The Impact of Licenses on Library Collections
Min Chou, Oliver Zhou · The Acquisitions Librarian · 2005
The increasing popularity of digital information has brought great convenience to library patrons. It has, however, posed challenges to libraries in achieving their major missions, i.e., preservation and dissemination of information. The underlying reasons for this phenomenon are dichotomous: the restrictions imposed by electronic information licensing agreements and unreliability of digital content. During the transition from a traditional library to a digital one, libraries spend more to acquire both print and digital resources simultaneously. This dual format mode puts more pressure upon libraries' shrinking acquisition budget. Digital content providers have turned the digital content from sale to lease through licensing, and the licensing terms usually restrict libraries in delivering effective and efficient virtual library services to users. For the collective good of society, the only real solution will be the digital First Sale Doctrine established for library exemption.