Why can't I get this eAudio from ECRL?

As mentioned in a previous blog post (Why can't I get this eBook from ECRL?), unlike a regular consumer, a library cannot pay Amazon or Barnes & Noble for an eBook and then lend it out to our patrons. We can buy a printed book from these companies, put it on the shelf, and lend it out--but digital content is different. Instead, publishers sell their content to OverDrive, our eBook vendor, who then allows libraries to license titles from them to lend out. 

In June, East Central Regional Library launched its eAudio collection with Overdrive.  The story is the same with eAudio.  The following popular eAudio publishers and their subsidiaries currently refuse to sell or license eAudio to libraries through Overdrive:

·         Brilliance Audio        

·         Recorded Books      

We desperately want to offer you eAudio from these publishers, but the companies won't let us.  As your library, we commit to continuing advocacy for change in these policies.

ECRL has now offered eAudio for two months, and we are just starting to build the collection. The following publishers currently sell and/or license eBooks and audiobooks to libraries:

• AudioGo
• Blackstone Audio
• Books on Tape
• Hachette Book Group
• HarperCollins
•  Listening Library
• Penguin Group
• Simon & Schuster
• Tantor Media
• Many smaller publishers

We appreciate their commitment to digital content for libraries.

A final reminder: If you would like to request that ECRL purchase a specific eAudio or eBook title, you may make suggestions by sending an email with the title and author to ecregion@ecrlib.org.   All suggested items will not be purchased, since suggestions will be considered with regard to collection development plans and budget available.

Sarah Biro, Branch Librarian, Chisago Lakes Area Library