A few years ago, a freshman came into our college library. When I told her that one of our online databases would likely provide the best, most up-to-date information for her research, she almost snarled at me, saying she wanted a REAL book, something she could hold in her hand. It was one of the most heart-warming moments that a modern librarian can experience.

Still, I just disassembled one more section of shelves, last Friday. The bitter reality is that our students want more desk space for their laptops and fewer bookshelves. An ebook version of “War and Peace” weighs nothing, unlike the hard copy which is heavy and bulky. However, it also costs nothing to release unlimited copies for circulation, and that runs contrary to the theology of the traditional publishing business. Macmillan (et. al.) are ignoring the “supply and demand” tenets of their monetary religion.

I, too, deal with the business side of providing ebook services. My favorite frame of reference for the invoices I pay is how many brand new Mini Coopers could be bought for the price of one year’s access fee. We’re currently using a service from EBSCO, which has a broad selection but a clunky interface, and just added OverDrive, which has a good interface but an as-yet-limited selection.