News

American Library Association attacks HC e-lending policy

15.03.11 | Graeme Neill

The American Library Association (ALA) has said HarperCollins US' restrictions on the number of times an e-book can be checked out restricts users' access to information.

ALA president Roberta Stevens' claim comes amid new data from the association showing 66% of libraries in the US offer free access to e-books, up from 38% three years ago. HarperCollins has limited the number of checkouts of a library e-book to 26 loans.

Stevens said: "Libraries have a long history of providing access to knowledge, information and the creative written works of authors. We are committed to equal and free access for the millions of people who depend on their library’s resources every day.

"While demand has surged, financial support has decreased. The announcement, at a time when libraries are struggling to remain open and staffed, is of grave concern. This new limitation means that fewer people will have access to an increasingly important format for delivering information."

Last week, HarperCollins UK said it would not rule out a similar move in the United Kingdom while Publishers Association c.e.o. Richard Mollet defended HCUS' actions, saying a balance had to be struck between the demands of libraries and the profits of publishers.

Trackback URL for this post:

http://www.thebookseller.com/trackback/24408

Comments: Scroll down for the latest comments and to have your say

By posting on this website you agree to the Bookseller comments policy. Comments go direct to live please be relevant, brief and definitely not abusive. Report any "unsuitable comments by clicking the links"

Post new comment

Due to persistent spam problems we are now asking users to register before submitting comments. If you have already registered or are a subscriber then please log in now. Otherwise you can use the simple form below to register when you submit your comment. Your comment will go live once you click the validation link in the email. Comments still go live without moderation.
You should use this name when logging into your account.
This name will be displayed when you comment on the site.
The content of this field is kept private and will not be shown publicly.
  • Web page addresses and e-mail addresses turn into links automatically.
  • Allowed HTML tags: <a> <em> <strong> <cite> <code> <ul> <ol> <li> <dl> <dt> <dd> <br> <p> <img>
  • Lines and paragraphs break automatically.

More information about formatting options

Type the characters you see in this picture. (verify using audio)
Type the characters you see in the picture above; if you can't read them, submit the form and a new image will be generated. Not case sensitive.

Latest Jobs

Head of Production Operations (Maternity cover)
Location : Cambridge Salary :...
Excellent - On Application
Subscription Sales Manager (STM) - London
Location : London Salary : £...
£35,000 - £40,000 + Bonus
Product Marketing Manager - Based London
Location : London Salary : £...
£28,000 - £35,000 Basic
 

TheBookseller