You might not be aware, but publishers don't allow libraries to buy permanent copies of ebooks/audiobooks. They are rented to them at a much higher rate than an individual can buy them. And they're limited to a low number of rentals before being charged again. #supportLibraries - ThreadSky

wanderlust-yoga.bsky.social • 3 days ago

You might not be aware, but publishers don't allow libraries to buy permanent copies of ebooks/audiobooks. They are rented to them at a much higher rate than an individual can buy them. And they're limited to a low number of rentals before being charged again.

#supportLibraries

Reposted from Internet Archive

“RAISE HELL!” ✊ Maria Bustillos (@mariabustillos.bsky.social) calls on writers & readers to defend libraries & demand ebook ownership, not rentals. Attacks on libraries are attacks on knowledge itself. 📚

Full video ➡️ youtu.be/lu8jK_27vF0

#LibraryAdvocacy #DigitalRights #InternetArchive

Comments

kjsanders.bsky.social•2 days ago

It could be different... libraries can support community-led Diamond open access book publishing via @openbookcollective.bsky.social, for example.

philadelphiensis.bsky.social•2 days ago

I wasnt aware of that.

wanderlust-yoga.bsky.social•2 days ago

It's really sad. The price a library pays for each limited access e-book is between 3 & 6 times what an individual pays.

authordent.bsky.social•2 days ago

I'm a librarian in charge of purchasing/maintaining digital collections. There are some companies that do sale perpetual access to a title, but yes it's for one use at a time and at a mark up. Audiobooks are much worse. 3 to 4 times the price and often a limited # of circs. It gets pricey fast.

rebeccaaddison.bsky.social•2 days ago

Came here to say that. There are different levels of access. Sometimes it's one user at a time, sometimes it's 3 users at a time, and sometimes it's unlimited. Also in academic libraries sometimes they charge more if you have more students enrolled in the college/university.

wanderlust-yoga.bsky.social•2 days ago

It's really a shame. I understand that these publishers are in it as a business, but libraries have such limited budgets. Allowing people access to the material is so vital.

rebeccaaddison.bsky.social•2 days ago

It's really unfair when they charge big schools more than small schools. And don't get me started on DVDs. A$25 DVD will cost an academic library $250 sometimes and have a license to go with it. Paperback books are so much simpler.

wanderlust-yoga.bsky.social•2 days ago

This is why I try to go to local events and buy directly from small authors. I also donate physical books to community libraries all the time.

rebeccaaddison.bsky.social•2 days ago

If you are giving to town libraries it's a good idea to ask them if they want your donation before you give it to them. Space is limited and it's work to add your books to the system. Only donate if they want them.

emmanelson.bsky.social•2 days ago

Thanks for the explanation. Was confused by the wording. But all makes sense now.

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