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To the editor: Join library effort for eBook access

THE BLADE

To the editor: Join library effort for eBook access

Step inside the newly renovated Main Library — as 5,000 people did during opening weekend — and you will see a transformation. It was my pleasure to showcase the upgrades that will continue empowering customers’ imaginations. The Toledo Lucas County Public Library incorporates technology as it remains vibrant for the future.

The library’s mission includes providing “universal access to a broad range of information, ideas, and entertainment.” Borrowing trends show an ever-growing demand for electronic services, particularly eBooks and eAudiobooks.

Unfortunately, a leading book publisher’s new embargo is starkly at odds with our mission.

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A culture of human breast cancer cells.
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Good news and bad news on breast cancer

Starting Nov. 1, Macmillan Publishers will severely limit what eBooks you can borrow. Its policy permits each library system to purchase just one digital copy of a Macmillan title within the first eight weeks of publication. This means fewer lending opportunities in the electronic format, and longer wait lists for anticipated Macmillan eBooks. The same imposing rule applies regardless of library system size.

Customers may assume the library acquires unlimited distribution rights — and zero wait times — with an eBook purchase, but licensing rights restrict copying eBooks. Last year, Toledo library customers borrowed about 466,300 eBooks, up 42 percent since 2014. There are now more than 19,200 holds for eBooks and eAudio, each waiting 38 days on average.

Libraries typically pay more than individuals do for an eBook, and significantly higher rates than what the printed version costs. One example is City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert, distributed through Penguin Random House. Amazon shoppers pay roughly $15 each for hardcover and Kindle editions. For libraries, the eBook lists at $55 and eAudiobook at $95. A library’s license for the City of Girls eBook expires after two years.

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Toledo Library is dedicated to providing access to in-demand books for customers in their preferred format. The library last year spent about $345,500 on eBooks and nearly $246,200 on eAudiobooks, both substantial increases over recent years. Our OverDrive system totals more than 5,300 eBooks and eAudiobooks from Macmillan alone.

Library leaders speak up when they see challenges to access and information. Officials across the state and country are calling out this unfair practice that restricts what libraries can offer. I ask you to join us. There is a petition drive at ebooksforall.org to register our wide dissent with Macmillan’s policy.

Let’s send a message that eBooks thrive when in the hands of readers.

JASON KUCSMA

Turn in your jeans
The Editorial Board
Turn in your jeans

Director, Toledo Lucas County Public Library

 

New city museum

For many years the city of Toledo has discussed the need for a Toledo History Museum to promote the city.

There is a private Toledo History Museum located in a small storefront with no off-street parking at 425 N. Erie Street in downtown. The Toledo Lucas County Library has a small local history and genealogy department open by appointment in the Main library building.

In a recent Blade news report, it was announced that the former Mott Branch Library building, located at 1055 Dorr St., would be reverting back to the ownership of the city of Toledo because it was replaced by a new public library building.

This location would make a great location for a new Toledo History Museum consolidating the library and private history museums.

The building is a newer full-brick building constructed in 1975, located on a major street near downtown, containing 10,000 square feet of clear space on one floor, adjacent to a large lighted parking lot, and on a TARTA bus route.

The reuse of this building would eliminate another large vacant boarded-up building in the city and be a real asset to promoting the community.

DUANE TILLIMON

West Toledo

First Published October 14, 2019, 4:00 a.m.

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