From The Panorama Project Statement:
The Panorama Project is pleased that Macmillan has decided to end its controversial restrictions on readers’ access to their ebooks via local public libraries, recognizing that “there are times in life when differences should be put aside.”
With current events putting unprece
dented pressure on the entire publishing ecosystem, it is critically important for readers to have access to the books they need to help them get through this global crisis—whether for information or escape. Public libraries have been recognized as essential institutions across the country, and many are ramping up their digital collections in response to increased demand, ensuring the ability to continue serving their communities’ needs as social distancing measures limit access to physical buildings and print collections.
While Macmillan has reset the clock on their library ebook lending terms, the underlying question that led them and other major publishers to make ebooks more difficult and expensive to lend remains: What impact does library lending actually have on discovery and consumer sales?
About Gary Price
