Hi all, and sorry for any X-postings.
As you're likely aware, Maryland passed a law requiring publishers that license ebooks/digital audiobooks to individuals also to license to libraries under "reasonable terms."
So, what is "reasonable"? The Maryland Library Association has released a statement interpreting the legislation and inviting individual publishers to enter into dialog. There's also a press release with comments from the ALA President, among others.
If you don't mind plowing though my usual sort of post, here's a commentary. An executive summary is probably a good idea, though.
The statement is far from radical. It does not undermine the idea of a license-it is something we thought we could get passed to prevent embargoing. It does not set a specific cost or other license terms cost as reasonable. It encourages a wide range of possible models. The key is libraries should be getting roughly the "bang per book" (hardy har-rim shot!) on average in digital that we get from physical, in order for digital content to be sustainable and for libraries to develop the rich collections in digital that we can offer in print.
If you get a chance to review, please let me know what you think.
The legislation does not go as far as many in the library community might like, but we view it as a good first step.
Michael
Michael Blackwell
Director, St Mary's County Library
23630 Hayden Farm Lane
Leonardtown, MD 20650
301-475-2151 x5013
Cell phone: 301-904-3048
mblackwell@stmalib.org