US Libraries Push Back Against Publisher Ebook Pricing Models
The Public Library Association and four other library organizations have signed a joint statement urging publishers to adopt more sustainable ebook lending models for libraries. Rhode Island has already passed a law against predatory ebook and digital audiobook pricing, while Illinois has a similar bill in committee. The Connecticut Library Consortium is calling on more states to follow suit.
Welcome back, library friends. We’ve got some hot topics to explore today, including ebook pricing, social reading, and some very misguided conclusions from a recent Authors Guild study. Let’s dive in. Ebook Pricing Hot Topic For Libraries Library organizations are taking up the mantle of ebook pricing again. The Public Library Association and four other organizations have signed on to a joint statement urging publishers to work with libraries to create more sustainable ebook lending models, and more states are taking up legislation to address the problem. Rhode Island just passed a law against predatory pricing models for ebooks and digital audiobooks, Illinois has a similar law moving through committee, and the Connecticut Library Consortium is calling on more states to do the same. Prepare to read more about this in the coming months. Authors Guild Says Libraries Partly Why Authors Aren’t Making More Money Ah! But the plot thickens! The Authors Guild released a new study examining why authors aren’t making as much money as they used to, and a major part of the study focused on library usage and how more readers are borrowing, rather than buying, new books. All right, Authors Guild: we’re not arguing that authors are earning less than they used to, but this isn’t a good look. Not only are libraries one of the best ways for readers to discover authors and backlist titles, but we’re also not a profession you want to pick a fight with. Also, do you really think readers are going to buy more books in the 2026 economy? There’s definitely a problem here, but libraries are not the enemy. (Related: this USA Today article that looks at how the publishing industry needs to balance profitability with discoverability and accessibility. You know what helps boost discoverability and accessibility? Libraries.) Reading Is More Social Settling in with a book is no longer the solitary activity it used to be. Around the world, reading is becoming more and more social, and people are taking notice. Reese Witherspoon’s book club, for example, is hosting its first in-person fan fest in New York City, and we’re seeing more book-themed tourism and group travel pop up on social media. Or as this headline says, “I traveled to three countries with 30 strangers who all love the same books. You should, too.” Okay, maybe your library won’t host any international trips, but some popular author- or series-themed meetups might be of interest. Did you know that our All Access program now offers group memberships? Check it out!
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I live in a two coffee-drinker household, and my husband and I don't always agree on what makes a perfect cup of coffee. Luckily, with the Ninja AutoBarista Pro, we don't have to come to a compromise. This machine lets you easily swap out two different kinds of whole beans plus whatever pre-ground beans you like. In addition, you can set up two different user profiles for each kind of coffee beverage you make.The Ninja AutoBarista Pro is a fully automatic coffee and espresso machine. You put whole beans in, and the machine brews your perfect cup of Espresso, Lungo, Drip Coffee, Americano, Cold-Pressed, Over Ice, Cortado, Flat White, Latte, Cappuccino, Iced Latte, or Cold Brew. In my Ninja AutoBarista Pro review, I mentioned that it comes with two interchangeable coffee bean hoppers and that you could set up two different user profiles for each type of coffee beverage.(Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)He likes extra dark roast whereas I prefer more of a medium-dark roast. Thanks to Ninja's two-hopper system, we can each have our own beans and easily swap them out as needed by just switching hoppers. It's that simple. The first time you put each hopper in place, Grind iQ will run a cycle to determine the perfect grind for each set of beans. Additionally, there is a pre-ground coffee chute. You can choose to bypass the whole bean hopper if you prefer to use pre-ground beans at any time.My own personal espresso(Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)In addition to changing out the beans, you can also save two different user profiles for each type of coffee you can make with the Ninja AutoBarista Pro. To set up the first user profile, you select a drink, choose the brew strength, temperature, and number of shots. Press the user profile button and the User One indicator will light up. Press and hold that button for a couple of seconds until you hear a confirmation beep. Now you're all set! Do the same thing for User Two, only you'll need to press the button twice so the second user profile is indicated before doing the long press. Karen Freeman / FutureKaren Freeman / FutureOnce you've set up user profiles, the Ninja AutoBarista Pro will always default to User One. If you're User Two, just press the user profile button twice, so the light above User Two is lit up. Then start your brew.(Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)This makes a heck of a lot more sense than having two different coffee machines in one kitchen in order to accommodate two different coffee drinkers' preferences. It couldn't be easier to set up and use; frankly it probably took you longer to read this article than it will take to actually do it.
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