[13253] in Public-Access_Computer_Systems_Forum
Re: Library links to chains and Amazon.
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Tony Rabig)
Thu Apr 13 20:08:47 2000
Content-Return: allowed
Date: Thu, 13 Apr 2000 08:13:17 -0500
From: Tony Rabig <TonyR@LABETTE.CC.KS.US>
To: PACS-L@LISTSERV.UH.EDU
Reply-To: Public-Access Computer Systems Forum <PACS-L@LISTSERV.UH.EDU>
Message-Id: <D25101B98EC7D3119141006008F5E89AA058@labette.cc.ks.us>
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain
On the pages I was maintaining, we weren't being reimbursed by Amazon -- but
then, we didn't ask 'em if we could link to them, either. If Amazon's
paying libraries for links, that's a bit unsettling and it does start
sounding like the libraries taking the money are paid shills for Amazon.
But the fact remains that Amazon's a good source for books and publication
info about them. I don't recall that the original message inquiring about
such links suggested that either Amazon or local booksellers should be
reimbursing the libraries for the links -- they shouldn't be; neither should
the libraries be spending their time checking the comparative prices charged
by the booksellers they link to.
On the other hand, would we feel cleaner if Amazon charged us to let our
patrons access them through our web pages the same way commercial database
vendors do? :-)
Tony Rabig
Labette Community College
Parsons, KS 67357
tonyr@labette.cc.ks.us
Opinions expressed are my own.
> ----------
> From: John Williams[SMTP:jwilliams@JHUBC.IT]
> Reply To: Public-Access Computer Systems Forum
> Sent: Thursday, April 13, 2000 2:10 AM
> To: PACS-L@LISTSERV.UH.EDU
> Subject: Re: Library links to chains and Amazon.
>
> Tony Rabig wrote:
> >
> > It's my understanding that databases from Bowker and B&T aren't
> accessible
> > free of charge. If they were, your area library would probably link to
> > them. But if the library is trying to provide a link to a place that
> will
> > let them find and purchase a book quickly, Amazon's appropriate. Their
> > service is fast and reliable and a godsend for those who don't have
> > bookshops close by or who don't have time to make the rounds in person
> or by
> > phone. If Amazon also has operations dealing in other merchandise, what
> of
> > it? Amazon is still a good source for books.
> >
> > You may want to look into establishing a web site of your own. I doubt
> your
> > area libraries would refuse to link to a local bookstore. But I
> wouldn't
> > count on seeing them remove links to Amazon -- it's too useful a source.
> >
>
> But is it good practice to direct users to a site where they may be
> charged more than other similar sites? Especially if part of that extra
> charge is being used to reimburse the referer?
>
>
> John Williams
> Via Belmeloro 11, 40126 Bologna, Italy
> Tel.: +39-051232185 - Fax: +39-051228505
>
