An overview of public libraries and ebooks, from an independent publishers' perspective. Presented at IBPA PubU Online on January 12, 2022, but Guy LeCharles Gonzalez. Learn more at loudpoet.com

1. 1
Engaging New Readers with Ebooks
in Public Libraries
IBPA PubU Online: January 12, 2022

2. 2
Public Libraries in
the US
 “Visiting the library remains the
most common cultural activity
Americans engage in.”
—Gallup, 2019
 16,568 public libraries​
 2,496 independent bookstores
 627 B&N stores

3. 3
Libraries Serve
Readers Everywhere
 44.5% are located in rural areas,
few of which have access to a
Barnes & Noble or independent
bookstore.
* The Use and Cost of Public Library Materials: Trends Before the COVID-
19 Pandemic, Jan. 2021, IMLS. (PDF)
https://www.imls.gov/sites/default/files/2021-02/pls_fy18_research_brief.pdf

4. 4
Libraries Meet
Consumer Demand
The percentage of libraries offering
electronic collection materials
increased from 80 percent in FY
2014 to 90 percent in FY 2018.
During this time, per person
spending on physical materials
decreased by 6%, while median per
person spending on electronic
materials increased 31%.
* The Use and Cost of Public Library Materials: Trends Before the COVID-
19 Pandemic, Jan. 2021, IMLS. (PDF)
https://www.imls.gov/sites/default/files/2021-02/pls_fy18_research_brief.pdf

5. 5
Library Patrons
Love Ebooks
“OverDrive reported some 506
million digital lends (e-book,
audiobook, and digital magazine) in
2021, a 16% increase over 2020.”
OverDrive Reports More than Half a Billion Digital Library Loans in 2021
https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/libraries/article/88220-
overdrive-reports-more-than-half-a-billion-digital-library-loans-in-2021.html

6. 6
Libraries Drive
Discovery & Sales
"Libraries, bookstores, and online
channels mutually reinforce each
other, leading to engagement and
sales in other channels.”
“75% of respondents have library
cards, and of those, 54.7% (41.5% of
general survey respondents) buy the
book rather than wait when a book is
unavailable from the library."
Panorama Project Releases Immersive Media & Books 2020 Research Report by
Noorda and Berens
https://www.panoramaproject.org/news/2021/2/10/panorama-project-releases-
immersive-media-amp-books-2020-research-report

7. 7
Library Ebook Licensing Models
 One-Copy/One-User (similar to print)
 Perpetual access: Ebook never needs to replaced
 Metered access (checkouts): Checkout limit aligned to print viability
 Metered access (time): Ignores usage, for better or worse
 Cost per circ: Driven by demand
 Simultaneous access (embrace digital)
 Perpetual access: Ebook never needs to replaced
 Metered access (checkouts): Checkout limit aligned to print viability
 Metered access (time): Ignores usage, for better or worse
 Cost per circ: Driven by demand
 Unlimited access: Similar to streaming and subscription services
 What about pricing?
 Work with your distributor to determine optimal strategy
 What about alternatives?
 Connect with Library Futures to learn more

8. 8
Libraries Drive Circulation & Revenue
How do libraries acquire and market ebooks?
 Discovery
 Patron demand
 Distributors: Amazon, Ingram, IPG, OverDrive
 Trade: Catalogs, ARCs, Reviews, Bestseller lists
 Reviews: Traditional, Paid, Social proof
Readers Advisory
Programming opportunities
 Public Library Events & Book Sales Survey
 https://www.panoramaproject.org/public-library-events-book-sales-survey
What is a library’s marketing worth?
Library Marketing Valuation Toolkit
 https://www.panoramaproject.org/library-marketing-valuation-toolkit

9. 9
Guy LeCharles Gonzalez
 Chief Content Officer, LibraryPass
 Previously, he was the project lead for the Panorama Project;
publisher and marketing director for Writer’s Digest; director,
content strategy & audience development for Library Journal
& School Library Journal; and founding director of
programming & business development for Digital Book
World.
 Web: loudpoet.com
 Twitter: @glecharles
 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/guylgonzalez/