Some of the issues that plague both the publishers and the libraries when it comes to ebook lending are slowly beginning to resolve themselves. As publishers become accustomed to the process and build confidence in the protection of their authors’ works, librarians are excited about the opportunity to offer a growing number of digital titles to their patrons.
3M Library System announced today that it has added 1200 titles from Macmillan’s Minotaur Books imprint to its Cloud Library eBook Lending Service. This is part of Macmillan’s pilot program to allow libraries to access its titles.
“Macmillan’s Minotaur Books imprint has a rich backlist built on best-selling mystery and crime series by the likes of M.C. Beaton, Nevada Barr, and Laurie King,” said Heather McCormack, collection development manager, in a press release. “The pilot offers access to these brand names and more, with the benefit of insight on what has performed best in the consumer market and what will generate the most circulation for Cloud libraries… Macmillan can benefit from our community of engaged collection development librarians who talk up great books – old and new – across social networks.”
While different publishers have had to create their own terms for lending their digital titles, Macmillan’s pilot program allows libraries to purchase the title for 52 checkouts or two years, whichever comes first. All of the titles that they have listed in this program will sell to libraries for $25 each.
Mercy Pilkington is a Senior Editor for Good e-Reader. She is also the CEO and founder of a hybrid publishing and consulting company.
