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What will this mean for other sites with similar programs? I know many libraries do similar "renting" of digital texts on their websites. I guess they will have to shut down these programs.

For instance, I know this is Canadian so different jurisdiction but here is an example of one: https://montreal.ca/en/services/digital-book-loans




Not at all.

They have contracts with publishers, they lend out only the licensed number of copies, and they pay a lot for the privilege.

IA lent out infinite copies simultaneously, pays nothing and actively denied to even talk to publishers (and authors).


In the US, libraries pay for special ebook licenses that let them do this through an arrangement with the publishers.




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