As the digital age progresses, more readers are turning to eBooks and audiobooks for their convenience, accessibility, and ease of use. Libraries have adapted to this trend by expanding their collections to include digital versions of popular titles. However, while digital materials provide incredible value to patrons, offering them comes with significant challenges, particularly in terms of cost and licensing.
The Problem with Current eBook Licensing for Libraries
Unlike physical books, which libraries can purchase outright and lend freely, eBooks are governed by publisher licensing agreements. This means that libraries face far more restrictions with digital titles. A print book can be lent, resold, or even passed down, but a digital book comes with strict limitations.
Libraries often find themselves paying exorbitant fees for these digital materials—sometimes as high as $55 (or more) for a two-year license for an eBook that a consumer can buy for just $15 for perpetual use. These high fees are charged by publishers out of fear that easy access to eBooks through libraries could harm overall book sales.
Temporary Access: A Costly Burden for Libraries
In addition to high costs, libraries face another issue: expiring licenses. Many eBook licenses are set to expire after a certain number of checkouts or a specific time period, meaning that libraries have to repurchase the same titles over and over to keep them available. This creates a constant strain on library budgets.
Physical books, in contrast, can often circulate for years before needing replacement. A print book can be lent out dozens of times, and when it finally wears out, a library can buy a new copy, often at a discount. Digital versions, however, offer no such longevity, making them a more expensive, temporary solution.
The Need for Change: Sustainable Digital Collection Models
This current model is unsustainable for libraries that want to maintain a robust digital collection. As libraries try to meet patron demand for popular eBooks, they are forced to repurchase expiring licenses and pay for costly new releases. To truly support libraries, publishers need to offer more reasonable licensing terms, particularly for older materials, and reduce the inflated prices that put a strain on library budgets.
A Fairer Solution: Perpetual Licensing for eBooks
At my eBookstore, we are offering a better way for libraries to provide digital content to their patrons—through perpetual licensing. Our model allows libraries to purchase eBooks once and lend them out indefinitely, eliminating the frustrations caused by expiring licenses and excessive fees. This approach ensures a fairer and more sustainable partnership between publishers and libraries.
With perpetual licensing, libraries can continue offering a diverse collection of eBooks to their patrons without worrying about future costs or license restrictions. It’s a solution that reduces expenses while allowing libraries to maintain control over their collections.
Explore the Future of eBook Distribution
If you’re looking for a better solution to digital book distribution, explore our eBookstore and discover how perpetual licensing can benefit your library and its readers. Let’s break free from restrictive agreements and embrace a fairer digital future!
Libraries deserve access to digital materials without the burden of unsustainable costs, and perpetual licenses offer the solution that can make this possible. Together, we can create a more equitable future for libraries and their patrons.