November 05, 2026 - Publisher Practices Limit Library eBook Access
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Massachusetts Board of Library CommissionersAt its November board meeting, the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) approved $1 million in grants to Automated Networks to purchase eContent for the Library eBook and Audiobook (LEA) program. LEA gives Massachusetts residents access to eBooks, audiobooks, and more from 400 participating libraries from across the Commonwealth, opening access that was previously unavailable for eBooks and audiobooks.
Since 2022, the MBLC's annual LEA grants to Networks total $5 million, but they are just one source of funding that goes into the statewide eBook program. The nine Automated Networks and libraries participating in LEA spend on average over $9.6 million each year on shared content for the program, totaling $48 million since 2022. This isn't enough to keep pace with the demand for eBooks and audiobooks in public libraries. LEA checkouts have increased more than 45% from 2022 to 2026 and even with increased purchasing (libraries grew the collection by 48% during this same period), long wait times persist. As a comparison, demand for print materials increased 8% during this time.
Contributing to limited patron access are publisher pricing models that often charge libraries 5 to 6 times the consumer cost for eBook and digital audiobook licenses that, unlike physical materials, expire over time or after a certain number of checkouts. Publishers also set restrictions, such as whether libraries can own or lease titles, how many copies libraries can get, and how long libraries must wait after the book is released to the general public. Some titles are not available to libraries at all.
"These costs and unfair practices are marginalizing libraries in the digital marketplace and limiting everyone's access. People rely on eContent, especially readers with disabilities, but they often wait in long queues. Public libraries level the playing field, and this is being upended by publishers who continue these practices or simply refuse to sell to libraries," said MBLC Director Maureen Amyot.
Recently, to introduce competition and give patrons access to previously unavailable titles, the MBLC along with partners from Boston Public Library and the Massachusetts Library System launched a new eBook platform called CommonShelf through the Palace app that functions alongside LEA. The Massachusetts Library Association is also currently working with state legislators to ensure public access to eContent through libraries.
In addition to the eContent grants, Commissioners also approved $94,000 in LEA Platform Grants which offset the fee networks pay to use OverDrive, the software and app that delivers the eContent for LEA. Networks are facing increased platform fees this year so funding from the LEA Content Grants may be used to supplement the LEA Platform grants. Grant awards are listed below.
| Network | Municipality | Award (Content) | Award (Platform) |
|---|---|---|---|
| CLAMS | Hyannis | $62,567.54 | $12,000 |
| CW MARS | Worcester | $152,673.25 | $12,000 |
| MBLN | Boston | $190,702.70 | $10,000 |
| Minuteman Library Network | Natick | $230,926.44 | $12,000 |
| MVLC | Lawrence | $90,966.66 | $12,000 |
| NOBLE | Danvers | $89,070.97 | $12,000 |
| OCLN | Braintree | $101,827.72 | $12,000 |
| SAILS | Lakeville | $81,264.72 | $12,000 |
| Totals | $1,000,000 | $94,000 |
Funding for the LEA Content Grant is possible through the MBLC's Library Technology and Resource Sharing budget line, line 7000-9506. LEA Platform grants are made possible by the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services. Residents can find more information and start using LEA and CommonShelf on libraries.state.ma.us.
About MBLC
The Board of Library Commissioners (mass.gov/mblc) is the agency of state government with the statutory authority and responsibility to organize, develop, coordinate and improve library services throughout the Commonwealth. The Board advises municipalities and library trustees on the operation and maintenance of public libraries, including construction and renovation. It administers state and federal grant programs for libraries and promotes cooperation among all types of libraries through regional library systems and automated resource sharing. It also works to ensure that all residents of the Commonwealth, regardless of their geographic location, social or economic status, age, level of physical or intellectual ability or cultural background, have access to essential new electronic information technologies and significant electronic databases.
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