Library leaders push for commission to tackle rising e‑book licensing costs and access limits

Summary

Librarians, library networks and publishers told the committee that current e‑book and e‑audiobook licensing models significantly limit public access and burden library budgets; sponsors urged creation of a legislative commission (H3595/S2330) to negotiate fair terms and preserve taxpayer value.

Library directors, networks and legal experts urged the legislature to study and reform how libraries buy e‑books and audiobooks, saying current licensing terms impose steep costs and narrow access.

Representative Brian Murray, testifying as a proponent of House Bill 3595, told the joint committee the bill would address contract terms that make digital collections expensive and restrictive for public libraries. "Publishers require licenses for libraries to purchase these electronic materials," Murray said. "These licenses are number one, very restrictive and number two, very expensive."

Several library network directors described the mismatch between consumer pricing and public‑library licensing. Catherine Lussier, executive director of the North of Boston Library Exchange, said: "With physical books we are able to purchase books at a steep discount... With digital content we are required to rent our books at a price that is often five to six times the cost of what…

Library leaders push for commission to tackle rising e‑book licensing costs and access limits

Summary

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