And IA paid for these books as well. They usually have a 1 to 1 digital lending system but the court struck that down as well, so they can't digitally lend at all. Again it's sort of disturbing that you're advocating a library function the same as a bookstore. Libraries do not function this way. A non standard patron or patron of a niche library might pay for membership but as you say, most standard libraries are covered by taxes. They are a public good. I would not expect the homeless or poor to have to pay to loan a book -- libraries are one of the few places they can go and not be charged for use of service.

As I've said elsewhere, there will come a time when physical libraries become either outdated or irrelevant. Then we will only be able to lend ebooks, and if this 1 to 1 system is not in place, publishers will make sure libraries cease to exist through unaffordable fees and conditions. They are already holding libraries hostage to their ebook collections through extreme pricing we have to pay for access. Especially so at academic libraries where Elsiever and the rest have libraries over a barrel on pricing and access.

Publishers want us gone. It's that simple.