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Public libraries play a vital role in facilitating access to a variety of materials, and in recent years, they have increasingly focused on making digital content available. With the rise of streaming services, libraries can now offer patrons easy access to their next book, audiobook, or film through partnerships with platforms like hoopla. Hoopla acts as a liaison between local libraries and content creators, negotiating the rights and financial terms for audiobooks, ebooks, and digital video. The platform then hosts these materials for library patrons to access.
The steep costs associated with acquiring ebooks for libraries have garnered attention in recent years. A noteworthy analysis by librarian Jennie Rothschild highlighted these expenses, particularly in light of the surge in demand for digital resources during the pandemic. Many turned to their local libraries for entertainment, information, and connection when in-person visits were limited.
According to a report released in 2023, digital material usage at libraries has surged by 34% since 2019. For instance, Woodstock Public Library in Illinois reported a significant increase in digital item borrowings—from 6,402 items in 2023 to 9,213 in 2024, representing an almost 40% rise. Among the most popular categories were audiobooks, movies, ebooks, and comics.
Despite this increased demand, many libraries face stagnant budgets that do not account for the rising costs of digital materials. In one case, a library system considered closing three branches primarily due to escalating expenses related to content acquisition, showing the strain that digital resources place on library operations.
Libraries typically acquire digital content through major vendors, including OverDrive (which operates the Libby app), Kanopy, and hoopla. Each vendor has its own model: OverDrive/Libby operates like a traditional library system, managing what content is available for borrowing, while hoopla offers immediate access to its catalog but charges libraries for each individual use. This immediate access can lead to challenges in managing budgets.
In the OverDrive/Libby model, libraries purchase a specific number of licenses for titles, necessitating a waitlist for popular items. With hoopla, patrons can borrow items instantly, but the pay-per-use model places financial pressure on libraries, as they must pay for each rental. Consequently, libraries are often caught in a bind, wanting to provide access while managing tight budgets.
To cope, many libraries have started limiting the number of items patrons can borrow through hoopla. For instance, the West Allis Public Library in Wisconsin reduced the monthly limit from four to two items per patron. Some libraries, like the Greenfield Public Library, have opted to eliminate hoopla from their offerings, reacting to budget constraints and the immediate expenses associated with high demand for digital materials.
This shift reflects a broader trend among libraries, as they navigate the complexities of providing digital resources with restrictive budgets. While some patrons understand the necessity of these changes, the loss of access to popular platforms like hoopla signals significant challenges ahead. Such developments may become more common, raising concerns about how libraries will continue to meet the growing interest in digital content.
As libraries face these challenges, it is crucial to recognize the broader context of their funding and operational realities. Although costs for ebooks and digital audiobooks are soaring, not all content providers are increasing their prices at the same alarming rates. There’s an ongoing dialogue about how libraries can best manage their resources while advocating for fair treatment in their negotiations with digital content providers.
In conclusion, libraries remain dedicated to providing access to both digital and physical resources. However, as the landscape changes, it is essential for patrons to understand the complexities their libraries face and to advocate for support that will allow these important institutions to continue serving their communities effectively.
Source
bookriot.com