The International House of Bacon

Preface: I do not consider myself an expert on all library systems, or even everything that’s out there and available for libraries to use. I’m speaking more from experience and knowledge than any sort of all-encompassing position, so keep that in mind.

Apparently, an anti-DRM protest against the Boston Public Library is scheduled for this weekend. DRM, for those who aren’t aware, is shorthand for Digital Rights Management, which is the system most major companies use to restrict content access of digital media. It’s what keeps you from installing the same disc of Windows on two computers, what keeps you from playing songs from iTunes on a SanDisk, etc. I’m not a huge fan of DRM, but the simple reality is that many companies are, and thus we’re stuck with it for the time being.

The protest we’re seeing is one mostly out of ignorance, unfortunately. Should DRM-enabled material be used at a library? Maybe that’s your position, but consider this - it’s ultimately not your library’s decision:

* If your library lends DVDs, the copy-protection scheme is not optional. Studios install those.

* If your library allows for downloadable audiobooks (probably through the Overdrive system), the DRM there is solely so the major publishers can get on board without having to worry that their audiobooks will be posted up all over the internet.

* If your library has music CDs or books on CD, any DRM you encounter is, again, at the behest of those producing the media, not those lending it.

If you’re going after your public library for having DRM-enabled materials, you’re essentially telling the library that you want them to be on the cutting edge of technology for materials, but you don’t want them to allow you to access it. The reason your library has downloadable audiobooks and DVDs is because people want them, period. Get rid of the DRM-enabled materials, and you’re essentially getting rid of a lot of the materials that the library is offering.

A better protest would be to start harassing the publishers about it - those groups are the ones that are looking for DRM on their audiobooks. Harass the movie studios - they’re the ones that insist that DVDs remain encypted. Harrass OverDrive - they have the oomph to get them on board, and they’re making the decision to offer DRM to get more materials in your hands. Don’t protest the library - they’re offering you a newer service that may be imperfect, but is better than not having it at all at this stage.

Again, this may not apply at every library, but think before you act.