CT has been working on this issue for quite some time - hopefully a few more states will get on board, and then there will be enough collective bargaining to make a change.
https://ctmirror.org/2025/05/15/ct-library-e-book-contracts-passes/
The bill would only go into effect if one or more states with a total or combined population of 7 million enact similar laws
Feb, '25: https://ctmirror.org/2025/03/07/ct-library-e-book-contracts/
Debate over affordability and greater access to e-books and audiobooks has been ongoing in the state. E-book publishers in Connecticut typically limit the use of individual e-books for a maximum of two years or 26 “borrows.” If the library wants to renew a contract for another two years, they would do so at whatever price the publisher sets.
Feb, '24: https://ctmirror.org/2024/02/21/ct-library-e-books-audiobooks-bill/
“The high prices of e-books make it difficult for libraries to purchase all of the e-books their communities demand. In our public libraries, the wait lists for e-books are regularly six months long,” Ellen Paul, Executive Director of the Connecticut Library Consortium, said in a statement. “Many readers who are waiting for an e-book will never actually be able to borrow it because the library’s leasing terms will expire before it is their turn to borrow the book.”
2023: https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&which_year=2023&bill_num=6800
AN ACT CONCERNING ELECTRONIC BOOK AND DIGITAL AUDIOBOOK LICENSING. To prohibit publishers of electronic books and digital audiobooks from including certain restrictions in contracts or license agreements with libraries in the state.
#reading #libraries #ebooks
@roguefoam
"Libraries usually pay more than $65 for a two-year license on an e-book, which the average American would pay $12.99 for, and upwards of $100 for e-audiobooks. A print book that costs libraries less than $15 can be loaned out until it falls apart."
This is fascinating and also terrifying considering I see more and more people ONLY going to the library for e-books (myself included, I haven't gone to the library for a physical book in a couple years). How does this get justified?
https://www.denverpost.com/2025/05/25/denver-library-ebooks-audiobooks/
#reading #libraries #ebooks
Nick (Alatar the Blue)
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