Comment Re: So! It is official! (Score 1) 96
The traditional model means that a library has NO copy of a book while it is lent out. Are they willing to scan the paper copy again to lend it out a 2nd to the next patron that wants to borrow it?
Consider a modified ebook model that works like this. After the paper book is scanned in and verified that the scan is all good, the original paper book is destroyed (shredded to a fine powder and used in that form). Each time the book is lent out, the digital copy is erased (written over by the next incoming book). An SHA256 of that book's digital copy can be kept. The patron keeps a copy of the book and returns the book by uploading the digital copy (verified by the SHA256). Now we have only ONE copy, regardless of form, between the library and all its patrons, at all time. If the patron does not upload the correct digital ebook, then they have not returned it. If the patron has lost the digital copy they originally "borrowed", then they have "lost" the book. They must buy a new copy.