Eight Things to Know About Ebooks
Do you use your library card to borrow e-books, e-audiobooks, or e-magazines from our digital collection? If you said yes, welcome to the (e-book) club! You’re part of a growing trend in public libraries.
Here are eight things to know about ebooks (and audiobooks too!)
1. Why do I have to wait so long to get my ebook/audiobook?
We watch holds lists and work to make sure patrons get titles as soon as possible. However, it’s not always as “e”-asy as buying more copies. For starters, publishers typically charge libraries significantly more for ebooks and audiobooks than for print copies of the same title. Not only do the titles cost more, but we don’t actually own the items in our digital collection. Instead, we must lease them according to the terms set by publishers and vendors. Leases determine things like how long the title is available in our collection and how many people can borrow it.
These leases, or lending models, can change at any time. Some models work like physical books where only one person can check out a copy at a time. We strategize and look for high demand titles in other types of lending models where multiple people can borrow the title at the same time.
Lending models also determine how long the title is available for patrons to borrow. Many ebooks and e-audiobooks have expiration dates. (Usually after so many checkouts or so many months.) This means we have to constantly renew the lease on popular content so it stays available for patrons to borrow. This costs money each time. The trade-off is we can’t add as many new books to the collection as we would like.
2. An ebook I had on hold is no longer available? What happened?
First, we’re sorry! But let us explain. Many ebook and e-audiobooks in our collection are leased from publishers and eventually expire. We do our best to renew leases on titles that still have holds, but we occasionally miss some titles. In some instances, titles may no longer be available for us to lease or may only be available in another format. Another consideration we work with is cost. Our library’s cost for an item is often much more expensive than a consumer would pay for the same item. It’s a balancing act.
3. Why don’t you have the title I want in an audiobook (or ebook) format?
Unfortunately, not all titles are available in all formats. In fact, there are cases where publishers choose to release a title and/or format exclusively to paid subscription services and not to libraries.
4. Why isn’t the title I want in your collection?
There are a few reasons why you may not be able to find certain titles in our collection:
- The title is not available for libraries to lease. Sometimes publishers make content available only to certain companies and their subscribers.
- The title is no longer available for libraries to lease. We may have had the title in the past, but when it expires, publishers do not always make it available again.
- The cost is prohibitive. Often the cost for a library to license an ebook can be significantly more than what you as a consumer would pay for the same product. As you can imagine, popular content is usually set at a premium price.
If there is a title you’d like us to consider adding to the collection, use the Notify Me Tag feature in Libby.
We recommend searching for the title in our partner libraries’ collections.
5. Where is my favorite author’s latest book?
Fiscal responsibility and good stewardship of public funds is something we take seriously. We prioritize working with publishers that offer reasonable licensing terms. Because of this, some authors and/or titles may not appear in our collection as frequently as others.
6. I’m really enjoying this series. Why don’t you have all the titles in the series?
Again, it is often is a matter of availability and/or cost.
We recommend searching for the title in our partner libraries’ collections.
7. How can I get more econtent?
We believe a strong collection is one that offers a wide range of subjects and authors for all audiences. Therefore, we strive to make sure our digital collection has something for all patrons, not just new releases and/or best sellers.
We have a rich collection of always available materials to borrow while you’re waiting for your holds. Check out our All Access Mystery, Ready to Read Romance, and subscriptions like Duke Classics eBooks and Always Available Audiobooks. And don’t forget e-Magazines! There are over 5000 magazine titles you can borrow (and they don’t count against your borrowing limit!) Subscribe to your favorite e-magazines and have them added to the Magazine Rack on your shelf.
We’ve also expanded access by partnering with the Southern Tier Library System and the OWWL Library System. And be sure to check out TumbleBooks, an entire collection of ebooks just for kids–no library card needed!
8. Is there anything I can do to help my library?
Yes! Here are three easy things you can do right now:
1. Practice good Libby Etiquette:
- Read or listen to the samples before borrowing to help decide if you’ll enjoy the book.
- Finish early? Return the book early so the next person in line can borrow it.
- Not ready for your hold? Suspend it!
- Create a “To Be Read” list using the Tags feature in Libby rather than using holds to save books you want to read.
2. Spread the word about some of the challenges public libraries face with their ebook collection. Read the Joint Statement from Public Libraries Stand United for E-book Pricing Action. You can learn more at ReadersFirst, an organization dedicated to ensuring access to free and easy-to-use eBook content.
3. Become a library advocate. Help us ensure the fair pricing and licensing of ebooks and e-audiobooks. You can also help us advocate for libraries during budget season at the local, state, and federal levels.
Digital content allows libraries to meet the varied needs of all our patrons. Help us create a dynamic collection for everyone!