Library Commentary

I probably can be called an avid reader. Beginning at about age five and still reading at age ninety-three, my experiences with many types of libraries are legion. Although the first sixty years of experiences are interesting historically, there is little which applies to the current situation. Therefor, these words are concerned only with the past twenty-five or thirty years.

Sometime about 1995, I complained to my wife that there was nothing good in the house to read. She quickly responded and said, “ well then,go back to your den and write a book, but get out of my kitchen”. So I did. It would be a memoir. Learning about the process began at Emerald Plaza branch of the O.P.L. with classes led by Ruth Latta. There were not only a number of remarkable stories told but the class members were a very diverse and interesting group. Then once the work was substantially complete, a further class at Centrepoint library was taken to investigate publishing. My point here is that O.P,L. offers a great variety of opportunities in a community that are not just book related. Also, because of a common interest, there is very animated social interaction between persons from every station in life.

Except for the most recent decade, my library interests were focused on hard covers. Their tactile and aromatic qualities together with the opportunity to browse row upon row of everything imaginable kept me coming back. So too did some of the purpose built libraries like Carlingwood or old City View on Rowley Avenue and those grand, old “Central” Libraries still found in the heart of many major cities. Much of the 'feel' of a library is lost when it is located in a strip mall or or other 'rental' space.

Now however, e-books and audio books on-line are changing things. Perhaps not changing so much as adding a whole new venue. They add greatly to readership but are not a significant part of the traditional branch library. However, those of us who have mobility issues and/or failing eyesight are absolutely dependent upon e-books and audio books. Over the past seven years, my O.P.L. account history shows that I have read 351 on-line books.

The acquisition and dissemination of this on-line material appears to be exactly the same as traditional hard covers, which has a built in frustration and potential unfairness. To prevent this with on-line material two things are necessary;

1. The author (and the agent/publisher) should receive a royalty/percentage each time an e-book/audio-book is read.

1. All on-line books should be available all the time. (no holds).

This might be achieved if for each read, a “nominal” one or two week rental is charged. The sum of all rental income should then cover royalties, admin costs and offer reasonable profit to the publisher. (and help mediate author/publisher unfairness and eliminate the frustration of holds). Yes, I know, the library has always been free to readers. However, to improve service, increase readership and maintain fairness within the library, this new on-line component may have to be viewed differently.