ALA Challenges HarperCollins eBook Lending Policy

In a press release, the American Library Association (ALA) criticized HarperCollins’ eBook lending policy that limits library eBook checkouts to 26 loans. The ALA expressed “grave concern” over the policy.

ALA president Roberta Stevens had this statement: “Crafting 21st century solutions for equitable access to information while ensuring authors and publishers have a fair return on their investments is our common goal. The transition to the e-book format should not result in less availability. The marketplace for e-books is changing rapidly.