Library Association Flexes Its Muscles
March 15, 2012
The American Library Association had plenty to say to publishers about the recent inflation of ebook prices. In “Libraries Protest Random house Price Hike” we get a more in depth look at the problem.
The Random House publishing company recently informed libraries that the wholesale price for ebooks would be on the rise by more than 20 percent. That’s a huge hike increase for something with no tangible, physical, product attached to it. The increase would affect new adult releases and children’s ebooks would double.
This new protocol stems from the publishers believe that ebooks can be “repeatedly circulated” without wearing out. Barring file destruction, they can be circulated indefinitely.
This comes as a shock to most libraries around the country. Many local branches are going through a tough year as finances that were already spread thin are stretched to the limit due to stiff budget cuts across the board. The publishers actions have caused the American Library Association to stand up and defend its right to fairly priced goods and the patrons rights to indefinite circulation.
While I appreciate Random House’s engagement with libraries and its commitment to perpetual access,” ALA president Molly Raphael said in the statement, “I am deeply disappointed in the severe escalation in e-book pricing reported today. Calling on our history together and our hope to satisfy mutual goals moving forward, the American Library Association strongly urges Random House to reconsider its decision. In a time of extreme financial constraint, a major price increase effectively curtails access for many libraries, and especially our communities that are hardest hit economically.
But while the move comes at a bad time for libraries in a financial bind, and is certainly not in good taste, it’s hard to blame a company that is worried about its own future both physically and financially for trying to cover all of its bases and make a buck or two where it can. In an age where technology is taking over, books and other forms of leisure have been relegated to the back burner as the latest and greatest craze takes over. We’ve seen companies like Sony and Kodak go bankrupt or nearly so and discontinue the production of their most trusted moneymakers. Is it too farfetched to think that novels have become a novelty?
Stephen E Arnold, March 15, 2012
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