The library world isn’t engaging these topics in a robust way as far as I can see, though substantive conversations about library matters do occur elsewhere. Here are links to a few recent posts that may interest you:

A Dialogue on Patron-Driven Acquisitions between Associate Dean for Scholarly Resources & Collection Rick Anderson and publishing veteran Joe Esposito.

No Such Thing As a Bad Book? Part 2 — Implications and Problems, Rick Anderson thinking through the concept of libary as conduit versus collection (which is something I’ve been saying for awhile).

Carl Grant of ExLibris also hits a bunch of nails on the head with his recent The disintegration and redistribution of the library.

Here’s the nasty confluence of forces that I see…
Public libraries are doing their best to give people what they want (bestsellers/pulp/DVDs) at the same time the publishers are being beset by threats to their business model and revenue structure. Libraries are continuing to lend the exact materials publishers depend on to remain in business…bestsellers. Publishers don’t hate libraries, but libraries are bad customers because they are giving away the content the publishers are trying to sell. So it is, and so it always has been.

Currently, someone can weigh the inconvenience of dealing the the library (delay to acquire, return trip, overdue fines, restrictions, etc.) to the amount of the purchase price. In future, the library may be out of the equation.
Publishers can now circumvent the library and deal directly with the paying public. The can say, “Here’s our product. It costs this much under these conditions. Do you want it?” If you want it, you’ll pay. If it’s too expensive, you don’t get it. If enough people don’t get it the price will go down to a point where people will get it. Simple supply and demand.

The point is…the library will not be able to deliver it’s most popular service i.e., the provision of popular books/DVDs for free.

This a very complex topic and one that is not discussed enough in the library world. Any way I look at it, I just can’t see how libraries come out ahead, or even maintain status quo.

It’s not that publishers ‘hate’ libraries; it’s that they have been just as disrupted as libraries and are still trying to figure out new business models. The lack of leadership within the library community means it cannot partner with publishers and other parties to devise solutions what work for all involved. Instead, publishers & others will craft their own plans and libraries will be faced with take-it-or-leave-it propositions.

My question is whether it’s worth supporting an institution that …
* Does not have the organization or stature to negotiate prices for the materials it provides;
* Has little or no influence over what materials it provides;
* Cannot ensure availability of materials it provides beyond a small time horizon.

Anyhow, what’s your thoughts on the use of Police in Massachusetts to enforce overdue books? It seems to be working!!