Publishers charge public libraries significantly more for eBooks than physical copies of the same title.

This means we can’t purchase as many copies.

Some publishers also restrict the length of time a title is available or the number of times it can be borrowed. These “metered service models” only allow public libraries to lend the book for 24 months or 26 times. We then have to repurchase the title, often at an increased cost.

This means we can’t purchase as many new titles.

Macmillan Public Library Embargo

And if all this weren’t bad enough, beginning November 1, 2019, Macmillan Publishers will restrict public libraries—regardless of size or population served—to the purchase of only one single copy of a new eBook title following its release, after which the publisher will impose an eight-week embargo. This means much longer wait times for eBooks from authors you love.

Macmillan’s new policy is based on their fears that libraries are hurting their bottom line and eBook lending is stealing their profits. This couldn’t be further from the truth.

Here are just a few of the upcoming bestsellers that will be impacted:

Get Involved

Libraries are a critical connector between authors and readers, and we fundamentally believe in open access to books, information and ideas. Macmillan’s new model for eBook lending will make it difficult for libraries to fulfill our central mission of ensuring access for all.

Add your voice to the conversation if you agree that access to all published works - regardless of format - must equitably balance the rights and privileges of readers, authors, and publishers.

#eBooksForAll
www.ebooksforall.org