27 October, 2023
Librarians from across Massachusetts will seek more affordability and flexibility in licenses for digital content at a hearing for legislation to improve library access to ebooks and digital audiobooks.
Filed by Rep. Ruth B. Balser (D-Newton), an Act Empowering Library Access to Electronic Books and Digital Audiobooks will support libraries in fulfilling their mission of providing broad and equitable access to information for all by ensuring that licensing and contractual agreements between libraries and publishers contain equitable terms.
Libraries often pay five to six times the consumer cost for ebook and digital audiobook licenses that expire after one to two years. This model is a stark contrast to the current market for physical books, which are usually available to libraries at a discount. The high cost of digital content that needs continual replacement presents significant challenges for libraries to provide these resources to their communities. Ebooks and digital audiobooks are critical for delivering information to many people, including those with visual impairments who rely on the ability to easily increase font size and those who are unable to visit the library for various reasons.
Over the last five years, libraries across Massachusetts spent nearly $40 million to support just one ebook and digital audiobook collection available through the statewide LEA platform. Nonetheless, library users often wait for months before they are able to check out a popular new book.
Balser’s legislation allows libraries to purchase and lend digital materials in the same manner that they handle materials in any other format. If passed, the legislation would require that publishers sell ebooks and digital audiobooks to libraries at the same price as their consumer products and always provide an option to purchase a license that never expires.
The protections outlined in Balser’s bill will provide a sustainable way for libraries to continue providing information to all who need it in a digital format.
The Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development will hear testimony on this bill at 10 a.m. Monday, October 30.
