VIRTUAL BOOKSHELF FOR ONLINE STORAGE USE AND SALE OF MATERIAL

A “virtual bookshelf” for users of a digital rights management system. The invention lists the purchased material and/or material that the consumer has a right to use. The invention automatically backs up the consumer's material when it is downloaded; provides for the retrieval and/or synchronization of the material on a computer or other device; provides for the rights-based sharing of the material; and the ability to recommend or transfer the material to a third party with or without financial consideration.