The Columbus Metropolitan Library System is joining several other large library systems across the U.S. in suspending purchases of all electronic versions of Macmillan Publishers' new releases.
It's a protest against the publishing house's planned restrictions on library sales. The publisher will restrict public libraries and consortium of all sizes to buying a single copy of each newly released e-book for the first eight weeks of publication.
"In my entire library career, I haven't run across a situation where a publisher has said a library could not buy more than one copy of a book," said Columbus Library CEO Patrick Losinski in an interview with WOSU.
In a written statement, the library said its suspension of new Macmillan eBook purchases is a “stand” for equal access.
“By limiting the number of copies our library can purchase, Macmillan is allowing only a certain segment of our society to access digital content in a timely manner – those who can pay for it themselves. And that’s unacceptable in a democratic society,” the statement reads.
Other libraries planning similar moves include the Nashville Public Library, the Maryland Digital Library, and the King County Library System in the Seattle area.
MacMillan's CEO says a surge in e-book borrowing is decreasing the perceived economic value of books.
In a July memo to authors, illustrators and agents, John Sargent wrote, “It seems that given a choice between a purchase of an e-book for $12.99 or a frictionless lend for free, the American e-book reader is starting to lean heavily toward free. Our new terms are designed to protect the value of your books during their first format publication. But they also ensure that the mission of libraries is supported."
The libraries say the policy cuts against their mission of promoting information distribution and literacy. Losinski said that the American Library Association is also considering legislative solutions.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
