User:ErrantX/DCMS

Here are my suggestions for the DCMS consultation.

1. The benefits of e-lending

For Wikipedia e-lending may bring two important benefits. Firstly, Wikipedians use source material to create articles summarising notable topics. Books are often underused on Wikipedia due to their low accessibility (having to go to the library and get a physical book, often ordering it in when the work proves to be obscure). E-lending could help bridge the gap and provide accessibility to source material for editors.

In addition, with Wikimedia movement supports the idea of free access to knowledge. By expanding the libraries system to incorporate e-lending we believe this helps advance our aims.

2. The current level and nature of demand

Demand for e-lending amongst Wikimedians is likely high. As mentioned, digital access to sources is a common complaint for editors. Much effort has been put into obtaining online access to published journals for this reason. The ability to obtain source material via e-lending would be in high demand amongst Wikipedians.

To this end, remote lending (away from physical libraries) would be of great benefit whilst undertaking a research project.

3. Current supply models

(not a question we can really comment on)

4. Systems for remunerating authors / publishers for e-lending

(again, I'd avoid commenting on this, as the community likely has widespread viewpoints. Although we do offer non-monetary rewards in the community for great writing work, so it is not an alien concept)

5. The impact of e-lending on publishers and their business models

For Wikipedia the role of publishers is important. Wikipedia relies on "reliable sources", which asks for a level of editorial oversight in published works. Publishers provides this important service by vetting work (or, at least lending their name to the publication). The ease of digital publication means that publishers can be sidelined - we would urge the DCMS to ensure that any e-lending scheme does not penalise publishers to the extent of making their business model invalid.

6. Any unforeseen consequences

Digital medium is the future, so the library system should adopt it! The decline of physical books as a source of knowledge is a natural outcome of the internet and websites like Wikipedia.