#eBooksForAll Archives | Page 2 of 2 | American Libraries Magazine

Wrapping Up Digital Book World 2019

By Stephanie Hlywak | September 13, 2019

On September 12, Burleigh discussed the robust ebook and audiobook lending ecosystem. Rakuten Overdrive began servicing libraries in 2003, before publishers were fully on board with selling to the market. Fast forward 16 years, and Burleigh said one of the best things libraries do for publishers and authors is to offer discoverability. For every borrower … Continue reading Wrapping Up Digital Book World 2019 →

From left: Patrick Losinski, CEO, Columbus (Ohio) Metropolitan Library; ALA Executive Director Mary Ghikas; Ramiro S. Salazar, San Antonio Public Library director and president of the Public Library Association; and Kent Oliver, director of Nashville (Tenn.) Public Library. (Photo: Emily Wagner)

ALA Announces #eBooksForAll Campaign

By Steve Zalusky | September 12, 2019

Starting November 1, Macmillan will limit libraries to purchasing one copy of each new ebook and impose an eight-week embargo on buying additional copies. ALA Executive Director Mary Ghikas said Macmillan’s new policy reveals a disturbing trend. ALA, which has been at the forefront of the ebook lending issue for much of the past decade, … Continue reading ALA Announces #eBooksForAll Campaign →

Update on Ebook Advocacy

By Alan S. Inouye | September 9, 2019

ALA President Wanda K. Brown said in a July 25 statement, “When a library serving many thousands has only a single copy of a new title in ebook format, it’s the library—not the publisher—that feels the heat. It’s the local library that’s perceived as being unresponsive to community needs.” While none of the largest publishers … Continue reading Update on Ebook Advocacy →

ALA Statement on New Macmillan Library Lending Model

July 25, 2019

The American Library Association (ALA) denounces the new library ebook lending model announced today by Macmillan Publishers. Under the new model, a library may purchase one copy upon release of a new title in ebook format, after which the publisher will impose an eight-week embargo on additional copies of that title sold to libraries. “Macmillan … Continue reading ALA Statement on New Macmillan Library Lending Model →

Latest Library Links

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Aman Kumar writes: “With tons of options present in the market, it’s tough to choose a perfect web browser for streaming Twitch. Some offer full HD support but consume a lot of system resources, whereas others are battery-efficient but don’t allow streaming in the highest quality possible. To help you make an ideal decision, here are the five best browsers that check all the essential boxes for streaming Twitch.”

MakeUseOf, Aug. 9
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Molly Enking writes: “The catastrophic floods in eastern Kentucky that left dozens of people dead or missing have also devastated a regional cultural center that holds over 50 years of Appalachian art and historical records. On Thursday, the Kentucky River in Whitesburg, Kentucky, swelled to over 20 feet, overwhelming the downtown area with floodwaters. Among the drowned buildings is Appalshop, a renowned local nonprofit that teaches courses and manages an evolving archive of Appalachian oral histories, film, music, art and cultural items.”

Smithsonian Magazine, Aug. 3
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Caitlin Hobbs writes: “There are now a lot of ethical schools of thought out there—more than just Socrates—and it can be a little scary to try to get through them, especially considering the jargon they use. Here, I’ve put my degree to good use by collecting some books on ethics, written with the common person in mind, to help get you started with ethical thinking.”

Book Riot, Aug. 2
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As of August 8, ALA has begun accepting education program proposals for its next Annual Conference and Exhibition, to be held in Chicago June 23–27, 2023. Proposals will be accepted through a single submission site for all ALA divisions, round tables, committees, and offices. The deadline to submit content is midnight Eastern on September 16. For more information, consult the FAQ at alaannual.org.

ALA Conference Services, Aug. 5
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Roy Rivenburg writes: “More than half of America’s 9,000 public library districts now lend nontraditional objects, says Maria McCauley, president of the Public Library Association. Many have also revamped their event calendars to include such programs as punk rock aerobics, speed dating, cow milking demonstrations, and indoor miniature golf. The beyond-books trend began, depending on who is asked, either a decade ago in Sacramento, California, or in the 1800s, most notably in Braddock, Pennsylvania, a Pittsburgh suburb whose library featured a boxing ring, eight billiards tables, a swimming pool, a bowling alley, a game room, and a 964-seat music hall with cushioned opera chairs.”

The Christian Science Monitor, Aug. 3; American Libraries feature, June 2017
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On August 9, the ALA Executive Board issued a statement in response to proposed state legislation that would censor library materials or put at risk the library workers who provide access to information, including information about reproductive health care. “ALA stands committed to the free, fair, and unrestricted exchange of ideas and the right of library patrons to seek information free from observation or unwanted surveillance by the government or other third parties, in accordance with the law and the US Constitution,” the statement reads. “The passage of [recent state legislation prohibiting abortion]—and proposals to adopt similar legislation in other states—has prompted concerns that provisions within those bills may be used to pursue criminal or civil charges against library workers.”

AL: The Scoop, Aug. 9; ALA, Aug. 9
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ALA will hold its 2022 Virtual Volunteer Fair from 3–5 p.m. Central on September 14. The fair is an opportunity for ALA members to speak with committee members and staff liaisons in breakout rooms and learn about the ALA groups that are offering volunteer opportunities. ALA members can drop in and out of the event as needed, but registration is required. A schedule and list of breakout sessions will be sent to registered attendees prior to the event.

ALA Governance, Aug. 8

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