A Growing Collection
We love digital books, and we know our patrons do too. In fact, the Arapahoe Library District has increased our eBook and audiobook collection by 241 percent to 26,800 items during the last few years, and, at the request of our patrons, we are dedicating more and more resources toward this growing collection.
Why Don’t You Have the eBook I’m Looking For?
At the same time, we cannot ignore the facts. You may have noticed that our collection is more limited in variety than our book selection.
Why is that? Only two of the top publishers – HarperCollins and Random House will actually sell rights to libraries to lend digital books. That means that some of the most popular books and authors are simply unavailable for us for purchase and lend
.
Publishers Restrict eBooks
Three publishers – Macmillan, Simon & Schuster, and Penguin Group have decided not to allow libraries the rights to lend their books in digital format, believing that if people can get these books through libraries, the publishers will lose sales.
But, Why?
Publishers are afraid of losing sales. We suspect that these publishers don’t believe that library patrons also buy books. But, we know better! Library patrons love books. Love to borrow them, buy them and re-read favorites over and over again. As digital books become more popular, this simple fact won’t change. So, we have decided to join with libraries across the nation in trying to show book publishers that library patrons are customers too!
What Can I Do?
That’s why you will notice the new WIN function on our website, where, if a book is not immediately available, you can opt to purchase it. When you do choose to purchase a book or any item through one of our WIN links, you will be helping us prove to book publishers that library patrons also make purchases. Additionally, as an affiliate, we will get a percentage of each sale as credit toward new digital book purchases.
What Else Can I Do?
If you would like to contact the publishers mentioned above about their eBook licensing policies, please find their contact information below:
Macmillan Publishing
175 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10010
888.330.8477
customerservice@mpsvirginia.com
Simon & Schuster
1230 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10020
(212) 698-7000
Simon & Schuster Contact
Penguin Group
375 Hudson Street
New York, NY 10014
(212) 366-2000
ecommerce@us.penguingroup.com
Here is a sample letter, email, Facebook post or Tweet:
Dear Publisher,
As a library patron and frequent book purchaser, I am disappointed by your decision not to sell eBooks and audiobooks to libraries. Please reconsider.
Thank you.
For more information, please read our eBooks Frequently Asked Questions
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