Which publishers allow ebook lending

Some publishers have made changes during the pandemic. Penguin Random House just extended through the end of the year a program that allows libraries to license ebooks and audiobooks for a year at half the price they usually pay. That makes it easier for a library to, say, load up on licenses for a popular bestseller and then let them go when patrons no longer demand as many copies.

Many publishers have also created one-off pandemic- or social-justice-related programs, freeing up titles for newly curious readers. Some smaller publishers still allow libraries to license ebooks in perpetuity. But the tension between libraries and publishers remains.

Librarians in Denver have taken their laptop and free Wi-Fi program outside, where they hope ventilation and distance will protect everyone against the virus. They wipe down borrowed laptops between uses. The debate has attracted attention in Washington. The House Antitrust Subcommittee last year launched an investigation of competition in the digital marketplace, and subcommittee chair Representative David Cicilline D—Rhode Island has met with library advocates.

That means legislation or regulation. The company has acknowledged to Washington Post that they do not permit ebooks from any of their Amazon Publishing titles to be distributed by libraries or borrowed by patrons. Make no mistake, print editions of their in-house publications are eligible to libraries through their standard contractual agreements.

But with the increased interest in digital lending due to COVID and the increased need for borrowing-versus-buying due to job loss and economic depression, more and more patrons are turning to ebooks for safety and affordability. One of the truly disappointing things about this problem is that it is authors and patrons who suffer. Of course, Amazon stands to lose out too, as there are too many great books to enjoy to waste time worrying about not getting to read Amazon Publishing titles.

Immediately thereafter, ALA released a report urging lawmakers to curb anti-competitive practices of digital market actors. Submitted in response to an inquiry from the U. Download the report PDF, 7 pages. ALA is now asking library advocates to reach out to Congressional offices of Members on this Subcommittee only. If you reside in a Subcommittee member's district and are interested in joining this outreach effort, please contact Alan Inouye at ainouye ala.

PLA is calling on its members to join the fight against Macmillan Publishers' harmful new library eBook lending model. Salazar urges all public library professionals to sign the petition telling Macmillan that access to eBooks through libraries must not be denied or delayed.

We hope you will also enlist library patrons, friends, and fellow readers to do the same.