Macmillian's new release embargo & its impact on libraries

[tozka]

This will happen in a few days, so:

Why Angry Librarians Are Going to War With Publishers Over E-Books:

In July, Macmillan announced that come November, the company will only allow libraries to purchase a single copy of its new titles for the first eight weeks of their release—and that’s one copy whether it’s the New York Public Library or a small-town operation that’s barely moved on from its card catalog. This has sparked an appropriately quiet revolt. Librarians and their allies quickly denounced the decision when it came down, and now the American Library Association is escalating the protest by enlisting the public to stand with libraries by signing an online petition with a populist call against such restrictive practices. (The association announced the petition Wednesday at Digital Book World, an industry conference in Nashville, Tennessee.) What’s unclear is whether the association can get the public to understand a byzantine-seeming dispute over electronic files and the right to download them.

The American Library Association has responded with a petition (currently at 154,000 signatures):

This embargo would limit libraries’ ability to provide access to information for all. It particularly harms library patrons with disabilities or learning issues. One of the great things about eBooks is that they can become large-print books with only a few clicks, and most eBook readers offer fonts and line spacing that make reading easier for people who have dyslexia or other visual challenges. Because portable devices are light and easy to hold, eBooks are easier to use for some people who have physical disabilities.

Here's the truth: Limiting access to new titles for libraries means limiting access for readers like you.

More info/opinions: Publishers Weekly, Readers First, #eBooksForAll on Twitter

Boycotts: King County (WA) Library System, others?

Comments

[yourlibrarian]

All power to the librarians.

[tozka]

Heck yeah!

[haikitteh]

I truly don't understand this kind of thing but big business runs the world now, and they think they can just trample on the consumer. I hope the libraries can prevail here, this is so unfair.

[starfleetbrat]

I don't understand how this is any different from physical books. The physical book in the library is still free over buying one in the bookstore. Every time someone borrows a physical book they are not purchasing it. Its been this way for a LONG time. How is it any different if the book is in Digital format? Why are publishers not restricting physical books to 1 copy as well?

[amalthia]

At my library, users can only check out one ebook at a time and the library purchases multiple copies/licenses of the ebook if more than 20 holds pile up on the ebook.

It sounds like the publishers are now saying libraries can only purchase one ebook license. Which isn't a good user experience. Some of our ebook titles already have over 50 holds and that's with multiple copies purchased.

[kore]

Thank you for the petition link. I'm proud of King county!

[thewayne]

I've been reading of libraries ceasing all purchases from Macmillan, which I think is a good thing: hit them where it hurts. The library that I work at is a university branch, so we don't deal in ebooks. But this is utterly ridiculous.

[lokifan]

Wish I could sign (outside the US). Good luck!!