The Kindle and Libraries

Real short post today.

I'm sure you've heard this news about how Kindle owners will now be able to borrow library books.  If not, read the NY Times article.

As it says in the article:

E-book use in libraries has been growing at a rapid pace, particularly in the last year as more consumers have bought e-readers.

This is a reversal by Amazon, who, earlier in the year, said they wouldn't allow it.  But now they are.

Not every publisher is allowing this, though.  (Figures.)  Simon & Schuster and MacMillan still won't allow their ebooks to be available, while HarperCollins will only allow their ebooks to be loaned out 26 times before those ebooks expire.  That especially makes no sense to me; if you're going to dip your toe in, might as well duck your whole body in.

Anyway, I think it's a great thing.  The way I look at it, you may sample something and sort of like what you're reading, but if you're not sure, there's a chance you can borrow it from the library instead.  And, as long as whomever you're reading doesn't have their books with S&S or MacM, you won't have to pay a thin dime for their overpriced ebooks.

What do you think?  Good idea?  Dumb idea?  Don't care?