Librarians fight back against high e-book prices

Librarians across the country are facing a tough battle against high e-book prices, which are threatening patrons’ access to digital reading materials. Publishers typically require libraries to renew e-book licenses every two years or after a certain number of loans, making it difficult for libraries to provide popular bestsellers to their patrons.

The ongoing dispute has led to some libraries dropping popular e-book lending apps like Libby and hoopla due to prohibitive costs. The Association of American Publishers argues that authors deserve fair compensation for their work, but libraries are pushing back, advocating for more favorable e-book purchasing terms.

Several states are considering legislation to boost libraries’ bargaining power in e-book negotiations, but progress has been slow. Librarians are exploring open-source alternatives to current e-book platforms, such as the Palace Project and SimplyE, in an effort to provide more affordable options for patrons.

Despite the challenges, librarians are determined to fight for equitable access to e-books for their communities. The battle between libraries and publishers is far from over, but librarians are committed to finding solutions that benefit both authors and readers alike.