Webinar Presenters: Henry Bankhead, Sarah Houghton-Jan, Mark Coker, Eli Neiburger, and Mary Minow

• Is there true ownership of eBooks for libraries?
• Can libraries exist without ownership of eBooks?
• What is the best access model for eBooks?
• Is there a right of first sale that applies to eBooks?

The recent decision by HarperCollins to switch to a licensing model for eBooks has the public library world in an uproar and has spawned numerous boycotts of HarperCollins by public libraries. Instead of allowing libraries to “purchase” one digital copy and lend it sequentially to an unlimited number of library users, HarperCollins has instead opted to only license each of their eBooks for 26 uses. After the 26 circulations are used up, the library must purchase an additional license.

This change has primarily affected Overdrive users, the lion’s share of the public library eBook market, but will apply to all distributors of HarperCollins eBook content. More important, this shift exposes the questionable nature of ownership in the library and consumer eBook landscape.

Monday, April 11, 2011
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Online

For additional details and registration information visit:  InfoPeople: Can eBooks Fit into the Print Book Paradigm: Publishers and eBook Lending Limits