eBook Funding Increases but Access Constrained
February 07, 2025
Celeste Bruno
Communications Director
1-800-952-7403 x208
celeste.bruno@mass.gov
The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) recently awarded $1 million in grants to Automated Networks for purchase of eContent for the Library eBook and Audiobook program (LEA). LEA gives Massachusetts residents access to eBooks, audiobooks, and more from 389 participating libraries across the Commonwealth. These state-funded grants directly support the growing patron demand for eBooks and audiobooks. Usage of the LEA collection has increased from 619,093 items borrowed annually to more than 1.9 million items borrowed annually in just five years.*
The MBLC has increased its support for LEA eContent with more than $5.7 in funding since 2020**. Networks have also increased spending on eContent to more than double what it was five years ago, going from $4.3 million in 2019 to more than $10.4 million in 2024. The LEA collection has grown from 329,189 titles in 2020 to more than 685,000 in 2024.
However, the ability to keep up with residents' demand is constrained by high pricing to libraries and publisher restrictions, such as whether libraries can own or lease titles, how many copies libraries can get, and how long libraries must wait after the book is released to the general public. Publishers often charge libraries five to six times the consumer cost for eBook and digital audiobook licenses that, unlike physical materials, expire over time or after a certain number of checkouts. Some titles are not available to libraries at all. Patrons often wait months to access an eBook title.
Below is a comparison of library and consumer pricing and licensing for the book You Like it Darker by Stephen King.
| Library eBook | Consumer eBook (Kindle) | Library Audiobook | Consumer Audiobook (Audible) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $59.99 | $14.99 | $129.99 | $26.24 |
| Licensing | Expires after 24 months; one user at a time | No expiration | Expires after 24 months; one user at a time | No expiration |
In an effort to provide greater access through more equitable pricing, the Massachusetts Library Association is working with state legislature. The Bills are as follows:
- SD.2329 An Act addressing challenges facing public libraries and digital resource collections by Senator Feeney.
- House Bill HD.1221, An Act addressing challenges facing public libraries and digital resource collections filed by Representative Murray
In addition to the LEA eContent grants, MBLC Commissioners also awarded $94,000 in LEA platform grants which offset the fee networks pay to use OverDrive, the software and app that delivers the eContent for LEA. Grant awards are listed below.
| Network | FY2025 Award (Content) | FY2025 Award (Platform) |
|---|---|---|
| CLAMS | $64,868.96 | $12,000 |
| CW MARS | $162,491.87 | $12,000 |
| MBLN | $219,391.74 | $10,000 |
| Minuteman Library Network | $214,078.23 | $12,000 |
| MVLC | $73,684.13 | $12,000 |
| NOBLE | $73,381.12 | $12,000 |
| OCLN | $100,332.62 | $12,000 |
| SAILS | $91,771.32 | $12,000 |
| Total | $1,000,000.00 | $94,000 |
Funding for the LEA eContent Grant is possible through the MBLC's Library Technology and Resource Sharing budget line 7000-9506. LEA platform grants are made possible by the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services. Residents can find more information and start using LEA on libraries.state.ma.us
*Data from the MA Overdrive RLA/LEA Dashboard; 2019 was the first year of the LEA program.
**MBLC funding from FY2020-FY2025
About MBLC
The Board of Library Commissioners (mass.gov/mblc) is the agency of state government with the statutory authority and responsibility to organize, develop, coordinate and improve library services throughout the Commonwealth. The Board advises municipalities and library trustees on the operation and maintenance of public libraries, including construction and renovation. It administers state and federal grant programs for libraries and promotes cooperation among all types of libraries through regional library systems and automated resource sharing. It also works to ensure that all residents of the Commonwealth, regardless of their geographic location, social or economic status, age, level of physical or intellectual ability or cultural background, have access to essential new electronic information technologies and significant electronic databases.