In a sense we are buying it but it is to use in the Library and kept there for all to use. It is one of many ways that the libraries get such a large collection. I believe it says on the order film that it is rented indefinitely. In which case it stays in that library for as long as the library stands. :-) It is a great way to share since others have done the same so we can look at the other films that are there. Susan