‘Astronomical’ hold queues on year’s top e-books frustrate readers, libraries
As the year comes to a close, book lovers in Ottawa are eagerly waiting for their turn to read the Ottawa Public Library’s most popular e-books of 2024. However, due to the overwhelming demand and restrictive e-book publishing practices by major publishers, readers may find themselves waiting well into the next year before getting their hands on these coveted titles.
One of the library’s most sought-after books of the year is Kristin Hannah’s “The Women,” a gripping novel set during the Vietnam War. Despite the library offering 75 copies of the e-book, the waitlist currently stands at a staggering 1,200 people. With a borrowing period of 21 days, someone placing a hold on the e-book today could be waiting for over a year before it becomes available.
Similar queues are seen for other popular titles like Louise Penny’s “The Grey Wolf” and Jonathan Haidt’s “The Anxious Generation.” The diverse readership in Ottawa means that a wide range of books can generate hundreds of holds, making the waiting list even longer.
The surge in e-book popularity during the pandemic has only exacerbated the issue, with the number of e-book checkouts skyrocketing in recent years. The high cost of e-books compared to physical copies makes it challenging for libraries to keep up with the demand. Depending on the title, public libraries may pay significantly more for an e-book than its print edition, sometimes up to six times the price.
In addition to the high prices, major publishers have implemented restrictive practices that further limit access to e-books. Publishers often sell licenses for e-books to libraries for a limited time or a limited number of circulations, forcing libraries to repurchase access once the license expires. This practice, known as throttling, is unique to e-books and has led to longer wait times for popular titles.
To adapt to the situation, Ottawa Public Library has implemented reciprocal lending programs and curated collections to meet the community’s needs. Readers are also encouraged to place holds on multiple books across different formats and gradually read them as they become available.
However, long-term solutions may require legislative intervention to address the prohibitive costs and restrictive publishing practices associated with digital materials. Despite ongoing efforts, achieving clarity and legislation to protect libraries’ ability to purchase e-books at a reasonable cost remains a challenge in Canada.
In the end, the goal is to provide good content in the format that people want it, ensuring that everyone has access to the books they love. As book lovers eagerly await their turn to dive into the library’s most popular e-books, the hope is that changes will be made to make these literary treasures more accessible to all.
