This may seem like a strange technology observation, but I was searching the Washington County catalog yesterday for foreign films for one of our patrons. Most of the films that came up were available only as electronic downloads. The problem with that is twofold: 1. We can’t borrow them interlibrary loan. Someone has to have a Washington County library card in order to access them. 2. Our patron wanted a VHS tape ideally. She didn’t even want a DVD, let alone an electronic download. Many people do not have the equipment to download materials. This will be one more way in which the poorest and least educated members of our society will be discriminated against.
I had a similar experience last month. I was looking for books on thyroid problems, and the newest edition in Hagerstown was a downloadable book, not available to interlibrary loan. As more libraries subscribe to audiobooks, books and movies that are downloaded, we will have more trouble using ILL to obtain materials for patrons.
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