After pulling its new eBook titles from libraries back in 2010, the Hachette Book Group is testing a pilot program to offer new eBooks in libraries this spring.

Hachette currently offers backlist eBook titles for check out in libraries, but not new titles. The American Library Association (ALA) sent a delegation to meet with the publisher.

ALA president Molly Raphael blogged about it: “we were pleased to learn that starting this spring, Hachette is conducting a pilot with two ebook distributors for libraries, which will bring a selection of HBG’s recent bestselling ebooks to 7 million library patrons. These pilot programs will help HBG learn more about library patrons’ interests, usage, and expectations, and help the publisher devise the best strategy to reach the widest audience of ebook readers in libraries.”

AppNewser has more: “Through the pilot program, Hachette will release select eBook titles through two undisclosed eBook distributors for libraries. The publisher will test how readers respond, what their usage is and what their expectations are. The publisher will use this information to develop an eBook library strategy.” (Via PaidContent.org)