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Southborough Library to reconsider NewsBank participation after price increase and low usage
Summary
Director Ryan told trustees NewsBank, the shared newspaper database, will be continued for one year but likely dropped afterward because of a proposed price increase (approximately $28,100) and low patron use; Shrewsbury may retain the account.
Library Director Ryan (Library Director) told trustees the Town of Southborough has been part of a multi-library subscription to NewsBank, which provides access to more than 200 Massachusetts publications, but trustees were warned the subscription has become expensive and usage is low.
"Usage only really peaked during COVID as it did for all of our databases," Ryan said. He told the board that NewsBank is proposing higher fees and expanded access beyond Massachusetts, a change many local libraries do not want. "They're going to continue it for one more year," Ryan said, "but we may not help anymore after this year because we can't pay more than what they're gonna ask. We're already over—it's close to $28,100 next year."
Ryan said the consortium arrangement originated with a previous director and that Shrewsbury’s library — represented by a named contact who was involved in organizing the group — is likely to continue paying the subscription, which could leave Southborough to decide whether to exit the consortium or pay a higher share.
Why it matters: the database is a recurring operating expense. Trustees asked for usage statistics; Ryan said he would share a spreadsheet of database statistics at the next meeting so trustees can assess value against cost.
Trustees did not take a formal vote at the meeting. Ryan said he will present detailed usage data and cost options at a future meeting so trustees can decide whether to continue participating in the NewsBank subscription.
