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Yeah, but when it comes to libraries there's a public-good element to their activities, as they provide access to those materials for those who otherwise may no
by zzalpha 12y ago
Yeah, but when it comes to libraries there's a public-good element to their activities, as they provide access to those materials for those who otherwise may not be able to afford them.
In addition, a library, as a source of physical copies, can't lend and re-lend the same content over and over. Which is why, of course, ebook lending programs at libraries are often limited to a certain number of copies... there's an attempt to apply that same restriction to digital content.
Lastly, the lending is always time-limited, unlike digital services.
- chimeracoder 12y ago> Yeah, but when it comes to libraries there's a public-good element to their activities, as they provide access to those materials for those who otherwise may not be able to afford them. How is that any different from free services like Grooveshark, The Pirate Bay, Napster, etc.?
- zzalpha 12y agoI really need to explain to you that the poor don't generally have computers? Or internet access? :)
- awa 12y agoBut.. they have access to libraries with computers... More seriously, most of the world doesn't have easy access to libraries like US or some other developed countries while they do have access to decent internet.
- nfoz 12y agoYou might be surprised how many poor do have computer/internet access. Different regions look different, even within the U.S., and there are many different modalities of living amongst the poor.