August 5, 2015
Libraries serve readers of every age, from birth to the end of life. We offer a wealth of materials, both in print and electronic. As popular as eBooks, eAudios, and DVD's are, there is no way that we can say to our readers that you no longer have a choice. You may only borrow digital materials or print them at your own expense. It would alienate a majority of our library users, both young and old.
In like mind, Rule 30e-3 would impede access for many investors, especially the elderly, those with disabilities, and minority Americans – all demographics that are less likely to have regular Internet access. For example, 41 percent of Americans over 65 years of age do not use the Internet, yet, according to the Investment Company Fact Book, 34 percent of this population owns mutual funds.
Additionally, the above-mentioned groups are less likely to have a computer in the home and many will choose to use public libraries to access and print sensitive materials. Saving paper should not be the main issue of concern with Rule 30e-3, accessibility to important documents needs to be analyzed as well.