eBooks eliminate library fines, losses
Houston Chronicle – “An alternative way of checking out books at Fort Bend County Libraries has an unexpected economic advantage. By offering downloadable books for eReaders through its digital collection OverDrive, the library system may ease financial losses from unreturned materials. Forget about the last-minute trudge to the library; eBooks simply expire after a one- or two-week checkout period. Digital books also free forgetful patrons from late fees. So far, the system hasn’t examined if the eBook option saves money. But it does take away the risk, said Joyce Kennerly, spokeswoman for the library system.”
I see it as an econonic disadvantage for public libraries – at ours, we generate money from fines than spend on replacement books – it’s one of our sources of revenue.