DCMS consultation on e-lending in libraries

The DCMS is currently conducting a consultation on the topic of e-learning in libraries. It would be useful to make a submission to this. The closing date for responses is 5pm on Tuesday 6 November, so there isn't much time. They are asking for views on six themes, listed below. Please do feel free to contribute and help to shape our response. Thank you. --Stevie Benton (WMUK) (talk) 13:58, 5 November 2012 (UTC)

If contributions could be made and a final response reached by 3.30pm on Tuesday 6 November that allows us time to make a final submission. Thanks. --Stevie Benton (WMUK) (talk) 14:01, 5 November 2012 (UTC)

The panel are considering the following areas, and welcome submissions from any interested parties:

1. The benefits of e-lending

Wikipedia is possibly the most read "book" on the internet with about 400 million users per month. The charity commission argued that Wikimedia UK represent the modern equivalent of a reading room. The community who create the encyclopedia would not consider e-lending Wikipedia. We believe information should be freely available. In our case we do not charge and there is no clear owner of he information. Allowing users to borrow our information would be a retrograde step.

e-lending appears to impose a superseded business model onto a new technology which doesn't support this concept.

2. The current level and nature of demand

The current level and nature of demand for e-lending in English libraries, along with a projection of future demand. For example, will e-lending be in addition to traditional borrowing of print books, or is it likely to transform the way in which library users access services? What is the demand for downloading e-books remotely, that is, away from library premises? To what extent do owners of e-readers value public e-lending above what is freely or commercially available elsewhere?

3. Current supply models

Current supply models, barriers to the supply of e-books to libraries, and likely future trends

6. Any unforeseen consequences

Any unforeseen consequences of e-lending. For example, the impact on those who cannot keep up with technology, the likely long-term impact on the model of highly localised physical library premises, skills requirements for librarians, etc