Prompt Cast
Conflict between Libraries and Publishers over E-book Access
TLDR The rise of e-books has disrupted the relationship between libraries and publishers, leading to conflicts over pricing, embargoes, and access. This has sparked a war in the book industry as librarians push back against restrictions that threaten their core mission of providing information access.
Timestamped Summary
00:00
Authors, like Kathy Giorgio, are facing challenges with decreasing royalties due to the rise of ebook borrowing from libraries, sparking a conflict between publishers and libraries in the book industry.
03:23
The rise of e-books in late 2008 disrupted the peaceful coexistence between libraries and publishers, leading to a war in the book industry.
07:18
The introduction of e-books disrupted the balance between libraries and publishers due to their differences from physical books, leading to new restrictions and agreements between the two parties.
10:48
Librarians push back against publishers' restrictions on e-books, including high prices and embargoes, that threaten the core mission of libraries to provide access to information.
14:23
John Sargent of McMillan defends price hikes and embargoes on e-books, claiming libraries are a threat to publishers due to the ease of access through apps like Libby.
17:55
Some library users exploit multiple library cards to avoid waitlists for e-books, leading publishers to view libraries as a threat to book sales and authors' livelihoods.
21:18
Librarians and publishers clash over the concept of "windowing" new e-books, leading to a failed protest and ongoing legislative battles over e-book access.
24:54
Publishers, librarians, and authors are all part of the effort to provide quality information in a pluralistic democracy, with a temporary suspension of the controversial e-book windowing policy during the pandemic offering a glimmer of hope for increased access to e-books.
