Beginning November 1, Bucks County Free Library will no longer purchase new e-books from Macmillan Publishers. This is because Macmillan has announced that, starting November 1, libraries will only be allowed to buy one copy of Macmillan’s new e-books for the first eight weeks of publication. A major publisher, Macmillan is the parent company of several popular imprints such as: Tor; Henry Holt; Farrar, Straus & Giroux; St. Martin’s Press; and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group. You can see a full list of Macmillan imprints here.
Macmillan’s e-book restriction will result in bad customer service to library users.
- Since BCFL circulates a large number of e-books, having only one copy would create serious problems. The hold list would be so long that the wait time would be months or up to a year. BCFL typically buys one copy for every six holds placed on an e-book. Having only one copy available would be confusing and misleading to our patrons, who expect shorter wait times.
BCFL will purchase Macmillan print and e-audiobooks as needed.
- BCFL will continue to purchase Macmillan print titles and e-audiobooks. We will closely monitor and work to keep up with patron demand.
What are some other reasons BCFL and other libraries are boycotting Macmillan?
- Libraries strive to purchase materials to introduce patrons to new authors and genres. Many patrons with visual and other disabilities rely on e-books for reading, as they can adjust the lighting and text size, and do not need to hold a heavy book or turn physical pages. The library plays a crucial role in making these materials available for those who cannot afford them. We do not want other publishers to follow Macmillan and embargo their books. Libraries across the United States are participating in the boycott for this reason.
If you would like more information, please visit our Downloads & Streaming FAQ page and #eBooksForAll.
