Cleveland Public Library Readies E-book Downloads

rtphokie writes "C|Net is reporting that the Cleveland Public Library is making ebooks available. Sounds like the 1000 books in the system initially will feature more than just public domain titles including 'the latest from authors such as Michael Crichton, Clive Barker and Joyce Carol Oates.'" The article also mentions that "only a limited number of each eBook will be available, and after a preset number of days, the eBook will lock out the current reader so another patron can check it out." A good time to re-read The Right to Read.

Comments

Prediction:

[Sean Trembath]

Mom: Stop messing around on that thing. Read a book for once.

Son: I am reading a book.

Mom: Keep lying like that and you're grounded.

Re:Loss of revenue.

[kpansky]

I have never once had a library collect a fine from me. I once was supposed to pay off an $8 fine. As soon as I offered to pay it, the librarian smiled and said, "Thats alright." I guess my dashing looks and suave attitued impressed the 75 year old blue-haired lady. :)

/. is the best protection system around.

[wackybrit]

The article also mentions that "only a limited number of each eBook will be available, and after a preset number of days, the eBook will lock out the current reader so another patron can check it out."

That's weird. I've noticed many Web pages that Slashdot links to also have this feature. I click on the link and it tells me too many people are reading the site and that I should come back later. So if Slashdot links to every e-book in the library, they won't need to pay for fancy protection systems.

Re:How did this work out ?

[Gyan]

" Stroustrup's 3rd edition is a sure cure for insomnia."

Maybe it should be renamed from C++ to C(leep)++