DCL Ebook Report, December 2014

December 5, 2014

The good folks at Douglas County (Colo.) Libraries have a special Christmas gift for those of us working on the many ebook issues libraries face. This price comparison (PDF file) is based on Amazon’s bestsellers as of December 1, so it features a number of holiday books. One that stands out is Frozen (The Ultimate Sticker Book) for which there is no ebook equivalent.

The Digital Content Working Group will award a prize to the first person who comes up with a way to make stickers from an ebook. Then we’ll sell the idea to a publisher in exchange for reasonable ebook pricing for libraries.

In the spirit of the season, let’s start with the good news. With the major publishers now offering their ebooks to libraries, there are no significant gaps in availability. No coal in their stockings this year.

But before we offer the wassail bowl to our friends in publishing we have to look at the ongoing pricing situation. A comparison of consumer pricing for the same ebook titles from Amazon with library pricing from OverDrive reveals a ratio of 5.76. Libraries are paying 5.76 times the consumer price for ebooks, with Random House and Hachette Book Group leading the way with high prices. The tradeoff for the high price is perpetual access. But the question that dogs many librarians is whether perpetual access is worth the price, because many libraries license access to ebooks solely to meet current demand. More on this in future posts.

Best wishes to all this holiday season, and especially to the elves at the Office for Information Technology Policy!

ROBERT C. MAIER is a member of the ALA Digital Content Working Group.

Latest Library Links

2d

“A new Taylor Swift album is always a big event on the internet, including fans carefully reading into every line for hidden meaning—a little like close reading poetry. But while Swifties have celebrated Taylor Swift’s lyricism from the beginning, no album invites comparisons to literature quite like The Tortured Poets Department, if just for the title. Already, outlets have been putting together reading lists to pair with each song on the album. Here are just a few to get you started.”

Book Riot, Apr. 22
3d

Chris Hoffman writes: “When I was younger, I was told ‘never use your real name on the internet.’ But the world has changed, and I don’t follow that advice anymore. Likewise, there’s a lot of well-meaning online security advice that has outlasted its usefulness. There’s a core of truth to each one of the security practices I criticize below, but you shouldn’t blindly follow these old tips. At best, you’ll be wasting your time. At worst, you’ll be putting yourself more at risk. Read on to learn more about the five outdated security practices you shouldn’t use anymore.”

PC World, Apr. 17
3d

Bobbi L. Newman writes: “This week, an article from the BBC caught my attention: ‘Without support, many menopausal workers are quitting their jobs.’ Supporting employees going through menopause is important for those experiencing it and for everyone’s wellbeing. It reflects a commitment to employee wellbeing and a strategic approach to workforce management. Libraries can adopt strategies to support employees experiencing menopause, enhancing their wellbeing and workplace productivity. Remember, with all wellbeing, the goal is to support and empower staff to make the choices that best improve their health. Here are some practical approaches.”

Librarian by Day, Apr. 19; BBC, Apr. 9
4d

Libraries have a long history of helping to deliver on a wide variety of development goals, from literacy and school readiness to research productivity and urban cohesion. Their unique potential has been recognized not just by the governments or others that traditionally fund them, but also by a range of other funders, private and public alike. The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions has created a dataset to help librarians easily discover examples of private philanthropic grants, as well as other funding sources, that other libraries have been able to leverage.”

International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions, Apr. 22
4d

Jackie Jennings writes: “It feels like the debate over whether #BookTok is bad has been raging since the moment the term was first coined. I’m starting off with a strong stance: BookTok is indeed bad. However, the problem with BookTok is not crappy books or bogus influencers. The problem with BookTok is TikTok itself. BookTok isn’t actually a community driven by fans, writers, influencers, or even publishers: it’s part of a social media corporation, controlled by the most mysterious, fickle god of all, the algorithm.” Not surprisingly, librarian recommendations can overcome some of BookTok’s limitations.

Jezebel, Apr. 18; Book Riot, Apr. 22
5d

ALA announced the launch of its state Intellectual Freedom Helpline grant program April 22. Over the next two years, 10 pilot program sites will operate a confidential reporting system that will help connect those experiencing censorship attempts with professional support, in-state peers, or referral to ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom, as appropriate. State or school library associations or agencies wishing to either establish an Intellectual Freedom Helpline in their state or expand existing efforts may apply for $10,000 grants through July 14.

ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom, Apr. 22
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In celebration of the release of his latest nonfiction title, The Secret Lives of Booksellers & Librarians, bestselling author James Patterson is honoring select American Bookseller Association and American Library Association members with bonuses. He announced plans April 11 to give $200 each to 250 library workers across the country. The deadline for ALA members may nominate members to receive bonuses through April 30. Winners will be announced at ALA’s 2024 Annual Conference in San Diego.

View more Latest Library Links

DCL Ebook Report, December 2014

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