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If they’re using the book in a reasonable way (like a textbook for a course) then I don’t see the problem. If the book warrants extended use then the library isn’t accomplishing its goals better by loaning it out to many people for short periods.

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Checking out a textbook for the duration of a course may seem reasonable, but there are internal incentives at university libraries not to provide this service. At my U, the bookstore would lose textbook sales.

I can see this being the case sometimes, but I don't think it's always true that university libraries want to discourage textbook loans or funnel students to the bookstore. the one I work in, for instance, has staff dedicated to working with academic departments /and/ the bookstore to reduce course materials costs through ebook acquisitions, OER adoption, etc.

maybe it helps that our bookstores are fully owned and operated by the university rather than being leased to e.g. Follett or B&N.

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