NEWS: Microsoft: Stopping You From Overdue Library Fines

GEEK: Microsoft: Stopping You From Overdue Library Fines

While Microsoft's next operating system will be keeping a close eye over what it lets you watch and listen, you'll soon be able to thank the Digital Rights Management (DRM) technology to help you avoid library fines. US Public Libraries are trialling the technology

This will save the libraries lots of money too; they'll be able to lend more titles out (libraries can supply more than one customer up to a set number) and there's no associated cost for the physical media, saving just under $73 per title. Plus, with it being on-line, the library never closes.

The one big snag is an age old one: iPods can't play licenced Windows Media Audio files. But Newport Beach Libary sorted that snag out: it bought 15 iPod Shuffles and loaded them up with audiobooks from iTunes to loan out.

They just have to sort out how to do the printed books and we'll all be happy.

I sure can't wait to read War And Peace off a two inch screen!

I guess this would be nice for some people. But I doubt I would ever use it. I like the feel of books.

[Edited on Sep 01, 2005 3:01AM]

I think it's great, because, like, say I wanted to checkout the audiobook of the latest Harry Potter novel from the library. Ha! I could get in the queue and maybe get it before I hit Social Security age, or I could check it out digitally, because there are unlimited copies. Not to mention that the digital library would be open 24/7, which would be great for procrastinating students.

[Edited on Sep 01, 2005 by Keith]

Too bad it's just audio boods, I would love to be able to access ebooks in the same manner.

That'd be badarse. It'd make uni work involve even more laziness.

There are a few free ebooks online but my thing is they are no cheaper than buying a regular book. That just doesn't seem right at least knock a buck off or something.