Reply #17: the big issue at this point [View All]

is that google will control access to books that have been digitized that are now in the public domain (and some that aren't, exactly.)

as Darnton noted - this was how academic journals became so expensive - no on else could provide them.

-- I'm talking about academic libraries, as far as this issue goes, not public ones, tho it would have an impact on them too - but more people in academic libraries want access to texts that are out of print and/or scarce.

this issue prompted a class-action suit against google. France sued to claim the equal right to distribute their declaration of independence, The Rights of Man!

however, I agree with you about the textbook thing. they're also so heavy!

a reader that also linked to outside reference sources would be ideal for colleges.

I can easily imagine that students will buy a reader at the beginning of college that is pre-loaded with vpn to dial into libraries, get their books by downloading them - but what happens at the end of a semester? what if some want to keep a "book?" would they be allowed to keep it forever or just rent the contents for a semester?