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ALA E-Book Media and Communications Toolkit

“Since January 2012, the ALA Digital Content & Libraries Working Group has focused on e-book library lending – particularly around major publishers that refuse to offer their titles through our nation’s libraries, have dramatically raised prices, or have introduced new restrictions. And we have made some progress. As of April 2013, all of the “Big Six” publishers are now engaged in library e-lending pilots or provide some/all of their titles for purchase by libraries. (See FAQ for details.) While there has been some movement, it is not enough. Librarians and our allies must speak out forcefully in communities across the country. Everyone needs to know that libraries offer e-books and 21st century library services, but we are unable to offer all the e-reading choices our patrons need because some publishers still restrict access. ALA provides this toolkit of resources to support your efforts to address this national problem. Among the tools are templates and guidelines for using them with editorial and news media contacts, news hooks you can use locally, tips for relationship building with media contacts, and links to examples of e-book-related editorials and news stories. We will continue to add and update materials as quickly as possible, but we also urge you to stay informed on this swiftly changing landscape. The American Libraries E-Content blog and ALA Transforming Libraries website provide the latest breaking news, as well as information about new studies and reports. We know conversations extend beyond the media, as well, and we encourage you to keep your patrons and community leaders informed and connect with state and local peers to promote library-friendly options.”

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