Harper Collins E-Book Controversy

The E-Book Controversy

The use of e-books has grown exponentially with the growth of technology. In fact, e-book use has grown over 36% in just the past year. Recently, HarperCollins Publishers began enforcing new restrictions on its e-books, requiring that books be checked out only 26 times before they expire. Assuming a two-week checkout period, that is long enough for a book to last at least one year. This has caused quite an uproar in libraries across the country. I do not believe that the rule is fair to libraries or patrons of libraries. There should not be limits placed on the number of times an e-book can be checked out, just like no limits are placed on actual books that are checked out. One positive that has come out of this whole controversy is that people are more engaged in the topic and are discussing it. This has increased the amount of circulation in libraries which means more and more people are reading. Many people are not even aware that e-books are available from libraries for check out. The controversy with HarperCollins has increased this number also. Although controversy always has a down side, this controversy has accomplished a great goal...getting more people to read. 

In the end, I do not agree with the rule from HarperCollins.  Whether the book is a hard copy or an e-book, it is still a book and limits should not be placed on the number of times it can be checked out of the libary.

http://www.libraryjournal.com/lj/home/889452-264/harpercollins_puts_26_loan_cap.html.csp

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/15/business/media/15libraries.html