Canadian Public Libraries for Fair Ebook Pricing are raising awareness of the restrictive pricing models and high prices that multinational publishers charge public libraries for ebooks, and we would like you to join us as we draw more attention to this issue of critical importance to public libraries across the country.
Digital content is the fastest growing area of borrowing for many public libraries. The popularity of this content – and of ebooks in particular – is an exciting opportunity for libraries to connect with the public in new ways, but it also presents challenges.
In some cases, libraries pay three to five times more for ebooks than consumers. There are caps and time limits on ebook use. This means there are fewer titles and fewer copies for readers to discover. As you know, the “Big 5” multinational publishers (Hachette Book Group, HarperCollins, Macmillan Publishers, Penguin Random House and Simon & Schuster) have set pricing and terms that put pressure on public libraries’ already stretched budgets and jeopardize their ability to provide universal access to content in all its forms.
Canadian Public Libraries for Fair Ebook Pricing have taken action to raise awareness of this issue. We launched our campaign on June 15, 2015. So far, we have:
- Launched a website fairpricingforlibraries.org that draws attention to the issue.
- Generated extensive media attention across North America that highlights pricing challenges. News outlets that covered the issue – and are interested in more updates – include CBC online, radio and television, American Libraries Magazine, Quill & Quire and TVO.
- Created a dialogue on social media on #FairEbookPrices to engage libraries, the general public and industry stakeholders.
- Conducted government outreach to give this issue more prominent attention at the federal and provincial level.
Next steps include increasing the number of Canadian public libraries that are participating in the campaign, sharing an open letter to multinational publishers outlining a proposed pricing model, and continuing with social media and media activities to build on the campaign’s momentum. We will also offer training opportunities for public libraries to learn more about the issue.
We invite [name of library] to join Canadian Public Libraries for Fair Ebook Pricing and hope that you will be able to confirm your participation with your Board. This is one of the most important issues facing public libraries, and there is strength in numbers as we work with publishers, government and other stakeholders to find a solution.
When [name of library] joins, we will add your logo at www.fairpricingforlibraries.org, and ask that you link to this page from your own website and/or help spread the word with your customers and the general public. You will have the opportunity to provide feedback on future campaign activities, and receive regular updates.
As a first step, we have created a toolkit for [name of library] that includes:
- Draft wording for a Board resolution
- The Canadian Library Association’s Key Library Priorities for E-Content document
- Key messages and FAQ document that gives an overview of the issue
- Sample social media wording
- Web banner
We would be happy to answer any questions you may have, and also to give you a more detailed overview of campaign activity and results to-date.
We look forward to your response, and hope to work with you to ensure public libraries’ are able to provide universal access to content in all its forms.
Sincerely,
Stephen Abram
Executive Director, FOPL
Download the toolkit here (PDF):
Background:
A goal of the CLA eBooks task force is to increase the number of public libraries participating in Canadian Public Libraries for Fair Ebook Pricing. The this end, please see attached for a toolkit.
Key components include:
- CLA’s Key Library Priorities for E-Content document (pg 1)
- Potential wording for a Board resolution (pg 2)
- Key messages and FAQ (pg 3-7)
- Overview of issues with Canadian public library access to eBooks by publisher (pg 8-9)
- Sample social media tweets and posts (pg 10)
- Web banner to use when linking from public library website to www.fairpricingforlibraries.org (separate file)
Please reach out to your contacts with this toolkit and invite them to join our campaign.
Many thanks for your support,
Contact:
SHARON KARR
MANAGER, COLLECTION MANAGEMENT & ACCESS
Collection Management & Access Division
7 SIR WINSTON CHURCHILL SQUARE
EDMONTON, ALBERTA, CANADA T5J 2V4
T: 780.496.1860 F: 780.496.8317 C: 780.668.5697
skarr@epl.ca
Download the toolkit here (PDF):