[Web4lib] Libraries: Standing at the Wrong Platform, Waiting for the Wrong Train?

[Matthew J. Dovey]

> What if they 'buy' through Amazon a title you'd -never- add 
> to your collection?

There are models which don't necessarily add to your collection.

You might offer the patron a choice - ILL at a cost of x to the patron
(but a delay), or the patron can buy it through the library at a cost of
y (typically y > x) but with a much shorter delay.

Alternatively, the library might buy the book anyway, but then rather
than add to the catalogue sell the book afterwards (via Amazon or ebay
etc.). Yes, there is a risk that the library wo'n't resell it afterwards
(or at a much lower price than it bought it). On the other hand it might
sell at a higher price. Someone would have to look at whether this
balances out. Alternatively the library might pass some/all of this
risk/gain onto the patron.

The key is to think a little more laterally that the more traditional
acquisition-collection-lend-return model of the library.

Matthew