EVERYONE Has Read This but Me - The Catch-Up Book Club discussion
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Libraries & ebooks
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I wasn't a regular user until I started to push myself to read more this year—now, all the books I've been reading are from either my school or my city's library. It has also worked wonders in keeping me from hoarding bought books at home (and not reading them at all)!Almost 50% of the books I borrow are ebooks or audiobooks from OverDrive—I'm waiting for my Gone Girl ebook in this instance! And no, I haven't heard of any similar notices here. Hmm.
If there's a book not readily available at the library, usually I just borrow something else. It's honestly one of the few good things about having a lengthy to-read list. The only books I've bought this year are textbooks and a copy of The Book Thief, since I enjoyed the latter a lot and would like to revisit it from time to time.
I, too, wasn't a regular user of Overdrive until a year ago. Because the public library for us is somewhat of a drive with limited selections, I use Overdrive about 100% of the time. Occasionally, Prime Reading has some ebooks available, and I do take advantage of those free Audible and KindleUnlimited trials.I have not heard or read about Macmillan's change in policies; although I suspect that there are other publishers that limit the quantity of ebooks. Too often, I have encountered lengthly wait times for ebooks (i.e. 6 months, with me being "xxx" on 1 copy)
Just because an ebook isn't available, doesn't mean that I would go out and purchase it in digital or other format. I would just find another book to read, then place a hold on on the ebook that I want, and wait. However, I do have a few hardcopy books that I purchased as "keepsakes."
I almost always read print books because I have access to three libraries, and I'm old and used to dtbs. It seems like the few times I can't find a print book in one of them, I can't find it on Overdrive, either. Macmillan won't be getting any more business from me (0->0) because (even if I were a buyer of new [not used] books) I don't need to read books within 8 weeks of release. I do like Overdrive for e-audiobooks, but again, I don't need them immediately.
I also use OpenLibrary.org, and gutenberg.org. I will never read my entire to-read list.
So, while I personally am not affected by this tactic, I do think Macmillan is shooting itself in the foot, and that it will not be effective in increasing sales. Even if they keep it up, though, I honestly don't see what the big deal is. If a reader really needs the shiniest new releases from just one particular publisher in one particular format immediately, s/he can cut something else in the budget.
If the issue becomes deeper or more widespread, I will rethink my position.
I read a lot of ebooks through overdrive on my Kindle. In fact, that's where I get almost all of my ebooks. The only ones I buy are books from my favorite authors, and that's only when they go on a really good sale. Most of the books I get from the library are physical copies, though. I find, for some reason, that I'm better able to focus on and enjoy physical copies of books. Of course, the reason for that could be that I read ebooks in bed while I'm falling asleep.
Cheryl wrote: "I almost always read print books because I have access to three libraries, and I'm old and used to dtbs. It seems like the few times I can't find a print book in one of them, I can't find it on Ove..."I think there are aspects that are workable, but it also seems unreasonable to treat all libraries the same regardless of size or circulation. And it doesn’t seem like Macmillan considered consulting with libraries some. At this point, I support the libraries stance.
Brenda wrote: "I read a lot of ebooks through overdrive on my Kindle. In fact, that's where I get almost all of my ebooks. The only ones I buy are books from my favorite authors, and that's only when they go on a..."That’s similar to how I buy and I have found many a favorite author through library borrowing!
Claire wrote: "I, too, wasn't a regular user of Overdrive until a year ago. Because the public library for us is somewhat of a drive with limited selections, I use Overdrive about 100% of the time. Occasionally, ..."Yes, I agree. Unavailability at the library will rarely lead to me buying the book instead. I just move onto an available book that I want to read.
Catherine wrote: "I used to work at my local public library when I was back in high school so I've been an avid user and advocate for libraries. I dropped off during university because I moved around a lot for my st..."Moving is definitely something that Can deter book buying!
I rarely bought new books until ebooks became a thing, and have always been a big user of the library too.
I am hoping to start a conversation on how much everyone depends on libraries and how you use their digital content. I have been a regular borrower throughout my life though my borrowing habits have changed — mostly they have changed toward predominantly digital content. Are you a regular library user?
Recently there has been uproar about a publisher’s (Macmillan) change in library buying policies, and libraries are protesting. Here’s the petition and information if interested: https://ebooksforall.org/. My library informed its patrons that it would no longer buy Macmillan ebooks for Overdrive. Did anybody receive similar notice?
I am not sure how this affects libraries worldwide, but I imagine it’s the same thing. If you’re a library user, how often would you buy a book that is not readily available at the library? Personally, the books I borrow are rarely ones I would be buying because they are typically ones where I am trying out new authors, etc.