I have a strong preference for reading books on my iPod Touch. Using the free Stanza app, I've been downloading and reading books in the public domain like crazy. Now a bookstore has been added to the Stanza eBook reader, and I'm thinking of buying books. Think about that. I work at a library, know I can get nearly any book I want without going out of my way, and I like reading so much more on my iPod that I'm willing to pay to do it.

There are many more like me. Amazon's Kindle wireless reading device is going to convert even more people to eBook readers. So what does this mean for libraries? I'm just starting to think of it. I think one thing it will do is make housing physical public domain works unnecessary. So that will free up an awful lot of shelf space. I think that space can be available sooner if libraries can see their way to providing eBook readers loaded with public domain works for check out. (public domain = free, so libraries only pay for the readers, not the content.) Accounts with NetLibrary or other eBook providers to provide eBooks, not just eAudiobooks to library customers will provide multiple "copies" of current and popular books that bulge reserve lists.

What else will happen in libraries because of eBooks and eBook readers? Or do you think there will be no impact?