Library Organizations Urge Big Five Publishers to Rethink E-Book Pricing
On May 27, a coalition of five library organizations from the U.S. and Canada urged the top five publishers to engage in discussions about e-book lending practices. The group, which includes the Association for Rural and Small Libraries and the Public Library Association, voiced concerns over the sustainability of current licensing arrangements, particularly for smaller libraries. With libraries allocating more than half of their budgets to licensing, leaders stressed the importance of fair access amid rising e-book costs. This initiative comes as Connecticut and Illinois introduce controversial bills that are facing opposition from major publishing groups.
Key facts
- Five public library organizations from the U.S. and Canada released a joint statement on May 27.
- The statement addresses the Big Five publishers and digital platform providers.
- Signatories include ARSL, COSLA, CULC, PLA, and ULC.
- They urge usage-based e-book lending models and perpetual-use options.
- PLA president Brandy McNeil called for equitable access to digital materials.
- ARSL executive director Kate Laughlin said e-book costs have become unsustainable for small libraries.
- ULC president Brooks Rainwater stated libraries cannot sustain access under current licensing models.
- Connecticut Senate Bill 1234 became law one year ago; Illinois HB 5236 is advancing.
- AAP and Authors Guild oppose e-book legislation, citing record digital checkouts of 820.5 million in 2025.
- Angela Goodrich noted libraries now spend over 50% of collections budgets on licensing.
- Ebook Friday will be held in Chicago on June 26, 2025, at the ALA Annual Conference.
Entities
Institutions
- Association for Rural and Small Libraries
- Chief Officers of State Library Agencies
- Canadian Urban Libraries Council
- Public Library Association
- Urban Libraries Council
- Association of American Publishers
- Authors Guild
- American Library Association
- Hoopla
- OverDrive
- Libby
- Sora
- Publishers Weekly
Locations
- United States
- Canada
- Connecticut
- Illinois
- Chicago