Libraries angered over e-books

PRINCE GEORGE – Public libraries are fighting back after a major publishing house has placed restrictions on the purchase of e-books, come November 1st. Macmillan Publishing is limiting access to new publications.

“Whenever they release a book, for that first eight weeks when the demand is highest, they will only sell one copy of an e-book to a library,” says Ignacio Albarracin, Manager of Public Service for the Prince George Public Library. “Regardless of its size.”

He says this latest move comes on top of other restrictions around e-books, like limited licences and higher purchase prices.

“We asking publishers just to sit down with us and have that conversation. How do we find that balance between our need to ensure people can access information with the business side.”