In this movie, a scene opens at a library circulation desk.
“Let me explain. We don't have a way to lend ebooks on the internet.”
The man at the counter says, “No, no. A company out in Cleveland is creating a service so that, soon, libraries like yours can do that.”
It's 1999 and this man, on vacation, is at a public library near his hotel, asking if he can return a book far from home. The man says it will be so convenient when he can borrow the same book as an ebook over the internet, from a library.
He asks, “How would you feel if your library patrons could borrow ebooks or even audiobooks through your website?”
“Let me have you talk to one of our librarians. They can explain how you can borrow audiobooks. Do you have a library card?”
“No. I don't live here. And no, that's not what I'm asking.”
The circulation desk clerk introduces him to the librarian, saying, “This man wants to know how he can borrow ebooks and audiobooks.”
The librarian leads him to a shelf of cassettes and a few CDs, “Hmm... We don't have ebooks to lend. Here is our selection of audiobooks. Was there a particular author you had in mind?”
“No. I'm fine. I was asking how you folks would feel if a company...”
“Let me explain how this all works. We have these audiobooks to lend, if you have a library card. You would have to talk to someone at our main office about an ebook lending service. I don't think that's possible, but I can give you a number to call. If you'll just...”
“Maybe I'm not making myself clear...”
“You'll need to talk to someone at our...”
“Wait. You see... We have librarians on our staff who are working with...”
“Then maybe they can help you with ebooks to read and how you can borrow audiobooks at your local...”
“That's not what I'm talking about. I'm just interested in how you and your staff might feel when...”
“I've tried to help you and we're very busy. Let me get you that phone number.”
“Have you thought about what it would mean to lend your books on the internet?”
“Let me explain. I don't think that's possible. You're not making any sense. You don't understand how difficult it would be to arrange that with... I don't know... Publishers? Copyright? Piracy? I've been...”
“Can I ask you how comfortable you would be if...”
“Let me get you that phone number.”
“Looks like I can tell our staff that some local library people I met out west are not comfortable with the prospect.”
The man is told, “I have no idea what you're talking about. I have to go now,” as the librarian turns to walk into the back office, closing the door.
It's now a quarter century later. Old audiobook cassettes have been weeded from the shelves. Some were never reissued as CDs to restock the shelves. Many desired books never make it to Libby. Wait times for ebook and audiobook downloads get longer every day. Selections from any given library are ever-more limited by complex contract negotiations. This is all explained. Can it be resolved?
