Librarian Video: What Print Books Look Like After 26 Checkouts

[chipotle]

Looks like the librarians are fighting back. This video from Pioneer Library Systems shows what HarperCollins print books look like after a varying amount of checkouts. The librarians state that with the new HC library limits, they would have had to buy 12 additional ebooks in the amount of time they've been lending out those 5 print books.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Je90XRRrruM&feature=player_embedded

And here is their Open Letter to HarperCollins about the new ebook limits:

http://www.pioneer.lib.ok.us/PLS/111-Press/2423-open-letter-to-harpercollins-a-readers-of-ebooks

[Neekeebee]

Thanks for posting.  I have to say, I'm impressed how well these library books held up!  Good job, library patrons!

N

[chipotle]

I thought it was interesting they said they could fix the one that had been checked out 120 times and had the loose binding.

I once had a house rabbit who chewed the corner of a library book. When I took it back and started to pay for it, they said no charge and that they could fix it.

[mom133d (aka Liz)]

Watched, shared on Facebook, email sent to HarperCollins and the Open Letter is now shared on Facebook with a mention that an email address is included. Phew.

I thought it was interesting they said they could fix the one that had been checked out 120 times and had the loose binding.

That's a fairly common repair, the last library I worked at showed me how. Now I can extend the life of my personal books.

The best tip though? If a book gets wet, put it in the freezer as soon as possible. It'll stop mold/mildew growth and the water will evaporate.

[JoeMitchell]

I don't understand how Harper Collins expects libraries to obey their new made-up rule.  Can book publishers legally stop libraries from lending books?  I didn't think they had that choice.  Libraries buy books and lend them to people.  It's counter to our capitalistic system, but it's how we do it in America.  Libraries lend out books for the greater good of society.  What makes this publisher think they can stop that, and why aren't librarians just laughing about this and lending the books out anyway?

[Kikuri]

Wow. I'm impressed that the pioneer library system--which operates in my city, actually--would respond like that. Good for them.

[chipotle]

That is interesting about putting wet books in the freezer. I cook a lot from my cookbooks so I'll be sure to try that if they get wet.

So far this week we've had the new HarperCollins limitations on library ebook lending, Random House going to Agency Model, and today I read that the government has eliminated funding from Reading is Fundamental, a literacy program that serves 4 million children. I hope they can get enough private donations to survive.

http://www.readingisfundamental.org/us/about/press/1927.htm

[Ann in Arlington]

I don't understand how Harper Collins expects libraries to obey their new made-up rule.  Can book publishers legally stop libraries from lending books?  I didn't think they had that choice.  Libraries buy books and lend them to people.  It's counter to our capitalistic system, but it's how we do it in America.  Libraries lend out books for the greater good of society.  What makes this publisher think they can stop that, and why aren't librarians just laughing about this and lending the books out anyway?

I think the limitation is only on ebooks. . .which can be sold with a maximum number of loans in the DRM, I guess.  There was a thread a few days ago when it was first announced. . .not sure if it was here in the Corner or in LTK. . .

[Ryl]

That's really interesting! Unless ebooks become dramatically cheaper than print copies, it doesn't seem like a good choice for libraries. Thanks for sharing the link.

[Forster]

Harper Collins ought to come out with a "Library Binding" ebook.