I went to the library tonight to get some books that I had ordered on hold. The librarian smiled as she was scanning them, she read of the vastly different titles of nonfiction and how-to books I had. You have a few different interests don't you?" she asked me.
I smiled back at her and gave her an evasive answer. I didn't feel like taking the time to explain prepping.
The public library has saved me hundreds of dollars in reference. There is no possible way I can study every discipline necessary to adapt to an enviroment in a future that is unclear. The best I can do is have an enormous reference library on hand to refer to and learn from as the time and need presents itself.
So I borrow the books from the library, take them home & scan the info I need and save it on a pdf file. If the SHTF and I have time I will buy a couple dozen cheap refilled printer cartridges and a few reams of paper and start printing. I can extend how much I get out of each cartridge by lightening the print contrast and cutting the size of pages by 50%. Until that time I will leave them on flash drive where they don't take up much room.
Yes, I know I'm breaking copyright laws. But the way I see it, if there is a SHTF emergency and I need a book on flu pandemics the least of my worries will be copyright infringement. The info I am copying is for personal use for emergencies only, if there is no emergency it will sit unused in storage and isn't going to be distributed or further loaned. So I risk it. And besides if it weren't for scanning there is absolutely no way I could afford to buy all these reference books.
I know what you mean about trying to gain all the information we might need. I have never canned but intend to get a book about it and am gathering the supplies to do it. And I have plans to plant raspberry and other berry plants this spring so that I have stuff to can.
I hope you will print some of your information in case the time to do it doesn't come. I have been watching garage sales and second-hand book stores for any references that might help me. And I find that Amazon has some deals now and then.
I also know what you mean about not explaining to people what you are doing. I almost feel like I am doing something subversive when I buy up a bunch of extra bedding at the thrift shop or buy up 4 of everything at the dollar store for bug-out bags. And try to explain to the guy at Lee Valley why a 53 year old overwieght woman is asking about scythes. I just answered matter of factly-to cut down wheat. lol
Other sources are Value Village and Salvation Army stores, used book stores. I picked up 3 books on homesteading that were $29 each for $14 at Costco. Better to have the physical book for me. I'm 50 and like turning pages, dog ear good parts, highlight areas and well just reading paperbacks.
I have a plastic tub that I keep all the important ones in. Basically ones that have good information. Regular paperbacks just go in the bookshelf in the hallway.
Don't forget DVD's I have about 10 dealing with hydroponics that I have looked at but not done anything with yet. In Red Deer everyone that started selling hydroponics got broken into and robbed. Don't think to many tomato gardeners did it. So guess what you can't buy any hydroponics equipment any more in Red Deer gotta go to Calgary or Edmonton. But if you do hydroponics during the summer you can go a lot in a very small area with minimal maintenance.
Forword,
I understand your concern about copyright...
Try to remember that these laws are MOSTLY for people who would copy the books and resell them for cheaper than the publisher's price.
I'm not saying that I condone it, but I think your risks are minimal.
As I have solar power at home and on my BOV I choose to save my 'library' on a USB flash drive for use with a laptop if need be. I believe I bought my last 2, 8GB flash drives for $10. A small solar panel, battery, cheap inverter and used laptop could probably be had for less than the price of paper and ink for your personal library. Lot's of information including US Military manuals are publicly available with encouragement to redistribute freely with credits to the source.
The books and/or paper required to hold the same information would be insane to take along in a bug out (my absolute last resort!) situation. A laptop and flash drive would be much easier to carry. Furthermore, knowledge is power and a very trade-able resource in a SHTF situation. I'm sure I'm won't be the only guy with a laptop and electricity after a disaster. When bellies are hitting backbones in a SHTF, copyright infringement won't be very high on the list of crimes to investigate & prosecute.
I stumbled on a nice little 'library' today at http://www.truthistreason.net/16-survival-downloads-field-manuals-and-handbooks I think my favorite is the 1881 Household Cyclopedia. 710 pages of information from over 130 years ago could prove useful if the grid is down for an extended period of time.
I wandered a bit off track but you get the picture. I would have posted this website find on a string devoted to useful links if I could have found it.
Than= I’d rather be rich than poor.
Then= I first became hungry then I ate.
There = She is there now.
Their = They have their things.
They're = They're going to the mall.
To = They came to the house.
Too = That's too bad.