Libraries are struggling with the high costs of eBook licenses from publishers, costing $84 per eBook compared to $14.99 for consumers. As eBook and digital reading device ownership increases, reaching 2/3 of regular book buyers by 2012, libraries must adapt to patrons' shifting media preferences. However, libraries remain the most trusted community institution and continue providing important services like curating collections and promoting new titles. The future may require collective action and new service models for libraries to sustain their role in the digital reading ecosystem.
28. 28
Books published in 1950 – 11,000
vs
Books published in 2010 – 328,000
0
50000
100000
150000
200000
250000
300000
350000
1950 2010
Books Published
Number of Books Published
You are all familiar with the last problem – the pricing and availability of ebooks for libraries – Random House pricing. Harper Collins restrictions on lends. Or 1 year expiration dates …
The next challenge is the explosion in the number of published books – the average library could buy 14,000 books annually in 1950 – and only 11,000 were published