Tuesday, March 15, 2011

E-books in libraries may expire after 26 uses

The New York Times had an interesting article today regarding library e-books and HarperCollins Publishers. Last week the publisher "began enforcing new restrictions on its e-books, requiring that books be checked out only 26 times before they expire." At that point, the library would have to purchase the e-book again, at least if it's a HarperCollins title. While an argument can be made that libraries routinely replace well-loved books due to excessive coffee stains and covers that are barely hanging on, it really depends on the book, and I'm sure most of the titles in the collection that would do well as e-books can hold up to being borrowed 26 times.

The article goes on to say that some libraries are boycotting those titles, but if other publishers choose to follow suit, that will severely limit the titles that libraries will be able to make to their patrons. However, it could hurt the publishers, too. According to the article, "Sales to libraries can account for 7 to 9 percent of a publisher’s overall revenue, two major publishers said."

It seems like this is yet another reason that libraries and e-book publishers should work together, rather than having to react to what one or the other may do.

5 comments:

  1. Artifical restrictions are bad for libraries and authors. I hope publishing doesn't suffer the same fate as the music industry.

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  2. Interesting parallel between the music and publishing industries, Jessi. I'd actually like to see portions of the publishing industry move in the direction of what has occurred with record labels. Several small more artist-centered companies (True Panther, Matador, 4AD, Rhymesayers etc.) are enabling musicians to reach audiences on a unheard of scale. Many artists - encouraged by their record labels - embrace the practice of giving fans their music for free, something the publishing world is really not into. And all the while the music being produced is flourishing in this environment.

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  3. David, I tend to agree with you abouta positive parallel with the music industry and the book industry in that it will allow smaller authors/publishers to flurish. That said, one of the pay-offs for the music industry when giving away music is the ability to tour & sell merch -- something I can't see some of the older,more reclusive authors like JM Coetzee or the late JD Salinger doing. I could see the Chuck Klosterman, Bill Simmons or Jonathan Foers of the world doing and possibly thriving at it, but do think the art could suffer from forcing the artist to do a dog and pony show..

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  4. Either way, it will be interesting to see how authors react! Already authors are self publishing e-books on Amazon after being turned away from traditional publishing avenues. I also recently read about an author who decided to reduce the price of his e-book to 99 cents, and by selling more copies at that reduced rate, he is seeing higher profit. Does this mean we don't need the old grand publishing houses of yester-year?

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  5. I have my doubts that authors will be giving their works away for free and touring to make money, but perhaps lowering prices of books will work - similar to the iTunes model. I certainly hope more authors will be self publishing and flourishing!

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