At 03:00 PM 10/24/2003 -0400, Cael Abal wrote:
What *is* a library? 1. A library is legal. A library needn't be licensed by any state entity. 2. Thus, I can declare my computer a library. The only requirement is that I own a license to what I lend, and that only 1 user exercise that license at a time. That is what a library is.
An interesting idea, Major -- but unfortunately nothing is simple these days. Libraries, I would wager, likely have very specific legal definitions (for tax purposes if for no other reason).
Some libraries already offer a service similar to what I suggested so their patrons can read digital copies of works on- or off-line on their PCs. <https://194.109.142.142:1984/redirect.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.netlibrary.com%2F>http://www.netlibrary.com/ I fail to see the fundamental difference between citizens lending .mp3s and public libraries lending CDs and DVDs, unless one accepts a similar argument that only government recognized and credentialed people will be considered "reporters" under the law. steve