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Monday, June 5, 2017

libraries

I'm a huge fan of libraries. Some of my best memories from childhood were family trips to the library. I still remember getting my first library card. 

I've been getting most of my books through the library e-book lending system. It's worked pretty well. They had a half way decent selection and it fit my schedule. They've had notices up for months that this summer they will be changing systems so when I checked in the other night and saw the new system was up, I couldn't wait to check it out.

I was disappointed.

Turns out it is the same system I had had in a previous state. I hated it. I never used it. It had no selection and it wasn't user friendly. It looks as if the selection has expanded since then but of the 25 books I had had on my wish list in the old system, I could find only three of them in the new system. I was really upset and angry. It seems as if they library had traded systems for one that was worse than the previous one.

I know this is a first world problem. There is a lot that goes into these decisions. I know they have to try what works for the majority of people, not just me. And I would never want to be the person who had to make that decision. Still, I'm sad. I can't afford to supply my book habit solely with purchasing books. I rely on my library to stay sane, and in a busy world, it's just easier to use digital checkouts, rather than ILL, waiting for a book to ship, then having to drive to the library to pick it up. The closest library is very small and has weird hours (It is actually inside the high school so can't open during school hours.) the next closest library is 1/2 hour away.

Guess I'll have to go old school again, suck it up and ILL everything (My librarians in my previous state didn't like me much) Or, I'll have to sell a book for enough to supply my book habit.

I like that option. 


Do you use the library digital check out system? What do you think of it?



16 comments:

  1. I use the digital system some but mostly reserve print books. I find it's easier to renew them and there are more choices. Sometimes I can't finish an e-book before it's due. I go to the library a lot. My new thing is to rent DVD movies too.

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    Replies
    1. There are more choices in print books. I'm hoping that changes as more and more digital books are checked out.

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  2. I've only used the digital check out system a few times. It's pretty annoying, all the hoops you have to jump through. I'd almost rather just pay for an ebook.

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    Replies
    1. Our last system was just as easy as buying an ebook. One click, download and you were reading. Loved it.

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  3. I still haven't used digital libraries...
    What if you start one of those leave-a-book-take-a-book boxes in your neighbourhood?

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    Replies
    1. We live on the side of a mountain. We don't have a 'neighborhood'.

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    2. Oops, of course! What about a mobile one?

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  4. I must confess that I only use the library to supplement research. I like to keep books and the libraries tend to frown on that. ;0)

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    Replies
    1. Yes, libraries do frown on that. I use it for testing grounds. If I liked the book enough, I buy a copy after returning it to the library. If it was only 'meh' I return it to the library and forget about it.

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  5. I've never checked out an e-book through the library although I have purchased e-books. Perhaps the librarians might appreciate your feedback.

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    Replies
    1. I thought about mentioning it but didn't want to be a whiner.

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  6. No, but my husband has. We have to use the Fire to get them. I much prefer my Paperwhite device.

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    Replies
    1. I do have to use my Fire. I don't have a Paperwhite though, so I don't even know what I'm missing.

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