Harper Collins Controversy

Harper Collins, an eBook publisher announced a new lending policy for libraries where they will only allow libraries to checkout their eBooks 26 times. Their announcement set a huge controversy between the publisher and libaries who pay to use their eBooks.  I wasn't aware of the controversy involving libraries and Harper Collins, but after reading several articles I do not support the stand Harper Collins has taken by putting a cap on the number of times an ebook can be circulated by libraries. Under the new terms libraries can make an ebook available to one customer at a time until they reach 26 then the license for the book will expire (Hadro, 2011). I'm not sure how Harepr Collins came up with the limit of 26 but would be interested to know.  The limit  sounds ridiculous to me because if a book is an electronic copy why can it only be checked out to one person at a time when we know it can be shared with a lot more users at once especially because its electronic! Harper Collins also released a statement saying, " We believe this change balances the value libraries get from our titles with the need to protect our authors and ensure a presence in public libraries and the communities they serve for years to come. (Hadro, 2011)."  I dont agree with that statement because I think libaries help companies like Harper Collins gain and maintain readers of their books, they promote their books so without libraries the number of readers will decrease and in the end their authors are losing fans.  The president of sales for HarperCollins, said that the decision was made after cosidering several things that included the average lifespan of a print book, and wear and tear on circulating copies. That doesn't make sense because Im pretty sure the lifespan of a print book would last longer than 26 checkouts. I dont think a book would recieve much wear and tear after 26 checkouts. If libaries are willing to take the reponsiblity of handling ebooks then would'nt that lessen wear and tear on their books and get more users to read them. In the end, I think the decison made by Harper Collins doesn't make sense because it seems it would limit readers to their books which could affect their business. Hadro,J. 2011. Harepr Collins put 26 Loan Cap on Ebook Circulations. Retrieved from: http://www.libraryjournal.com/lj/home/889452-264/harpercollins_caps_loans_on_ebook.html.csp