Ebooks are infinitely reproducible and almost instantly transmissible, so why is it so difficult to get them from the library? The artificial (but economically mandated) scarcity of ebooks means there are still long waiting lists for popular titles, and some major publishers like Simon & Schuster refuse to sell ebooks to libraries at all. But as reader and tablet use takes off, a few usable ecosystems have emerged. This New York Times piece examines the major systems, including Kindle and Adobe Digital Editions, and explains both how to check out an ebook and how publishers and libraries are responding to their increasing popularity.
The state of the library ebook, and how to use it
The New York Times explains the current state of library ebooks, as well as how to check out a book using most of the major systems.
The New York Times explains the current state of library ebooks, as well as how to check out a book using most of the major systems.
is a senior tech and policy editor focused on online platforms and free expression. Adi has covered virtual and augmented reality, the history of computing, and more for The Verge since 2011.
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