3 ms·

Libraries pay more for "library binding" copies of books, when available

• jrochkind1 4y ago
  They may choose to, because they are willing to pay more for the longer-lasting binding. Or it may help them remain on good terms with publishers. While I'm technically a librarian, I haven't worked in this area or at an institution where it's relevant for a long time now, so actually don't know personally how common this is. But if libraries choose to pay more for a better binding, that is because of their determination that the value is worth it to them, not because there is any law that says they must to give more compensation to copyright holders. Nor is it proportionate to how many times they lend out the book or anything. In the USA libraries are completely legally allowed to take a copy they bought legally anywhere at all, including a used booksale from someone else, and loan it out as many times as they want, without needing a license or to make any additional payments to original copyright holder. I am so so positive of this (although I am not a lawyer).