The American Library Association (ALA) has expressed its concern over the recent decision by publisher HarperCollins to restrict the lending of e-books to a limited number of circulations per copy. According to the ALA, this announcement, at a time when libraries are coping with stagnant or decreased budgets, threatens libraries' ability to provide their users with access to information.
Data collected by the ALA reportedly shows that libraries are responsive to the needs of their users. US-wide, 66 percent of public libraries report offering free access to e-books to library users - up from 38 percent three years ago. The marketplace for e-books is seen to be changing rapidly. ALA President, Roberta Stevens, has called on publishers to look to libraries as a vehicle to reach and grow diverse audiences.
The Equitable Access to Electronic Information Task Force (EQUACC) and the ALA will soon launch a website dedicated to developing a model for e-book lending. The website will offer visitors the opportunity to provide their ideas and comments.
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