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"Texas has seen the future of the public library, and it looks a lot like an Apple Store: Rows of glossy iMacs beckon. iPads mounted on a tangerine-colored bar invite readers. And hundreds of other tablets stand ready for checkout to anyone with a borrowing card. That makes Bexar County's BibiloTech the nation's only bookless public library, a distinction that has attracted scores of digital bookworms, plus emissaries from as far away as Hong Kong who want to learn about the idea and possibly take it home."
While I believe digital books have a place. I love my Kindle Fire and take it everywhere with me. Nothing will replace an actuall physical book that you can hold in your hand.
If it gets people reading again, I have no problem with it. I switch to a tablet and love it, so much more convenient. Lending books have gotten so nasty and germy, it's the reason I did finally buy a tablet.
I read that when libraries 'buy' a digital book it is only good for a set number of loans (I was told 26) and that it then ceases to exist. Now I know that physical books do where out after a while but I wouldn't think it was that low.
If digital books do have a limited life I question some claims that have been made by budget concious proponents about reducing costs to public library budgets by going digital.
I read that when libraries 'buy' a digital book it is only good for a set number of loans (I was told 26) and that it then ceases to exist. Now I know that physical books do where out after a while but I wouldn't think it was that low.
If digital books do have a limited life I question some claims that have been made by budget concious proponents about reducing costs to public library budgets by going digital.
Has anyone else heard of this?
I do know our library can show a certain e-book but it is listed the same as with a physical book, movie, etc. in that there seems to be a limit on the # that can take it out at a given time (it's not endless). It can also be placed on hold like other formats as well until it does become "available". Perhaps that's where the # of loans you mention come into play; maybe not a limit on time just qty at once?
I do know our library can show a certain e-book but it is listed the same as with a physical book, movie, etc. in that there seems to be a limit on the # that can take it out at a given time (it's not endless). It can also be placed on hold like other formats as well until it does become "available". Perhaps that's where the # of loans you mention come into play; maybe not a limit on time just qty at once?
No if they bought one copy they can only loan out one copy at a time. It was reported that once the ebook had been loaned out 26 times TOTAL it was removed from the catalog and had to be repurchased.
No if they bought one copy they can only loan out one copy at a time. It was reported that once the ebook had been loaned out 26 times TOTAL it was removed from the catalog and had to be repurchased.
I wonder how accurate that information is as I know there are hold lists at my library well above 26. If it really is 26, they must replace it quickly so it does not get removed and the list doesn't "go away".
I agree with ReturningWest that if it gets people reading it's a good thing. However, I would be sad to see all libraries go this direction.
I love my Kindle but I also love physical books. It would be sad to see all libraries become "bookless" because for one things not all books are out in e-book format (older books for example).
Also, large coffee-table type books are much better in physical format, especially design, art, and photography books.
I'm good with it overall, I have a Kindle and have replaced many of my own physical books.
I will not replace my physical cookbooks though unless I absolutely have to.
I like the actual book in front of me when I am using one of the recipes as a guideline and I am not the cleanest cook in the world either.
I know my Kindle would not survive one meal if I had to use it in the kitchen for a recipe.
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