For example, a book can still be read (literally) hundreds of years after printing, while the hundred or so computer games the library added to its Children’s collection a decade+ ago are now no longer compatible with current computer hardware (think Windows 3, DOS, and Mac OS v6/7 era software). Related: how many records, cassette tapes, and VHS formatted items are no longer in the library’s collection after being purchased and circulated for years?

As I understand things at the present time, the library is only paying for “temporary digital versions” of many of these items (essentially “renting” the materials) instead of buying permanent copies of them in “future-proof” digital formats-how will this situation determine the items actually -owned- by the library for circulating to its patrons?

I think the library needs to address this matter publicly to assure us that they are being good stewards of our collection and library fees while finding a way to legally make a back-up of the physical digital media so that the investment in building a library of circulating materials does not go to waste.