ALA Challenges HarperCollins eBook Lending Policy

In a press release, the American Library Association (ALA) criticized HarperCollins’ eBook lending policy that limits library eBook checkouts to 26 loans. The ALA expressed “grave concern” over the policy.

ALA president Roberta Stevens had this statement: “Crafting 21st century solutions for equitable access to information while ensuring authors and publishers have a fair return on their investments is our common goal. The transition to the e-book format should not result in less availability. The marketplace for e-books is changing rapidly. We encourage publishers to look to libraries as a vehicle to reach and grow diverse audiences.”

Librarians at the Pioneer Library System in Oklahoma created the video embedded above, criticizing HarperCollins’ new policy. The video looks at five print books, showing the actual wear and tear on well-loved books with 25, 48, and 120 checkouts.

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