Libraries and ebooks

[Anastasia]

This article popped in the local paper about new rules surrounding ebook purchases for libraries. I am really not sure how to go about protesting this horrible action by the publishers. I do know it makes me angry.

https://www.niagarathisweek.com/commu...

[SadieReadsAgain]

No doubt I'm ignorant to the ways this all works, but I don't understand why it has to be much different to regular print books?

I gather there must be similar barriers to libraries getting ebook titles here in the UK too, as I'm a member of three libraries which I use pretty regularly, and this year have only used one ebook compared to about 17 print.

[Peter]

That is terrible, terrible news. I use my library almost exclusively for my reading, and regularly use e-books and audiobooks.

Aside from the way the publishers limit libraries to only 1 copy for the first eight weeks, I had no idea that an e-book was only good for 26 checkouts.... that's ridiculous! Physical books that have wear and tear last much longer than that! I could understand ebooks costing more IF the licenses were good for a set period of time (or realistically permanent because there's literally no wear and tear on e-books).

Very disappointed in the publishers for these shenanigans.

[Johanna]

Thank goodness I prefer an old-fashioned book in my hand. But I guess I still don't understand WHY it costs so much more for a copy of an e-book? As an individual consumer, it usually costs less to purchase an e-book version, so why are libraries charged so much more?

[Samantha]

I feel very lucky to live where I do and that the libraries seem to have a great selection of ebooks but I have often wondered why there is only one of something really popular when it is first published. This article is an eye opener, really don't get why publishers seem so against e books.

[Chrissy]

They aren’t against ebooks, they are against libraries. It makes me so mad! I also think it is short-sighted, because libraries create readers and boost book sales.