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A comment on The Seattle Public Library is reducing maximum digital holds. Parent comment

Re:The Seattle Public Library is reducing maximum digital holds by dagw on Tuesday April 23, 2024 @05:42AM (#40130185)
Depends slightly where you are, but often the ebook licenses are time limited, often to 1 year. So not only can't you resell the licenses, you have to keep rebuying them.
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Re:The Seattle Public Library is reducing maximum digital holds by kazinator on Tuesday April 23, 2024 @10:09AM (#40132189)
Public libraries really should stay away from e-anything, in my opinion. No library would purchase anything of the sort under my watch.

Obviously, since patrons check it out, there is demand for it. Well, so what? There is demand for cocaine and porn; should public libraries offer that?

Demand for something doesn't ipso facto oblige a library to provide it.

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Re:The Seattle Public Library is reducing maximum digital holds by Nevermark on Tuesday April 23, 2024 @01:47PM (#40134819)
> there is demand for it. Well, so what?

Of course demand for something doesn't make it something that should be free.

On the other hand, your arguments against e-libraries are just as vague and lacking in implication.

Libraries promote literacy and/or learning with every book read. Even as a source of entertainment, it promotes a richer culture. All of which does have a total health of society benefit.

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Re:The Seattle Public Library is reducing maximum digital holds by LeafItAlone on Tuesday April 23, 2024 @05:58PM (#40137842)
> Public libraries really should stay away from e-anything, in my opinion. No library would purchase anything of the sort under my watch.

Why not? What are your goals of a public library?

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Re:The Seattle Public Library is reducing maximum digital holds by kazinator on Wednesday April 24, 2024 @11:13AM (#40145332)
Strictly physical items. Books, musical instruments, power tools ... no e-garbage.

Nothing with an expiring license or ongoing fees.

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Re:The Seattle Public Library is reducing maximum digital holds by LeafItAlone on Wednesday April 24, 2024 @01:19PM (#40147149)
That seems to be your implementation. What are your goals?
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