What *is* a library? 1. A library is legal. A library needn't be licensed by any state entity. 2. Thus, I can declare my computer a library. The only requirement is that I own a license to what I lend, and that only 1 user exercise that license at a time. That is what a library is.
An interesting idea, Major -- but unfortunately nothing is simple these days. Libraries, I would wager, likely have very specific legal definitions (for tax purposes if for no other reason).
Many private libraries are non-profits or adjuncts of other non-profits (e.g., schools) but there is no reason a library can't operate as a for-profit entity. I think major is right, that at least in the U.S. libraries are otherwise unregulated.
steve
