I wasn't thinking of downloading files for circulation.

Even if the library doesn't have a license to distribute the mp3s ourselves, at our site, nothing prevents us from linking to their site, and even from providing a desktop icon to it from any of the library's public access terminals. Since they do offer free access, I see no conflict with our basic philosophy of free and equal access. Nothing would prevent patrons from establishing their own accounts and obtaining access using library hardware. We would probably need dedicated mp3 players onsite, though, for people without, so as not to tie up the public access terminals for hours.

It would still be their service, with their service agreements and their higher-quality fees in force. If we advertized it, after checking it for reliability and quality, they would lose nothing, we would be spreading information (our primary mission, along with literacy), and we could see if a future collaboration would be in the best interests of both groups by testing whether public demand increased with public use.

Our System is working on wireless within each library (and on the outdoor property) by the end of the year. So...