From: "Jim O'Donnell" <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Sat, 18 Aug 2018 15:47:52 -0700

The concept of an embargo on one or more forms of distribution of
information is increasingly familiar, but this one appears to have a new
twist:  a publisher embargoing licensed content to libraries for a period
of time on the hypothesis that library use is cutting into sales.

]https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/
libraries/article/77775-a-dystopian-twist-for-library-e-books.html

There's no technical reason why such an embargo could not be applied to
library print book sales, but in fact libraries have been outlets for hot
new best selling fiction from date of publication for a long time.  The
same hypothesis might apply.  The alternate hypothesis, of course, is that
multiplying distribution channels increases demand rather than thinning it
out.

Jim O'Donnell
Arizona State University