DPLA Exchange Increases Number of Publishers Offering Flexible Terms

RF has been posting what seems like forever about how no one license model suits all library needs, though perpetual access at retail price would come darn close. Time and again we have called for publishes to give libraries multiple models at point of license, allowing us the flexibility to use our limited $$ most efficiently. We recently thanked OverDrive for the multiple models it offers. As we have also posted previously, it seems the Digital Public Library of America (DPLA) is the foremost promoter of flexible licenses—not because it makes them money but for the good of libraries. The DPLA Ebooks program has recently provided an update on their offerings:

“Over the past year, DPLA has worked with publishers including Workman, Abrams, and Independent Publishers Group to develop a variety of flexible licensing models that serve the interests of libraries, authors, and publishers. These include 40 x 10 concurrent, unlimited one-at-a-time, and 5 concurrent loans at 1/4 the price. Currently, titles from 25 publishers are available with multiple licensing models, giving libraries the flexibility to keep one copy perpetually on the virtual shelf while lending out multiple copies of in-demand titles simultaneously. (See an example here.) In addition, more than 30 publishers are offering unlimited simultaneous use licensing through BiblioLabs, including Capstone, Orca Book Publishers, Independent Authors Project collection, Triumph Books, Chicago Review Press, Dark Horse Comics, and many more.

Licensing models available in the DPLA Exchange include:

Perpetual one-user-at-a-time access

The one-use-at-a-time model creates queues and “friction” for popular books but perpetual access ensures that the item will remain in the library's holdings and available to be discovered for years to come.

Bundles of 40 lends available 10 at a time

This new “bundle of lends” model is designed to help libraries promote books AND maintain availability, allowing the titles to have maximum discovery through the library but also ensuring that, if popular, the title is repurchased (in as little as 8 weeks). This option has been popular with libraries and many have acquired all the titles available on this model.

Bundles of 5 lends available simultaneously

This small bundle allows libraries to take a low-risk chance on a book they may not otherwise acquire. It also allows the publisher and author to collect a higher price on a per-lend basis.

Simultaneous multi-user access collections

Bundles of books available to an unlimited number of patrons allow libraries to promote titles without fear of long holds queues. This model also allows publishers to include and promote discovery of lesser-known authors and titles.

Community Reads

Community Reads licensing enables simultaneous access and empowers libraries to highlight a book without making patrons wait in holds queues for the recommended work. This is a great way to drive discovery of new authors and titles.

To find out more about the DPLA Ebooks program or how your library can start purchasing books through the DPLA Exchange, please get in touch.”

RF thanks the DPLA Ebooks program for working to deliver what libraries need.