MobileRead Forums - View Single Post - Harper Collins' response to new library lending policy

Kali Yuga · 03-01-2011, 11:24 PM

I know this will come as a surprise to many of you

but if my understanding of pricing is correct, then the vitriol is a tad overstated.

Apparently Harper Collins sells the ebooks to the libraries at a 20% discount. In comparison, many publishers sell it at a 150% markup.

For a $10 ebook, this runs the library about 38¢ per checkout. The library also saves in that there are no overdue fees and minimal checkout time.

With other publishers, they may charge $25 for that ebook. The title would need to be checked out over 60 times before it becomes cheaper than the Harper Collins option.

For some of the high-demand best sellers, yes the single fee is better. For everything else, the HC option isn't that bad.

So, if it isn't necessarily cost, what are people reacting to then? I'd assume that the publishers are treating library ebooks like a license rather than a purchase.

I won't say this is great, but I do think it's not that bad, especially if the checkout durations are extended and the prices do drop as the demand for a specific title drops.

03-01-2011, 11:24 PM	#11
Kali Yuga Professional Contrarian Posts: 2,045 Karma: 3289631 Join Date: Mar 2009 Device: Kindle 4 No Touchie	I know this will come as a surprise to many of you but if my understanding of pricing is correct, then the vitriol is a tad overstated. Apparently Harper Collins sells the ebooks to the libraries at a 20% discount. In comparison, many publishers sell it at a 150% markup. For a $10 ebook, this runs the library about 38¢ per checkout. The library also saves in that there are no overdue fees and minimal checkout time. With other publishers, they may charge $25 for that ebook. The title would need to be checked out over 60 times before it becomes cheaper than the Harper Collins option. For some of the high-demand best sellers, yes the single fee is better. For everything else, the HC option isn't that bad. So, if it isn't necessarily cost, what are people reacting to then? I'd assume that the publishers are treating library ebooks like a license rather than a purchase. I won't say this is great, but I do think it's not that bad, especially if the checkout durations are extended and the prices do drop as the demand for a specific title drops.