[Michlib-l] Library Futures: eBook Policy Statement and More

[Jim Flury]

Good Morning, 

Over the past couple of years there have been bills introduced in several state legislatures with regards to eBook access and equity for libraries. The Maryland bill advanced the furthest; it was actually signed into law in early 2022 but was quickly appealed by the AAP, determined to be unconstitutional, and hence overturned. 

Thought I would share the attached Library Futures policy paper to give everyone a summary of what the issues are, as well as what action has been taken in which state legislatures with regards to this. 

There has also been some activity on the federal level. Attached is a copy of a November 18, 2021 letter from Senator Ron Wyden and Representative Anna Eshoo to B&T CEO Amandeep Kochar. All of the CEO's of the big library eBook aggregators (OverDrive, CloudLibrary, etc.) were sent a copy of the same letter. 

Prior to that, the CEO's of the "Big Five" publishing companies were asked by Wyden/Eshoo to submit answers to similar questions in a September 23, 2021 letter, linked below. 

[ https://www.finance.senate.gov/chairmans-news/wyden-eshoo-press-big-five-publishers-on-costly-overly-restrictive-e-book-contracts-with-libraries | https://www.finance.senate.gov/chairmans-news/wyden-eshoo-press-big-five-publishers-on-costly-overly-restrictive-e-book-contracts-with-libraries ] 

I've not seen the replies from either the eBook aggregator or publisher CEO's to the Wyden/Eshoo requests for information. 

Jim Flury 

Jim Flury 
Technical Services Manager 
The Library Network 
41365 Vincenti Court 
Novi, MI 48375 
248-536-3100, ext 133 
Fax 248-536-3098 
Note New Email Address:jflury at tln.org 

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