American Library Association

Limiting access to eBooks for libraries means limiting access for readers like you.

America’s libraries are committed to promoting literacy and a love of reading with diverse collections, programs and services for all ages. Downloadable content and eBooks are often many readers' front door to accessing material at their local library.

In 2019, one publisher announced it would limit readers’ access to new eBook titles through their libraries.

Macmillan Publishers decided it would allow libraries — matter the size of their city or town — to purchase only one copy of each new eBook title for the first eight weeks after a book’s release.

Before the embargo took effect on November 1, 2019, ALA collected 160,000 signatures from readers who urged Macmillan not to go through with their plan. We delivered these signatures in person to CEO John Sargent, but Macmillan's policy remained unchanged. Readers have been persistent in their opposition. Signatures on our petition eventually increased to more than a quarter of a million.

Left to right: Immediate Past President Loida Garcia Febo, Public Library Association Executive Director Barb Macikas, Past President Sari Feldman, Senior Director, Public Policy & Government Relations Alan Inouye, deliver petitions to MacMillan Publishers Headquarters in New York City.

CAMPAIGN UPDATE: On March 17, 2020, Macmillan suddenly reversed its embargo on eBook sales to libraries, acknowledging the impact of COVID-19. Macmillan’s return to its original lending terms signaled a new starting point for all publishers to consider how they can work with libraries to ensure — and expand — access for all readers.

While the petition is on pause, ALA continues to advocate for digital access, focusing now on federal government intervention. ALA has been engaging members of the the US House Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Commercial, and Administrative Law on equitable access to information and expects developments on this front soon.

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This is personal.

Limiting libraries’ access to digital content impedes their 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.

We must have #eBooksForAll!

What We All Can Do

FAQ

Find out how to respond to questions surrounding the issues behind eBook embargos by publishers.

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GET INVOLVED

Help spread the word about the importance of eBooks in libraries with our tools and shareables!

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JOURNALISTS

If you are a member of the media, check out our eBook Lending Press Kit.

PRESS KIT

The American Library Association envisions a world where libraries are central to lifelong discovery and learning and where everyone is a library user. Your gift to ALA helps advocate for and improve library and information services and the profession of librarianship, to ensure equal access to information for all people.

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