Netherlands: Government Report Says Dutch Libraries Cannot Lend Ebooks

From Telecompaper:

Dutch libraries cannot lend e-books as part of their services, the education and culture minister has concluded in a research report on the Copyright Law, digital services and the role of public libraries. While acknowledging the issue may still face a legal challenge, the government proposes that the Copyright Law’s only exception is for physical works, which libraries can lend for a nominal fee.

Here’s More From Two Dutch Language Sources:
Both include links to primary documents.
1. via Bibliotheekblad.nl
2. via SOLV.nl

Clarification

According to reports, it’s still technically possible for a public library in the Netherlands to lend ebooks. To do this individual libraries would have to make deals with authors, publishers, distributors, etc. A lot of work to say the least.
We will update this post if/when more information becomes available.
3. Update (2/28): Here’s a report from BOEKBLAD
Note: Google Translate was used above to translate articles one, two, and three listed above. It’s very useful technology but as is the case with all mechanical translation it is not perfect. 

Filed under: Companies (Publishers/Vendors), Libraries, News, Public Libraries, Reports