In some areas, libraries will be able to fulfill their function by merely pointing to other electronic repositories and in others they will seek more active roles. These changes will necessitate cooperation between publishers and libraries - cooperation publishers are pleased to provide. However, the changes in the nature of publishing will also necessitate changes in behavior by libraries if copyright is to be respected and fulfill its role. The electronic environment also requires new understanding of words. These programs most often are capable of both downloading and wide dissemination and proliferation of copies.
Electronic versions are often as good or better than the original.
They can be replicated an infinite number of times with no image degradation. They can be distributed electronically, worldwide, in an instant. The impact of unauthorized digital uses can destroy the value of a copyrighted work. Many national and international library groups have argued that they should be able to use digital formats of copyrighted works in the same way as they used printed versions in the past. This is a dangerous concept because it disregards the indisputable fact that digital uses are not equivalent to non-digital uses, and, when undertaken without regard for copyright, can have immeasurably harmful consequences.