Alexandria Library to stop purchase of Macmillan eBooks

[mahatmakanejeeves]

This was sent to me in one of my email accounts.

Alexandria Library to stop purchase of Macmillan eBooks

Alexandria Library eNews <*****@alexlibraryva.org> | Nov 12 at 5:58 PM

A MESSAGE FROM ALEXANDRIA LIBRARY’S EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: ALEXANDRIA TO STOP PURCHASE OF MACMILLAN EBOOKS

Alexandria Library, in alliance with a majority of Virginia Public Libraries, has made the decision to temporarily cease buying new eBooks from Macmillan Publishers. Due to Macmillan’s decision to institute a library eBook embargo, Alexandria is now restricted to purchasing only one copy of a newly released eBook for the first eight weeks after publication. This limits the library’s ability to perform one of its core missions — providing equitable access to all. By controlling the number of newly released eBook copies that can be purchased, Macmillan is allowing only a certain segment of society to access digital content in a timely manner ― those who can pay for it. Alexandria Library will continue to provide new copies of Macmillan print books, CD audiobooks, and e-audiobooks for checkout since they have no purchasing restrictions. We encourage you to visit the Library’s website for more information. Also visit American Library Association and Urban Library Council websites to learn about their efforts and to sign their petitions.

[old guy]

1. K&R

I signed a petition a week or so ago as our system(More Consortium) sent the warning on their web site.

[exboyfil]

2. The policy is horribly discriminatory

Impacting larger library systems where you have thousands of card holders and can only purchase one audiobook, while a small library with a hundred card holders can purchase one audiobook as well.

I would even be more aggressive about it. I would make sure that Overdrive and the library online request system actually sends the same message. I would even go so far as to recommend non-Macmillan books. Some thought should be given to completely boycotting Macmillan books.

I kind of like the Hoopla model where they charge for each check out.