The American Library Association has ongoing concerns over ebooks and audio book lending models set by the Big Five publishers (HBG, HarperCollins, Macmillan Publishers, Penguin Random House, and Simon & Schuster). Recently, Macmillan Publishers announced a new lending embargo that will limit libraries’ ability to serve their communities in an increasingly digital world.
On September 11, 2019, at 11 a.m., the American Library Association (ALA) unveiled a public action campaign opposing arbitrary restrictions to library e-book lending. The campaign is in response to Macmillan Publishers’ new policy to allow a library to purchase only one copy upon release of a new e-book title; no additional copies will be available for eight weeks...MORE
Toledo-Lucas County Public Library Director Jason Kuscma explained that with a printed book, libraries own that physical title and can lend it out for perpetuity. But when it comes to e-books, which can cost two to three times more per title, they have a limited license that usually expires after a few years.
Press Releases
ALA turns to Congress as Macmillan ignores public call to reverse library e-book embargo
ALA responds to Macmillan letter
ALA delivers #eBooksForAll Petition, with 160,000+ Signatures, to Macmillan Publishers
ALA launches national campaign against e-book embargo
ALA releases template for state, local library action opposing Macmillan eBook embargo
ALA 'concerned' over Hachette Book Group e-Book and audio book lending model changes
ALA: New Tor delay on library ebooks hurts readers, authors and libraries
Leaders to talk library ebook lending market changes at 2016 ALA Annual Conference
From glass half empty to glass half full: evaluating the current ebook environment
Resources
ALA Resolution on eBook Pricing for Libraries
Media Contacts
Shawnda Hines, Assoc. Director of Communications, Advocacy and Public Policy Office, ALA, 202-628-8410, shines@alawash.org