Last week, I posted about the convenience of borrowing eBooks from my local library. But while the digital publishing revolution makes our lives easier, it also creates new challenges for libraries. A great NPR story highlighted some these changes earlier this month as a part of its series on libraries.
Libraries vs. Publishers
You and I only have to pay $5-10 for an eBook; did you realize that libraries pay more like $85 for each title? Ouch! In this age of budget cuts and austerity measures, that hurts. And even at that steep price, they don’t own the book. Publishers put limits on the time libraries can lend the title or the number of check-outs allowed. A library may have to pay $85 annually for a popular novel.
Of course, I understand that publishers want to protect their business. EBooks never wear out, so unlike traditionally printed books, libraries might never need to replace them. Also, since digital copies are potentially so easy to share, readers might never have to buy a book again. Publishers need to sell material to stay viable. But I don’t want them to squeeze libraries too hard.
Some creative solutions
I love hearing about innovative ideas to solve problems. As several people commented on my post last week, some titles have very long waiting lists. Some libraries in New York City tried a cool solution to this problem. The libraries collaborated with publishers to create an option for patrons to buy an eBook through the library portal, with the library taking a cut of the sale. This way, the library and the publisher benefit! Except, that isn’t great for the reader trying to stick to a budget!
Amazon already offers a similar deal; a few weeks ago, I borrowed the Sea of Monsters Kindle eBook through my library. Today, Amazon sent me a warning that my check out period will expire soon and included an option to buy the book. Clever, but I’m pretty sure my local library wouldn’t benefit from the sale.
Libraries can provide another solution to limited supply of popular eBooks by helping readers find similar books by lesser known authors. Back when the big publishing houses dominated the book industry, a reader might not easily find books from small publishing houses or independent authors. But now, librarians and sites like Goodreads can help readers find books that match their taste, even if the author is unknown. Digital distribution is giving readers and authors more options.
Finally, the NPR story suggested that with the rise of digital publishing platforms, libraries might start publishing books themselves! Wouldn’t that put a new spin on the book business? Libraries would have a great way to generate revenue besides used book sales!
How is your local library responding to digital publishing? Can you think of other creative ways that publishers and libraries can work together for the benefit of all of us word nerds?
Thanks!
Julia
Great post, Julia! Thanks for doing such good research.
Thanks Julia, You are keeping me current when I barely even know I need it! Many thanks for this blog and for your great interest and knowledge.
Jane
Thank you for the compliments, Jane! Happy to help.
This is so interesting! Now I understand why our digital library never has any recent books! It must be so expensive for them. I really hope that eBooks don’t hurt libraries or the printing industry too much. There is just something magical about taking your child to the library to peruse the bookshelves. And there’s nothing like that new book smell! Plus, I’ve been on several press checks for my job, and offset printing really is an artform. It’s fascinating!