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Public libraries and e-books
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Wow, I actually think - good for them for taking a stand and taking away business from them for it.
I've heard of libraries doing this, but not sure how many overall.
My local libraries have not boycotted, but many library ebook services are making note of the embargo and letting patrons know why the wait list for ebooks they want may be much slower than they're used to. Because, yeah, sure, cut libraries down to one copy when they would have otherwise purchased multiple copies to meet patron demand.For anyone interested in this issue, the American Library Association has a petition, #eBooksForAll that you can sign.
I just used Overdrive to check out an ebook from the Greater Phoenix Digital library and they have a link to the petition too. They also have information about the cost and restrictive policies of thae Big 5 publishers. And why it takes so long to get that ebook you have on the wait list.
I have a feeling Publishers are going to realize that getting Library's and Librarians ticked off is not a good idea.............
Joanne wrote: "I have a feeling Publishers are going to realize that getting Library's and Librarians ticked off is not a good idea............."That's what I'm hoping!
Thanks for posting this! I'm curious about which books on my to-read shelf are published by MacMillan. I don't see it as an option for the shelf settings. Does anyone know an easy way to search for this? I think before I buy any ebooks I'll check to make sure its not a macmillan book.
I wonder if this policy applies to audio books as well.
NancyJ wrote: "Thanks for posting this! I'm curious about which books on my to-read shelf are published by MacMillan. I don't see it as an option for the shelf settings. Does anyone know an easy way to search for..."It would be really hard to tell that at a glance. MacMillan is one of the big five, with many imprints, so you'd really have to cross-check things against a master list of imprints.
In my case, a personal boycott isn't really something I want to do because a couple of my favorite publishers, Tor (sci fi/fantasy) and Avon (romance) are under their umbrella. And both those imprints are doing nice work of trying to publish more inclusively (moreso Tor and the Tor.com novellas, but Avon is making a bit of progress), so... I don't know.
Tor instituted a similar restriction earlier this year... I think waiting 6 months for a new book to be out before libraries could even get copies. I am not going to boycott, likely, but I did sign the petition.
NancyJ wrote: "Thanks for posting this! I'm curious about which books on my to-read shelf are published by MacMillan. I don't see it as an option for the shelf settings. Does anyone know an easy way to search for..."FYI-- Audio books are not being limited.
When I read a bit more about this issue, I learned that libraries "lease" ebooks. The copies are typically only good for 2 years or a set number of loans. Plus they pay more per copy than consumers do.
Sometimes I will borrow 1 or 2 ebooks and then decide if I am going to read it or pick 1 of the 2. I often return them without having read them. Now I realize that I may be eating up one of the limited loans for that book! I shall be more conscious of this and only borrow them when I have every intention of reading it.
Shelly wrote: "NancyJ wrote: "Thanks for posting this! I'm curious about which books on my to-read shelf are published by MacMillan. I don't see it as an option for the shelf settings. Does anyone know an easy wa..."I felt bad about doing that too, but I had one librarian tell me not to feel too bad when it happens, as long as I'm not doing it constantly with half a dozen ebooks or more.
As he put it: Yes, they have to repurchase the ebook after so many check-outs, or a set period of time (depending on publisher) but even if you don't get around to it - it helps them gauge interest. See what is worth keeping in ebook stock.
I was still feeling guilty - but he reminded me that ebooks save the library a lot of money and physical space, even so. Popular paperbacks disintegrate after so many check outs and publishers/authors still have to make money on ebooks, if they're going to continue to publish new books. He also reminded me that many libraries (at least in this area) now have more room for community activities, since they don't feel like they have to pack every available square foot with shelving. Some of which they make money on - like renting out space for classes on days they don't have any free events organized.
Checking out an ebook and not reading it, is in some ways, kinda like checking out a paperback book and putting wear and tear on it by throwing it in your car/bag/moving it around your house, but not reading it.
Edit - Oh, and as far as paying more goes - at least at my library, he was pointing out that the cost of one ebook was about the same as buying 4 copies of the book, which again, isn't really all that much considering those ebooks are available to any of the libraries in my county network.
I'm gonna have to look into the specifics of this limiting they're doing, later this week. Some limiting, I can understand... but it depends on exactly how unreasonable they're being about it.
If you are looking for a new eBook published by Macmillan and can’t find it in our collection, it’s because the publisher, Macmillan, has taken the unprecedented act of limiting public library access to their eBooks. In response, the White Plains Public Library has decided to suspend the acquisition of all eBooks published by Macmillan.