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e-book costs in libraries

Why can't my library buy more ebooks and audiobooks? Costs are too high for libraries and access is limited. Print books are owned by the library and can be used for decades until they're worn out. e-books and digital audiobooks are licensed - libraries don't own them.
e-books and audiobooks are free for patrons to use, but not free for libraries to offer.For example, a print book costs the same for a consumer and a library, but the same title in ebook may cost $16.99 for a consumer, but $67.99 for a library.
The cost per circulation of an electronic title is 3.7x higher than a physical title. Three people could check out the same print book for less than the cost of a single e-book checkout.
e-content usage is increasing by 25% for e-books, and 15% for digital audiobooks.
How does this affect my community? Libraries will reach their budget breaking point, you'll have limited options and hold wait lists will get even longer.
Illinois is known for its leadership in support of libraries but if publishers continue to control the terms of digital content for libraries, we'll see an erosion of resource sharing across the state.
How can I help? Keep borrowing e-content from your local library to help us advocate for funding, and stay informed and support legislation and library organizations.