Top 7 Reasons to Use the Library Instead of Pirating Media
Media consumers prefer to get their content quick, free, and easy. It is no secret that many of these consumers are turning to illegally downloading media through sites like The Pirate Bay. The Institute of Policy Innovation estimated the damage piracy has done to the music industry alone at $12.5 billion. There are a number of reasons why we should remind people that using the public library digital resources are a smarter option than downloading media illegally.
1. The Copyright Alert system is working with Internet Service Providers (including Comcast and Verizon) to identify violations. These violations may generate alerts that could lead to the ISP slowing down a user’s connection speed. Source
2. More than 200,000 law suits against pirates have been filed since 2010. Source
3. Using library media, although free, still supports the artists and producers who are creating the content.
4. The stream of new media will dry up if its creators aren’t compensated for their work. The quality and quantity of what is produced will shrink without a way to get paid.
5. Most of the media the library offers through OverDrive, Hoopla, Zinio, and Freegal is available just as quickly, in the convenience of your own home, as obtaining it illegally. Although there could be a wait time if the media is checked out.
6. Piracy is illegal.
7. Library resources are free!
Dustin, Sewickley