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Macmillan Publishers Will Limit Readers' Access

Effective November 1, 2019, the New Orleans Public Library (NOPL) will no longer purchase newly released e-Books from Macmillan Publishers, one of five major publishers in the U.S. This decision comes after months of discussion and advocacy to urge Macmillan to reconsider instituting a new library e-Book embargo, set to go into effect on November 1.

Under Macmillan’s new lending model, public libraries of any size will only be allowed to purchase one copy of a newly released e-Book for the first eight weeks after publication. After eight weeks, libraries will be able to lease additional copies, at double the price of the first copy.

This new policy will not only contribute to extensive waitlists for library users, but will create accessibility issues for those with disabilities and/or for those who cannot afford to purchase copies of newly-published texts. Furthermore, Macmillan’s new policy seems to support a mindset that only those who are able and willing to pay for literature and information deserve to have equitable and timely access, something that contradicts NOPL's core values and what libraries consider detrimental to strong communities.

Additionally, the Urban Libraries Council (ULC) has developed a Statement on Equitable Public Access to e-Books for elected officials to sign, which Mayor LaToya Cantrell has signed.

Next Steps

Answers to frequently asked questions on this issue can be found on the e-Books for All FAQs page on our website.

The American Library Association (ALA) has created a website that contains additional information on the issue at ebooksforall.org.

For those who would like to express their concern about this policy, contact Macmillan Publishers directly at press.inquiries@macmillan.com or ALA’s Public Policy and Advocacy Office at alawash@alawash.org.