Welcome back, library friends. Today we have some hot topics to explore, including ebook pricing, social reading, and some very misleading findings from a recent Authors Guild study. Let’s dive in.
eBook Pricing Hot Topic for Libraries
Library organizations are again taking charge of ebook pricing. The Public Library Association and four other organizations have signed a joint statement Publishers urged to work with libraries to create more sustainable ebook loan modelsAnd more states are enacting laws to address the problem. Rhode Island just passed a law Against predatory pricing models for ebooks and digital audiobooks, Illinois has a similar law is moving through committee, and the Connecticut Library Consortium Call on more states to do the same. Stay tuned to read more about this in the coming months.
Authors Guild says libraries are partly why writers aren’t making more money
Aah! But the plot has thickened! Authors Guild A new study has been released examining why writers aren’t making as much money as beforeAnd a large portion of the study focuses on library usage and how more readers are borrowing new books rather than buying them. OK, Authors Guild: We’re not arguing that writers are making less than they used to, but that’s not a good thing. Libraries are not only one of the best ways for readers to find authors and backlist titles, but We are also not a profession you want to quarrel with. Also, do you really think readers will buy more books in the economy of 2026? There’s definitely a problem here, but libraries are not the enemy. (Related: This USA Today article that sees How the publishing industry needs to balance profitability with discoverability and reach. Do you know what helps boost discoverability and reach? Library.)
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reading is more social
Working with a book is no longer the solitary activity it used to be. around the world, Reading is becoming more and more socialAnd people are taking notice. For example, Reese Witherspoon’s book club is hosting this First in-person fan festival in New York CityAnd we’re seeing more book-themed tours and group travel on social media. Or as this title says, “I traveled to three countries with 30 strangers who all like the same books. you should too.OK, maybe your library won’t host an international trip, but some popular author- or series-themed visits might be of interest.
Did you know that our All Access program now offers group memberships? Check it out!
