Giant Publisher Macmillan Goes To War Against Libraries; TechDirt, November 15, 2019

Mike Masnick, TechDirt; Giant Publisher Macmillan Goes To War Against Libraries

"In September, librarians around the US launched a campaign -- ebooksforall.org urging Macmillan to rethink this awful plan:

This embargo limits libraries’ ability to provide access to information for all. It particularly harms library patrons with disabilities or learning issues. One of the great things about eBooks is that they can become large-print books with only a few clicks, and most eBook readers offer fonts and line spacing that make reading easier for people who have dyslexia or other visual challenges. Because portable devices are light and easy to hold, eBooks are easier to use for some people who have physical disabilities.
Macmillan is the only major publisher restricting public libraries’ ability to purchase and lend digital content to their communities. Before the embargo took effect, we collected 160,000 signatures from readers who urged Macmillan not to go through with their plan. And we delivered these signatures in person to CEO John Sargent. Sadly, he did not listen."

Public libraries across the country face a different type of censorship; Tennessean, September 20, 2019

Kent Oliver, Tennessean; Public libraries across the country face a different type of censorship

"Book censorship impedes access to literature and information. For a public library such as Nashville Public Library, unfettered, undiscriminating access to reading is the core of our work – it is in our library DNA. Access is the key word. Librarians work to ensure access to ideas, popular and unpopular, within financial constraints.

The disturbing issue confronting us for this year’s Banned Books Week, Sep. 22-28, is the restrictions publishers are placing on public libraries making it more difficult to buy e-books and e-audiobooks. In particular, libraries are concerned about a new e-book embargo from Macmillan, one of the biggest book publishers in the industry, set to launch Nov. 1.

Under this new policy, libraries will be limited to purchasing (closer to leasing, really) one copy of a new e-book for eight weeks after release, when demand is at its peak."