Carmi Parker's Macmillan Update for 2/14

Carmi Parker, ILS Administrator for Whatcom County Library System, reports that 5 libraries recently joined the Macmillan boycott:

Schertz Public Library (TX) 41,000 population served.

Pleasanton Public Library (TX) 10,800

Wright Memorial Public Library (OH) 9,200

Butte County Library (CA) 6 locations, 229,200

Benicia Public Library (CA) 28,300

The total is now “89 libraries or consortia, representing 1,271 locations and 49.1 million people in 28 states, 15% of the total US population.” 

Ms. Parker also reports that “Good eReader published a letter that OverDrive CEO Steve Potash sent to libraries in response to OverDrive’s acquisition by KKR, a private equity firm. Regarding embargoes, Potash said:

We strongly oppose any embargo or limitation on an institution’s right to acquire every digital title published under fair terms. We advocate with authors, agents, and publishers that their economic interests are best served when their works are easily discovered and available to borrow from every library in every format. 

Expect an update on the boycott’s impact soon!