often less expensive instead of the massive rip-off they are perceived as. Helen |
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08-05-2013, 10:29 PM | #7 |
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08-05-2013, 10:33 PM | #8 |
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08-06-2013, 07:23 AM | #9 |
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08-06-2013, 08:11 AM | #10 | |
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Nin..._North_America Unavoidable when you consider the NYC metro area has a larger population than many entire countries and (in the goold old days) a GDP to match. That creates a kind of echo chamber that breeds isolation. Thus the much joked about "civilization ends at the Hudson" attitude of Manhattanites in general and the NYC publishing culture in the specific. The idea that people who don't live in a megapolis might have different needs and attitudes is a tough sell to that mindset. And when those folks have decision-making power over entire markets... Well, we've all see the results in the news. |
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08-06-2013, 11:38 AM | #11 |
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Just like the Mobileread echo chamber...
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08-06-2013, 08:44 PM | #12 |
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