2014-03-07T13:52:40Ztag:sursumcorda.salemsattic.com,2018:/isso/thread/post/speed-e-readingtag:sursumcorda.salemsattic.com,2018:/isso/928/34962014-03-07T13:52:40ZSursumCorda<p>You may be right; I'm sure there are reasons. But for my purposes it makes the e-book library pretty much useless except as a teaser -- or maybe a way to investigate a book before deciding whether or not to buy it. Or to get started before I manage to get to the physical library. We'll see. In the case of <em>The Hobbit</em>, I'm now halfway through, and the book will disappear today. In theory e-books can be renewed, but not, as in this case, when someone else is waiting for it.</p> <p>I have, however, found another source of e-books, which I hope to write about soon.</p>tag:sursumcorda.salemsattic.com,2018:/isso/928/34952014-03-05T21:13:05ZStephan<p>Have you ever asked your local librarian why the difference exists? Maybe there are restrictions on lending digital books that encourage a shorter lending period. If certain publishers require libraries to re-purchase a digital book after a fixed number of rentals, maybe others specify a fixed total rental period, perhaps?</p>