eBooks

Summary of Positions

All published works must be available for libraries to purchase and lend to library users.
Access to and use of eBooks must equitably balance the rights and privileges of readers, authors, and publishers.
Digital content must be accessible to all people, regardless of physical or reading disabilities.
Library patrons must be able to access digital content on the device of their choosing.
Reading records must remain private in the digital age.

The Issue

After several years of relative stability, the publisher eBook licensing terms for library lending are again shifting in disconcerting directions. ALA has a longstanding commitment to ensuring all people have access to the world's knowledge through our nation's libraries, regardless of format. Many new models for library digital lending will make it difficult for libraries to fulfill our central mission—ensuring access to information for all. ALA is exploring all possible avenues to ensure that libraries can continue to purchase and lend at pricing models that are reasonable and flexible. Access to and use all published works—regardless of format—must equitably balance the rights and privileges of readers, authors, and publishers.