In response to business practices that create barriers for library patrons, The Washington Digital Library Consortium (which the Lopez Library is a member of) has chosen to boycott Macmillan Publishers’ eBooks and eAudiobooks for 14 months, beginning Nov. 1, 2019 and ending Dec. 31, 2020.
Beginning November 1, 2019, Macmillan Publishers enacted an embargo, prohibiting public libraries from purchasing more than one eBook copy of all new titles for 8 weeks after their release. This means that public libraries are not allowed to buy eBooks from Macmillan even though copies are available for individuals to purchase through regular retail sites.
As a public library, the Lopez Library has an ethical obligation to ensure that library patrons have access to a broad range of material. As public servants, librarians are obliged to spend library funds effectively and responsibly. Any publisher or vendor that creates a barrier between library patrons and information access impinges on a library’s ability to use local tax dollars responsibly.
For these reasons, the Lopez Library has chosen to boycott Macmillan Publishers’ eBooks and eAudiobooks for the period described. During this time, no new Macmillan eContent will be added to the digital collection.
The Lopez Library will continue to purchase Macmillan products in other formats, such as print and Audio CDs, which are not impacted by Macmillan’s implemented embargo. It will continue to add new eContent to the digital collection, choosing an equal number of new books from other publishers. Previously-published Macmillan eContent already in the digital collection will not be affected.
For more information about other download and streaming options available to you free with your library card visit lopezlibrary.org or contact 360-468-2265. Comments to Macmillan Publishers can be directed to press.inquiries@macmillan.com.
Read the boycott MacmillanLetter that was sent to Macmillan Publishers by the Washington Digital Library Consortium.