Like libraries across the country, we continue to experience a strong demand for digital materials, including digital books, audiobooks, and magazines, as well as streaming movies, TV, and music. Digital materials account for about 20% of our checkouts each year. For example, in 2024, Northbrook Library cardholders used the Libby app over 162,000 times to check out ebooks and eaudiobooks, in addition to accessing films, magazines, and music via the other digital library services.
How does digital lending work?
When libraries acquire digital materials from publishers, it’s more like leasing than purchasing, similar to streaming a movie on Netflix rather than buying a DVD. This leasing model allows publishers to place restrictions on digital items, including limiting the number of times an item can be checked out, the number of people who can borrow it, or even how many people can borrow it at once. In some instances, a publisher can remove items from its catalogs entirely.
What does digital lending cost libraries?
Increased digital usage means increased costs to libraries, both for accessing the digital platforms and, in some cases, for acquiring individual titles. For example, some eBooks on Libby can cost from $25 to $80 per copy, and an eAudiobook can cost from $50 to $100. That cost is in addition to the yearly fee for accessing the Libby platform.
When you combine the individual costs with many publisher checkout restrictions, libraries might purchase an eBook for $50 and then have to purchase a new copy after two years, or after 26 checkouts. Other online services, such as Hoopla and Kanopy, charge the library on a pay-per-use basis, which typically ranges from $1 to $4 per checkout.
What can you do to help?
Illinois is currently working on passing legislation to limit the price gouging by publishers and help libraries afford to purchase the digital resources patrons want in the quantities they need. If passed and adopted into law, these laws would require publishers to provide equitable pricing and purchasing terms to libraries that purchase e-books with public funds.
If you are a fan of eBooks or eAudiobooks, consider reaching out to your state or federal elected officials and sharing how much eBooks mean to you and what having access to these services at your local library means. By sharing the impact of the high pricing and stringent restrictions with legislators, we can hopefully make eBooks and eAudiobooks more affordable for all libraries.
Help cut the wait time: tips for digital borrowing
Here are some easy ways you can help even more people enjoy our digital collection:
- When you are notified that a digital item you placed a hold on is available, try to check it out as soon as possible.
- You can also schedule an item on hold to be delivered later or cancel the hold entirely if you no longer want it. This reduces the number of titles waiting to be checked out.
- If you finish a book or audiobook before its due date, return it early so others can enjoy it sooner.
If you are interested in getting started with digital materials, including ebooks, eAudiobooks, streaming music, movies, and more, visit northbrook.info/download. You can also reach out to our Fiction & Media Dept. at 847-272-2830, or email us at fictionmedia@northbrook.info.
