One could say that it’s easier when you are head of such a big and wellknown library. But I think it’s more difficult. So we could say: If they manage to do something like that, we can easily do to. For what do we have consortia?

The “physical loan model” is absolutely a problem, but then again, where is the alternative? I belive it will be a lot easier to introduce DiViBib and then work to change the system to a better model than try to make a model from scratch, which we must do today.

Libraries in norway has little or no experience with e-books, and the introduction of DiViBib will get librarians exposed to e-books from a well known supplier and “trustworthy” intermediate between libraries and publishers.

CH: In norway libraries have hitherto been unable to cooperate in such a way as to pressure publishers. In the larger markets like Germany it may be possible, but I personally doubt that publishers will feel any pressure. And I can assure you that in Norway there will be NO publishers that will “fill the gap”. Too small country, and a too rigid publishing system for that to happen.

I feel that the “principled stand” against DRM in libraries is a valid one, but it is also one that will stop new and relevant e-books from beeing published in the forseeable future. So, if Helge or anybody else can point to a solution that will both satisfy the need for a platform that libraries will accept and that have interesting and updated content, and is DRM-free, then I will applaud and work in favor of that. Until then I am more in favor of working with what we have and to get e-books in norwegian into libraries as soon as possible!

At the moment libraries are the only e-book customers of any relevance. So it’s up to us. When some publishers won’t give their contents for non-DRM systems it’s not our problem, it’s theirs. Other publishers will fill that gap.

First of all, I disagree that the general public thinks DRM is okay. I think only a few are aware of the problem. If you have an iPod and buy music at iTunes, then everything works out fine. You don’t even notice the DRM. And the iPod market share in Norway is huge. And I’m scared when I look at the players in the market who push for DRM. It will take a lot of hard work to try to topple them…

My main gripe with this project is the direct conversion of the loan model from the “physical” world to the online world. For me, the Internet is all about availability. If it isn’t readily available online, then it will seldom get used.

I wholeheartedly agree with Thomas Brevik that the lack of e-books available in Norwegian is very worrying. I would love study books that I could do a full text search in. I do however find it questionable to work to my library’s patrons’ disadvantage to make sure that the big publishers can keep their position in the market.

And I believe that the general public dont give a s**t about DRM, otherwise you would not get the sales we have seen on iTunes music store and other places where they sell content with DRM. When DRM-free music comes people will probably prefer that, but the DRM locked music made the music industry start publishing music in the digital arena, and that is what I hope will happen in Norway.

I think libraries should more support projects like Open Library and make marketing for it with their patrons. Are there no free digitalized books in norwegian in something like Project Gutenberg? And the bad naxos cds are not worth any money. you can get them for few cent everywehre. support free content and you support your patrons. support drm and you support some companys!

Sorry for my bad english. i ca’nt say better for what I want.

One is that the alternative is to wait even longer for e-books in norwegian. This is my main argument for DiViBib, and it is NOT an argument for DRM in general. If there where alterantives I believe that DiViBib would not be adopted by norwegian libraries. Once we have a reasonable number of e-books in norwegian, then there will be a push towards changing the lending model and the DRM-restrictions.

The other is that even with the horrible DRM and loan model, library users will be better served than they are today. I believe that a majority of library users could not give a damn about DRM and would happily use this solution until something better comes along.

The time of DRM will probably be fairly short and will only last until a better business model comes along that competes with the current DRM-regime. The DRM-less music in iTunes shows where things are moving, and the publishing industry will follow however reluctantly.