MobileRead Forums - View Single Post - HOW does the library/overdrive/publisher thing work?

gracie · 12-21-2011, 07:27 PM

First - I AM NOT TRYING TO START A URINATION FESTIVAL OR FLAME WAR OR ANYTHING ELSE... I'm trying to understand how decisions get made...

I sent my local library a request for a couple titles. I get a response that there were earlier titles from the author that WERE available from the publisher, but NONE of the "current" titles were available to the library. All the titles are available from Kobo or Amazon or B&N for purchase. AND, all the titles I requested are available in the library on paper and/or audio.

So, WHAT is the reasoning that causes a publisher to decide title A from an author will be available to the library as an ebook, but title B from the same author won't? But at the same time, both A AND B are available to the library on paper and audio book...

I presume there's some algorithm that makes sense, but with the growing popularity of e-readers, why would the publisher turn down sales to the library system?

12-21-2011, 07:27 PM	#1
gracie Enthusiast Posts: 39 Karma: 290320 Join Date: Dec 2011 Device: Nook Color	HOW does the library/overdrive/publisher thing work? First - I AM NOT TRYING TO START A URINATION FESTIVAL OR FLAME WAR OR ANYTHING ELSE... I'm trying to understand how decisions get made... I sent my local library a request for a couple titles. I get a response that there were earlier titles from the author that WERE available from the publisher, but NONE of the "current" titles were available to the library. All the titles are available from Kobo or Amazon or B&N for purchase. AND, all the titles I requested are available in the library on paper and/or audio. So, WHAT is the reasoning that causes a publisher to decide title A from an author will be available to the library as an ebook, but title B from the same author won't? But at the same time, both A AND B are available to the library on paper and audio book... I presume there's some algorithm that makes sense, but with the growing popularity of e-readers, why would the publisher turn down sales to the library system?