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International library news

Canadian libraries protest high ebook prices

Canadian library organisations have launched a joint protest against the high ebook prices being charged to libraries by major publishers, reports GoodEReader. The Toronto Public Library, Canadian Library Council, Ontario Library Association and the Canadian Library Association have launched the Fair Pricing for Libraries website, which cites examples of libraries being charged three to five times more than consumers. Toronto Public Library city librarian Vickery Bowles told GoodEReader: ‘Ensuring universal access to information in all its forms is key to public libraries’ mandate. But we face serious challenges because of unreasonably high ebook prices.’ In an interview with Torstar News Service, Bowles said that ebook prices, usage restrictions and wait times for customers was ‘unsustainable’. She proposed a ‘hybrid model’ for libraries with lower prices and no usage restrictions for a limited number of copies. The Toronto Public Library is expected to spend almost 20% of its collection budget on ebooks this year.

New partnership between British Library and Library of Birmingham

In the UK, a new cultural partnership has been formed between the British Library and the Library of Birmingham, which will include a special project to mark the 400th anniversary of the death of William Shakespeare, reports the Birmingham Post. The two organisations will work on new and existing joint projects that draw on the Library of Birmingham’s archives, including its unique Shakespeare collection. The initiative will help to support the Library of Birmingham, which has had budget cuts imposed by the city council. The council’s cabinet member for culture told the Post that the partnership is ‘an opportunity to test new ways of working together to increase the impact of both organisations during the Shakespeare anniversary year’. The library’s hours have been slashed from 73 to 40 per week and staff have been made redundant as part of the budget cuts.

Finnish public library numbers halved in 35 years

The number of public libraries in Finland has halved over the past 35 years due to municipal amalgamations, mobile libraries and the rise of online streaming services, reports the Helsinki Times. According to a study published by Statistics Finland, the public library network, which consisted of 4000 libraries in 1960, decreased from 1600 to 790 libraries from 1980 to 2014. Loans, physical and online visits have also decreased significantly. In 2014, public libraries lent nearly 70 million books, a 17% decline from its record year in 1994. Kristiina Kontiainen from the Finnish Library Association told the Times that ‘Finland is a superior library country in terms of loans and visits’ and that there is ‘room for a slight decrease in the levels’.

 

Category: Library news