ALA Expresses ‘Grave Concern’ Over HarperCollins’ eBook Lending Policy

The American Library Association (ALA) challenged HarperCollins’ new eBook lending policy today. The organization explained that the new policy of limiting eBooks to 26 checkouts “threatens libraries’ ability to provide their users with access to information.”

President Roberta Stevens explained: “We are committed to equal and free access for the millions of people who depend on their library’s resources every day. While demand has surged, financial support has decreased. The announcement, at a time when libraries are struggling to remain open and staffed, is of grave concern. This new limitation means that fewer people will have access to an increasingly important format for delivering information.”

eBookNewser has more about the response, including a video created by librarians critical of the policy.

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