Online Libraries? (ie Netflix but with books???)

[CapnHook]

Posted: 8/9/06 at 10:14pm

I pay for Nexflix, I'd pay for an online library.

Is there a website I don't know about that works like Netflix, except for books? There are TONS of scripts I want to read but can't afford to buy them all.

[spiderdj82]

Posted: 8/9/06 at 10:16pm

Ooooo, I don't know, but that is a great idea!

Updated On: 8/9/06 at 10:16 PM

[AbbaRabbit]

Posted: 8/9/06 at 10:17pm

i think amazon.com accepts returns

[colleen_lee]

Posted: 8/9/06 at 10:18pm

Ditto Capn. I've always wondered why the public libraries didn't offer this sort of service. I would for sure use it. I rarely have free time during public library hours, it would be wonderful if I could browse and select my books at 2AM.

Posted: 8/9/06 at 10:19pm

oooh that's an awesome idea! I would definetly use the site, it's much better than movies in my opinion but I'm a book nerd.

[AbbaRabbit]

Posted: 8/9/06 at 10:19pm

well you can go on your library's webiste and search for books anytime.

[Holly Therese]

Posted: 8/9/06 at 10:21pm

If you are in college you should check to see if you school has any data bases. My school uses eBrary-the one draw back is that it is all online. You can print, but I wouldn't exactly print out an entire book.

[colleen_lee]

Posted: 8/9/06 at 10:21pm

Yes, but I can't check them out and get them out of the library. Especially in the summer time when the library is only open from like 10-6. The literate have to work too.

[popular_elphie]

Posted: 8/9/06 at 10:22pm

I've been thinking about this for years now. If I had the money, I would totally start this up. I always hate going to bookstores, because I don't want people to judge me on what I'm buying, and the bookstores here never have what I want - I always have to order from Amazon or the Strand.

[Holly Therese]

Posted: 8/9/06 at 10:24pm

Come to think of it, the local libraries here use an internet service that allows you to place holds on books and have them shipped to whatever one is the most convenient for you to get to. I've used to track down a LOT of cast recordings.

[morosco]

Posted: 8/9/06 at 10:24pm

Funny you should ask. Google just announced a new project.

They are working on developing a vast online database of public domain books. The legality of offering this service (at least for free) is being challenged.

Read more...
UC Libraries Join Google's Book Project

[StageManager2]

Posted: 8/9/06 at 10:41pm

I go online to place requests on books/CDs/DVDs from my local library or anywhere in my state through inter-library loan. When it arrives, the library sends me an e-mail telling me it's time for pick up. I rarely go to the library now.

[suzycat]

Posted: 8/9/06 at 11:21pm

The Google thing seems to be your best bet. They had a preview for booksellers at this year's BookExpo convention and it looked pretty amazing.

There aren't services that mail books to you because that would cost them way too much money. Netflix/Blockbuster only pays $.39 per DVD, but books would be upwards of $3 each... media mail would be cheaper but would take much much longer.

[Elphaba]

Posted: 8/10/06 at 2:07am

that google thing is NOT good........that could, in effect close libraries, and MANY publishers are against it, and frankly reading a book on a screen will never replace nor has the intimacy of holding a REAL book.

I work full time, and I still make time to go to my library. Libraries are funded, often, by how many people go there, and how much they are used IN PERSON.......

SUPPORT your library, or one day you may not have one.

Updated On: 8/10/06 at 02:07 AM

[DayDreamer]

Posted: 8/10/06 at 2:15am

I think it's just a matter of time.

I hear ya, elphaba, but I think it's inevitable. They'll find a way soon enough. Look at video stores, travel agencies... even some government offices have, if not closed, greatly decreased in size because of online transactions. I can even get my license renewed in WA state online.

[Elphaba]

Posted: 8/10/06 at 2:19am

yes, but businesses make money, libraries do not, most libraries lose money..........Netflix makes tons of money on people (I refuse to sue them).......I suppose if you all want to pay shipping, etc, fine....but it will not be cheap.....
I am so totally against this.
Reference and research databases are one thing, reading Little Women, Lolita, or The Illiad on line is another.

OFF soapbox.

[DayDreamer]

Posted: 8/10/06 at 2:22am

*looks at soapbox*

I'd get on if I wasn't so tired.

Believe me, I'm with you. Not to say the libraries are community centers. It's just that I see every service oriented 'office' moving to online. Like I said, even the DOL in WA state is online now.

[Elphaba]

Posted: 8/10/06 at 2:25am

and, THEY make money, day, I just renewed my car registration, and they made $144......libraries are not money making entities, at least not public or school libraries. Some Unis, maybe......

Reference and research databases make sense........

ok, really off soapbox ;o)

[StageManager2]

Posted: 8/10/06 at 3:18am

*heaves a deep sigh*
Are you really finished?

*points at soapbox*
I'd like to get that up and running before the race this weekend.

*motions with hand*
Out of my way!

Updated On: 8/10/06 at 03:18 AM

[Elphaba]

Posted: 8/10/06 at 10:32am

stage the soapbox is all yours! ;o)