The Library Board passed a resolution opposing eBooks restrictions by publishers after Macmillan announced their decision to limit new eBook purchases to one copy per library system. The Sauk City Public Library urges community members to sign the American Library Association's https://ebooksforall.org/ petition.
Resolution Concerning eBooks Restrictions
WHEREAS, the Sauk City Public Library is committed to promoting literacy and a love of reading with diverse collections, programs and services for all ages; and,
WHEREAS, the Sauk City Library supports and respects authors and believes that by purchasing books and creating readers we are supporting an ecosystem in which authors can be fairly compensated for their efforts; and,
WHEREAS, downloadable content and eBooks are often many reader’s front door to accessing material at their local library; and,
WHEREAS, downloadable content and eBooks are easier to use for some people who have physical disabilities due to the fact that they can become large-print books with only a few clicks, and most eBook readers offer fonts and line spacing that make reading easier for people who have dyslexia or other visual challenges; and,
WHEREAS, the Sauk City Public Library is a proud participant in the Wisconsin Public Library Consortium, a collaborative purchasing platform that provides all Wisconsin residents access to downloadable content and e-books on a wide range of subjects; and,
WHEREAS, effective November 1, 2019, Macmillan Publishing unilaterally changed their policy to allow for the purchase of only one copy of each new eBook title for the first eight weeks after a book’s release for the entire state of Wisconsin.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Sauk City Public Library vehemently opposes the Macmillan eBook lending model and supports the efforts of the Wisconsin Library Association, the American Library Association, and all others opposing this and any future publishing lending models that restrict the ability of a public library to provide access to reading materials.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Sauk City Library reserves the right to use lending models as a criteria in making collection development decisions in all formats.
