We Get It, Random House, You Hate Libraries

Random House publishing has raised ebook prices for libraries, up nearly 300 percent for lending books.  This is after last year's library lending cap of checkouts that RH implemented.  Many libraries across the country are complaining and thinking of boycotting the publishing giant.

So there it is.  We thought maybe it was just the situation, but it's us, right?  Come'on, baby, we were so good together.  Why you gotta be like this?  Remember back in the day when we were good together, you all sexy with your booth at ALA with those tote bags and we used to have a good time?  What happened?  We always bought your books, got some good programs back in return.  Is there another giant network of government sponsored programs?  We can do better, we swear.  Just be cool, baby. 

Fine, trial separation then.  You'll be back.  Nobody treated you good as libraries did.  So go, have your fun out there.  We will be here when you come crawling back.

Random House Raises E-Book Prices for Libraries as Much as 300 Percent - DailyTech

Library Head Wishes Patrons Would Protest More

Pictured: Not Mary Hastler

Mary Hastler, director of the Harford County Public Library, is encouraging her patrons to write, email and otherwise contact publishers who are pulling their support for ebook lending.  Like a scene straight from the classic movie Jerry Maguire, Hastler sent 160,000 patrons a letter outlining what is happening and how they can react.  Unlike Jerry Maguire, Hastler will probably not get to hang out with Renee Zellwegger's son and trade random facts on a couch.

I am totally fine with this approach, and I think that more people should contact relevant parties on issues they feel strongly about, but do you think it will make a difference?  Is saying to a major company, "We want your product, but do not want to pay for it!" the best way to make a point?

How about writing to your congressman to suggest programs that could benefit companies that lend to public libraries and schools?  That would be P.R. awesomeness on all parts.  And, well, every other company is getting bailouts, why can't the public benefit?

Harford library head urges readers to protest in e-books dispute - Baltimore Sun (blog)

Something about Penguins Hating Libraries

Penguin Books has pulled its e-titles from publisher Overdrive and from library lending programs. 

Penguin (and other companies that have pulled their support for library lending) claim that putting their books out there for free to the public encourages piracy and profit loss.  I can see their point.  Library's have always promoted piracy.  This past year alone I can not count how many times I caught little old ladies hunched over the copy machine with a copy of The Help.  You have to watch those crazy ladies.

Penguin Stops Selling e-Books to Libraries - Publishers Weekly

Seattle Gets Kindle Library eBooks

The Amazon Kindle, which we have never mentioned before, is beginning beta testing in Seattle for their Kindle Library ebook lending program.  The lending program, which works like this, partners with Overdrive to provide Kindle editions, or the AMZ ebook format, of various items.  Thisismynext contains various links to successful use of the system.

Yep, that's the next story I got.  First watermelons, now a test for an ebook checkout that technically already existed but is now expanded.  What's everybody think about that?  Excited about the Kindle editions?  Thinking about planting your own improbable library victory garden?  Let me know, I guess.  I'll be here.