Ever since the early days of the library e-book market, one of the key things librarians have said they need is the option to buy and own e-books, rather than just licensing metered access. Now, a partnership between the Digital Public Library of America (DPLA) and the Independent Publishers Group (IPG) is offering an e-book ownership option from a wide range of indie publishers.
Under the deal, libraries will not only be able to license access to e-books, but to purchase and own them through DPLA’s digital content platform, Palace Marketplace. DPLA reps told PW that the program includes more than 38,000 titles so far, with more to come. Initially, Palace will host files purchased by libraries, until libraries have set up "a secure DRM protected environment" and are able to take possession.
"At IPG, we have always supported libraries and the crucial role they play in providing access, facilitating discovery, and preserving books for the long term,” said Joe Matthews, CEO of Independent Publishers Group, in a statement.
“Most readers don't know that the thousands of libraries offering access to e-books don't actually own that digital content themselves," added DPLA executive director John S. Bracken. "This groundbreaking agreement with IPG begins to change these practices. We're hopeful that more publishers will join us to make their books more accessible to readers everywhere.”
Prices are set by the publishers, and vary widely depending on the title, but DPLA said that the average price appears to be around $30. Among the publishers participating in the deal are Austin Macauley, Arcadia Publishing, Dynamite Entertainment, Dover Publications, and JMS Books, as well as dozens of other renowned indie publishers.
In a post on the ReadersFirst blog, Michael Blackwell, director of St Mary's County Library, said that the deal is an important moment for the library e-book market.
"Since the advent and spread of digital content, libraries have only been able to license e-books and audiobooks from publishers and aggregators with no option to buy, trapping libraries in licensing agreements where they must spend more money for fewer books that they do not own," Blackwell said. "A growing number of library leaders recognized that having to rent e-books and audiobooks prevented them from fulfilling their mission of collecting, preserving, and ensuring long-term access to books for all readers."
