In “Embargoing Libraries: A Losing Proposition for All,” ALA Senior Director, Public Policy & Government Relations Alan Inouye argues that “Macmillan CEO John Sargent speculates that delaying sales to libraries will be more profitable for publishers. The truth is, it’s a losing proposition for everyone in the reading ecosystem.”

Readers lose, especially readers on a fixed or lmited income or readers with hand or eyesight disabilities.

Libraries lose: “Treating libraries, historically prized and respected community institutions, worse than the general public undermines the reputation of libraries and the value of their diverse users.”

And yes, Publishers and Authors lose too: we share the mission of promoting reading with the publishers, and fewer authors and titles are likely to be discovered.

The publishing industry as whole loses, appearing to be “anti-library and anti-community. “

“ Access to and use of all published works—regardless of format—must equitably balance the rights and privileges of readers, authors, and publishers. Embargoing digital content for libraries serves no one. As we navigate the transition from print to digital in a complex ecosystem and face declining reading levels overall, publishers and libraries can work together to find answers. “

We shall see if reasoned persuasion has any effect.

Mr. Inouye’s update includes several other links of interest:

Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (D-WA-7th) sends pointed letter to Macmillan CEO John Sargent. She is a member of the Subcommittee on Antitrust, Commercial, and Administrative Law of the House Judiciary Committee--which is undertaking an investigation of competition of digital markets.

https://twitter.com/AlanSInouye/status/1214163347215536128

Summary article on the Macmillan library eBook embargo in American Libraries

https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/blogs/the-scoop/update-macmillan-ebook-embargo/

Town hall on eBook advocacy hosted by ALA & PLA on December 17

http://www.ala.org/pla/education/onlinelearning/webinars/ondemand/ebooksupdate

eBooks for All! A PLA podcast

http://publiclibrariesonline.org/2019/12/new-podcast-ebooks-for-all/

ARTICLES

Selected recent articles that push back on the Macmillan library eBook embargo--

Atlanta, Georgia: https://www.wabe.org/episode/closer-look-publishers-decision-to-restrict-e-book-sales-impacts-local-libraries-georgia-state-program-offers-higher-education-to-inmates-lost-n-found-youth-opens-new-center-for-lgbtq-youth/

Tewksbury, Mass.: https://tewksbury.wickedlocal.com/news/20200110/local-librarians-say-macmillan-e-book-embargo-bad-for-libraries

Duluth, Minn.: http://www.startribune.com/duluth-leaders-to-publisher-give-us-your-e-books-now/566613871/