From reader Gry, a link to this marvelous video from Pioneer Library Systems’ Virtual Library, which shows off what more than 26 checkouts looks like in a physical book.
My favorite part: Harper Collins offers a lifetime guarantee of their copy of Neil Gaiman’s “Coraline.” Mmmmmmm. Irony.
This video is long, but I learned from it, particularly what types of damage librarians consider easily fixable.
Link to the video? Right here.
You can read their Open Letter from the Pioneer Library System to HarperCollins about their decision to limit check outs of digital books to 26, and requiring additional purchase after the limit is met. As they say in their letter, “Despite statements to the New York Times that HarperCollins hopes this move will, “ensure a presence in public libraries and the communities they serve for years to come,” it may, in fact, do just the opposite. Many of our collection development policies require us to look at longevity to insure we are being good stewards of the public monies. HarperCollins has now ensured that their eBooks are forced in to obsolescence and off our virtual shelves and away from consumers with[out] the means to purchase these titles in print or electronically for themselves. It is our hope that HarperCollins will re-evaluate their decision to put checkout limits on their eBook titles.”
Hear, hear. Well done, librarians. Keep kicking ass.
