[WEB4LIB] RE: Books on Demand

[Jenny Levine]

Dan Lester wrote:
> Since Gail isn't at HP any more (early retirment option in one of
> their cutbacks), I don't know the status of their particular system,
> but know they're not the only one producing such systems.  I think the
> main target audience for POD isn't libraries, but consumers.

	I think Dan is right about this, although I would argue that libraries are
being cut out of the loop.  Publishers are bypassing traditional outlets (like
libraries) and are interacting directly with the public.  Digital files and the
DMCA make this type of service much easier for publishers, but much harder for
libraries.
	For example, IDG and Frommer's have teamed up on Hungry Minds A la Carte
(http://alacarte.hungryminds.com/), a print-on-demand service that lets you
choose chapters from Frommer's travel guides and/or any Dummies title and have
them combined into a paperback they'll send you or an ebook you can download. 
The service is too expensive and inconvenient right now, but I met someone who
made her own travel book this way based on the itinerary for her honeymoon.  No
library in that equation.
	Libraries will have to work hard to keep themselves in the new loops emerging
in today's world, and while I am looking forward to some of these conveniences
as a consumer, as a librarian I am a bit worried.

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Jenny Levine				125 Tower Drive
Internet Development Specialist		Burr Ridge, IL 60521
Suburban Library System			+1 (630) 734 5141
http://www.sls.lib.il.us/		levinej at sls.lib.il.us
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