|
None of us have seen the actual contracts. Overdrive isn't saying anything (wisely, since the AG's office is involved), so you're basically getting one side of the story. And, of course, the librarians don't have a contract with 3M or anyone else yet to which they would transfer management of the content.
The Kansas libraries got a sweetheart deal in 2006, and their fees have remained a flat $10,000 per year despite a 10x increase in usage (or any expected future increases). The increase, by the way, apparently ends up as an average of $200 in admin fees per library, per year.
The libraries are justified in knowing whether they're licensing or purchasing content, and I do agree that it's legitimate to choose a service based on whether you purchase or license content. But it sounds like they are also not willing to pay what the service really costs. As such, my sympathy for them is somewhat limited.
|