America's Book Shelf -- New Life for Old Books by Jeff McIntire-Strasburg

We mentioned the UK's version of a product service system for books in January; now, the concept has made it across the Atlantic. Lauched on Earth Day, America's BookShelf borrows a page from Netflix and Blockbuster by delivering the books you want right to your door. What's even cooler (and greener) is that most of the books come from members themselves: you list books you're willing to share on the website, and when someone requests one of them, ABS sends you a postage-paid envelope to mail it off. As a member, you can then request books from other members, keep it as long as you like, and check it in online when you're done with it. When someone else wants it, another postage-paid envelope comes your way. According to owner Bill Denkler, "For every 65 books shared through AmericasBookShelf.com, we can help save one tree from the pulp and paper mills." The company also lightens its footprint by buying wind energy from NativeEnergy and using only recycled office supplies. As a launch special, ABS is offering a free one-year membership to the first 10,000 people that join -- you only pay for your book credits. Very cool!
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Read... Share... Receive... by Jeff McIntire-Strasburg

That's the concept behind a brand new company lauched yesterday, America's BookShelf. ABS borrows a page from Netflix and Blockbuster, and provides a product service system model for readers. What's even cooler (and greener) is that most of the books come from members themselves...
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Improving Library Access, by Diane Duquette and Kristie Coons

Many public libraries in California are no longer the great democratic institutions they once were - because of access limitations. We must rethink our missions and refocus our efforts to provide equitable access to all Californians. Inequitable access must be ameliorated to ensure representative democracy for all citizens well into the 21st century.
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American Library Association (ALA) compiles news reports library funding impacts nationwide

Launched in April 2004, this database contains short summaries of published news reports about library funding cuts, fundraising and bond issues from around the country. Updated weekly, the database shows funding cuts in almost every state of as much as 50 percent.
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Why do books cost so much? By Christopher Dreher

Dec. 3, 2002 | December is one of the biggest months for booksellers, and Brian Ritenbaugh, a supervisor at a B. Dalton Bookseller in Monroeville, Pa., is bracing for his customers. During his 10 years in the retail book business -- at B. Dalton and also at independent stores and selling college textbooks -- he's seen the same reaction time and again. "No matter what the prices are, they say it's too expensive," he says. "The first thing they ask about is price, and the reactions range from a grunt to an outright whine."
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