The Edmonton Public Library has teamed up with libraries across the country to deliver a message to the five major publishing companies.
The message simply put, publishers are charging libraries far too much for the use of eBooks.
These electronic copies have grown quite popular in recent years. The EPL noted a 19% increase in eBook use in 2015, electronic borrowing also shot up by 33% last year.
Speaking with Sharon Karr, the EPL’s Manger of Collections Management & Access it was learned that publishing companies charge libraries anywhere from $85-$100 for a single eBook. This is in sharp contrast to consumers who can buy the same product elsewhere for around $15-$20.
On top of that, some publishing companies place time limits on use of eBooks, forcing libraries to pay for the same copy over and over again.
Karr stated that if things don’t change it will start to affect the quality of content libraries can offer.
“If the prices don’t come down libraries will have trouble fulfilling our mandate of providing access to information for all so it means making some tough decisions. It means potentially not buying as many titles as we would like too provide access to or not being able to buy as many copies of a title as we would like.”
Karr further commented the libraries think a fair premium price would be in the range of $40-$60 per title.
As of right now an open letter has been sent to the five major publishing companies (Hachette Book group, HarperCollins, Macmillan Publishers, Penguin Random House and Simon & Schuster) with the goal of advocating for more reasonable prices and terms in regards to eBook purchases.
Karr notes that Penguin Random House has listened to their concerns and agreed to lower their eBook prices by about 20%, they have also removed any time caps involving their titles, however none of the other publishers listed have agreed to do the same at this point.
Staff from the Edmonton Public Library, Toronto Public Library and Ottawa Public Library will host a Twitter chat on eBook pricing starting at 10:30am March 31st to answer any questions on the topic. de