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Libraries Reduce E-book Hold Limits Amid Rising Demand
As digital reading continues to gain popularity, libraries across North America are responding to increased demand for e-books and audiobooks by reducing the number of holds patrons can place on these digital materials. This shift comes as a necessary adjustment to ensure more equitable access to library resources in a landscape where the volume of titles being requested is on the rise.
Recent Changes in E-book Hold Limits
Recently, the Toronto Public Library, one of the largest library systems in Canada, announced a significant decrease in the maximum number of holds a reader can place through its digital platforms, OverDrive and Libby. The limit has been cut from 30 holds to 15. This change follows an earlier adjustment by the Seattle Public Library, which reduced its holds from 25 to 10 earlier this year.
The Toronto Public Library has experienced remarkable growth in digital checkouts, rising from five million to over 11 million in just six years. However, this surge has resulted in longer wait times for available titles. According to Matt Abbott, the senior manager of collection development at Toronto Public Library, the average wait for an e-book after placing a hold can stretch up to two months. The hope is that the new limit will help to shorten this waiting period, making digital materials more accessible to library patrons.
Understanding E-book Licensing
Abbott elaborated on the library’s reasoning behind placing these caps on holds. E-book licensing operates similarly to traditional print lending, where typically only one person can borrow a particular title at a time. To alleviate wait times, libraries can purchase additional licenses for e-books if the demand—indicated by the number of holds—warrants such an investment. Although the library aims to maintain a hold-to-copy ratio of six to one, financial constraints associated with acquiring certain titles can complicate this goal.
Similar measures have been taken by other institutions facing similar challenges. The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh and libraries in Allegheny County recently reduced their holds on e-books and audiobooks through Libby from 20 to 10. They also limited hoopla borrows from 15 to 5 per month, reflecting a broader trend among libraries to adjust their lending policies in response to escalating digital demand.
Conclusion
The reduction in e-book hold limits across various library systems highlights the increasing challenge libraries face in balancing supply with surging demand in the realm of digital lending. As many readers migrate to e-book formats, libraries are tasked with ensuring their policies remain effective and fair. These strategic changes aim not only to streamline borrowing processes but also to improve the overall user experience for digital library patrons.
In light of these shifting patterns, readers might also be interested in exploring dedicated e-reader options like the Kindle Paperwhite Kids, which is designed for younger audiences, or learning about other e-readers such as the MooInk Nana with its advanced display technology. Ultimately, these adaptations are essential in fostering an inclusive digital readership while responding to the evolving needs of library users in a continuously digitalizing environment.
