E-Books and Public libraries - CBC Spark Podcast

On my commute to work this morning (my favourite postcasting time), I  listened to a panel discussion regarding e-book lending and public libraries on CBC's radio show Spark with Nora Young. The panelists included

Jane Pyper, City Librarian for the Toronto Public Library

Carolyn Wood, Executive Director of the Association of Canadian Publishers

David O'Brien, a researcher at the Berkman Center for Internet and Society, and co-author of E-Books in Libraries

While the panelists--all from varying backgrounds-- capably outlined the difficulties of negotiating with publishers regarding e-book lending in libraries, the consensus seemed to be that much of this kerfuffle won't be worked out right away and simple answers will not be had. The e-book is a game changer in the way books are accessed and consumed so it will undoubtably take time before the best model for e-book lending in libraries is developed. For now, libraries have to keep up with changing technologies and do the best they can to provide users with access to these technologies. I think we are doing a pretty darn good job. Here is a link to the discussion:

http://www.cbc.ca/spark/full-interviews/2013/04/03/e-book-lending-in-libraries/