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Lawmakers hear librarians, publishers on e‑book access; bill would create commission to study licensing and costs
Summary
Witnesses urged the Joint Committee to create a legislative commission (H3595/S2330) to address high prices and restrictive contracts for e‑books and audiobooks used by Massachusetts public libraries; proponents described accessibility benefits and multi‑million dollar local spending for digital collections.
A separate portion of the Joint Committee's hearing focused on bills to address the rising cost and restrictive licensing of e‑books and e‑audiobooks for public libraries (House Bill 3595 and Senate Bill 2330). Library leaders, a copyright lawyer and publishers described the current market as inequitable for public institutions and urged the legislature to create a special commission to develop state solutions.
Why it matters: witnesses said digital formats are essential for many library patrons—people with disabilities, homebound residents, students with learning differences and those who cannot visit a branch—and that current licensing terms (short rental periods, per‑checkout licensing and high prices) hinder public…
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