Long story short, OverDrive--public libraries’ leading provider of ebooks and digital audiobooks--is being purchased by the same company that owns RB Digital, another major audiobook platform. Given the hostility of some publishers towards library lending (Google “Macmillain ebook embargo”), a consolidation of the two platforms could benefit libraries because Overdrive “has a strong record of advocating for library interests” and merging with RB Digital “could add substantial clout to library interests in negotiating more favorable pricing and terms.”

If so, you should check out the American Library Association’s eBooksForAll campaign. They’re currently collecting signatures for a petition to tell MacMillan Publishers to knock off some bullshit- specifically, MacMillan is limiting libraries to only buying one copy of new ebooks for the first 8 weeks after their release. This is especially bad for libraries serving larger populations, but no matter where, this limits the availability of ebooks to libraries and to readers. For more info on why that matters, you can check it out in ALA’s own words here.

Tell Macmillan Publishers that you demand #eBooksForAll

Please read and sign this petition! E-books are hugely popular among library patrons, but publishers are charging library outrageous prices and limiting access. The most egregious instance so far is Macmillan’s decision to limit library systems to a single copy of an e-book for the first eight weeks of a book’s release. Protect your right to access the books you want--please sign the petition!

View On WordPress

#togetherweread Free, no holds, no waiting! #ebooksforall #librarylife https://www.instagram.com/p/B8zFuIXnKg5/?igshid=hd30nhmm7o7y

This holiday season save on the box set. https://www.amazon.com/Beckett-Six-Book-Bundle-Limited-ebook/dp/B00D5MHPE4 #ebooks #sale #BlackFriday #EbooksForAll #EbookSale #RomanticSuspense https://www.instagram.com/p/B5eDgYzgVTv/?igshid=hs4qgz64xomt