When people ask me for help using library ebooks and digital audiobooks, I always start by saying the same thing: "Not all publishers are willing to work with public libraries, and the environment is always changing." Three months ago, it changed drastically.

 

In July, Macmillian, one of the "Big Five" publishers, announced that it will be restricting digital book access to public libraries starting in November. This Publisher's Weekly article explains more details. Macmillian claims that libraries are slashing profits for authors and publishers. In fact, libraries pay more than retail for each digital book purchased, and we buy multiple copies of many titles. Libraries and authors have always had strong partnerships; in particular, public libraries help new authors find a wide audience. And libraries create life-long readers that both borrow from libraries and buy books for their personal libraries.