Access to eBooks in Jeopardy

Reading is Emma Clark Library’s number one priority.  We aim to connect you with titles you want to read ─whether it’s in print, eBook or audiobook format.

Now your ability to access eBooks is in jeopardy.

Beginning November 1st, Macmillan Publishers is now RESTRICTING PUBLIC LIBRARIES, regardless of size or population served, to purchase only one single copy of each new eBook title for the first eight weeks after its release.  This means much longer wait times for eBooks from authors you love, such as Jonathan Franzen, Kristin Hannah, Liane Moriarty, Louise Penny, Nora Roberts and many more.

Macmillan’s new policy is based on their fears that libraries are hurting their bottom line and eBook lending is stealing their profits.  This couldn’t be further from the truth.

Libraries are the best marketing tool publishers have at their disposal – introducing readers to the authors they grow to love.  This policy also goes against what we stand for as libraries: ensuring that ALL in our community have equal access to content.  Macmillan’s new policy grants timely access only to those who can pay for it, shutting out those less fortunate in our society.

We hope you will consider joining other library customers across the United States to make your voice heard. Demand that Macmillan treat public libraries as collaborators rather than competitors.

WAYS YOU CAN HELP:

– Sign the petition today at eBooksForAll.org or text EBOOKS to 40649 (message and data rates may apply)

– Contact Macmillan publishing directly by emailing press.inquiries@macmillan.com

– Send a letter to Macmillan:
Mr. John Sargent
Chief Executive Officer
Macmillan Publishing
120 Broadway
New York, NY 10271

– Write a letter to the editor to the local newspaper

Further Reading:

– Petition and further reading from the American Library Association

– Blog post from the Central Arkansas Library System explaining how this affects the cost of eBooks for libraries.

– Recent article in the local Times Beacon Record Newspapers.