How Digital Content Pricing Works
Digital content is amazing.
It allows patrons with disabilities, seniors, or people unable to get to their library to have easy access to reading material. It’s also just plain convenient. But at present, it’s not financially sustainable.
If more than 3 Library patrons place a hold on an item, we are required to purchase it. As more holds are placed, we must purchase multiple copies. This is our library system’s way of making sure each library contributes a fair amount for what their patrons are using.
Ways you can help:
Order the print copy instead. The wait list is usually shorter because they are cheaper and libraries can afford more copies.
If you don’t want the book right away, SAVE it to a tag (list) and place your hold when you’re ready.
Sign up as a NYLA (New York Library Association) advocate to receive updated information on the fight for library funding and legislation! You do not have to be a NYLA member to receive (and act on) action updates.
Write to your senator to help push forward a bill asking for help in negotiating with publishers to make the price libraries pay become more equitable.