What's this about? Macmillan, one of the "Big Five" publishers, has started a partial embargo against libraries. As of November 1, libraries are only allowed to buy a single copy of each new Macmillan eBook. After waiting eight weeks, they may then purchase additional temporary copies — at a much higher price. Macmillan includes FSG, Henry Holt, St. Martin’s, and many other imprints, so this change has the potential to dramatically challenge libraries’ ability to offer popular eBooks to you as a library user.
Libraries already pay much more for eBooks than private users, and many of those library e-copies expire — poof! — after a certain amount of time or a certain number of lendings. Long established copyright law allows unrestricted lending of print books, but eBooks are covered by different and more complex licenses, which the American Library Association fears will grow increasingly restrictive if people don’t speak up now.
So far, more than 200,000 people have signed ALA’s petition urging Macmillan to drop this restrictive embargo. You can get involved, too! It only takes a minute and has the potential to improve access to eBooks for library users. Click below to have your voice heard and demand #eBooksFor All.
