Coos Co. Libraries Making a Stand, Nov. 4

Contact: Jennifer Croft, ESO Director release – Re: Macmillan Publishing boycott. In response to business practices that create barriers for library patrons, Coos County Libraries have chosen to boycott Macmillan published eBooks and eAudiobooks. Coos County Libraries offer eBooks and eAudiobooks through the vendor platform OverDrive. Coos County Library card holders may recognize this service under the names OverDrive, Libby, or Library2Go. On July 25, Macmillan Publishers announced it would become the only major publisher to limit eBook lending for U.S. libraries. Under its new licensing model, scheduled to begin November 1, 2019, a library may only purchase one copy of a digital new release, after which the publisher will impose an eight-week embargo on purchasing additional copies of that title. As public libraries, Coos County Libraries have 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, Coos County Library Service District has chosen to join the nationwide boycott. During this time, no new Macmillan digital titles will be added to our collection. Coos County Libraries will continue to add new eBook and eAudiobook content to the digital collection, choosing an equal number of new books from other publishers. Previously-published Macmillan titles already in the digital collection will not be affected.