Does Digital Ownership Matter for Libraries? Let's Talk About It

Collaborating For Access: Does Digital Ownership Matter For Libraries?

Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at 1p ET

From the DPLA, COSLA, and ReadersFirst:

What if libraries could circulate ebooks the same way they circulate print books: one user at a time with the ability to transfer titles to other hosts and libraries as they see fit? Can this model, now offered by dozens of indie publishers to libraries nationwide, help us all better fulfill our missions in an increasingly digital space? 

In this Collaborating for Access webinar, the eighth in an ongoing series presented by COSLA, DPLA and ReadersFirst, we will discuss the recent announcement by DPLA and Independent Publishers Group of their groundbreaking agreement that now allows libraries to own, rather than merely license, digital books they acquire through the Palace Marketplace. But how much does digital ownership really matter? Join us to learn more about the new model, discuss why it is vital for libraries to own the digital items they collect, explore how ownership could reshape library digital collecting, and think about the future of circulation services. 

Moderator: Michael Blackwell, Director, St. Mary’s County Library

Speakers: 

  • Christina de Castell // Chief Librarian & CEO, Vancouver Public Library

  • Micah May // Director of Ebook Services, Digital Public Library of America  

  • Michael Weinberg // Executive Director, Engelberg Center on Innovation Law & Policy, New York University Law School

  • Richard Williams // Vice President, Independent Publishers Group

Register here.

Hope to “see” you there!