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Libraries Struggle as E-Book Waitlists Reach “Astronomical” Levels
Libraries across Ottawa are grappling with overwhelming demand for their most popular e-books. Despite maintaining robust digital collections, readers are facing months-long – and in some cases, year-long – waitlists for the year’s top titles. The Ottawa Public Library (OPL) attributes these delays to restrictive e-book pricing and licensing policies imposed by major publishers.
Long Waitlists for Bestsellers
Kristin Hannah’s The Women, a bestselling novel set during the Vietnam War, has become Ottawa Public Library’s most sought-after e-book in 2024. However, even with 75 digital copies available, over 1,200 readers are queued to borrow the title. With loans capped at 21 days, new users could wait well over a year to access it.
Louise Penny’s The Grey Wolf tells a similar story. The library’s collection of 50 digital copies cannot keep up with demand, leaving approximately 750 readers in line. Non-fiction isn’t faring much better—Jonathan Haidt’s The Anxious Generation has nearly 300 people waiting for one of just 26 available copies.
Sarah Macintyre, OPL’s division manager of client services, admits this challenge is not unique to a handful of titles: “A diverse readership means many books generate hundreds of holds. It’s a significant challenge when demand completely outpaces availability.”
Pandemic Boost in E-Book Demand
The surge in e-book borrowing began during the COVID-19 pandemic, intensifying what was already a rising trend. Between 2019 and 2023, the number of digital library users grew from 50,000 to over 77,000. Checkouts followed suit, skyrocketing from 887,000 in 2019 to over 1.1 million just a year later.
Yet, libraries are stretched thin due to the overwhelmingly higher cost of digital books. Macintyre notes that public libraries typically pay two to six times more for e-books than physical copies. This dynamic forces tough budget decisions, limiting how many copies libraries can afford to purchase.
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Today, OPL spends nearly 40% of its materials budget on electronic content—up from just 11% in 2014—yet its digital collection has slightly decreased since 2020.
Restrictive Publisher Practices Hinder Solutions
The Canadian Urban Libraries Council (CULC) identifies e-book licensing and access policies by major publishers as the root cause of these issues. Known as the “Big Five”—Hachette, HarperCollins, Macmillan, Penguin Random House, and Simon & Schuster—these publishers impose strict limitations on libraries. Many e-books are sold on restrictive licenses lasting only 12 to 24 months or a specific number of circulations, forcing libraries to repurchase popular titles repeatedly.
Beyond licensing, publishers also embargo high-demand new releases, delaying their availability to libraries by months. This ensures consumers purchase retail copies first, exacerbating delays in access for library borrowers.
“It’s a stark contrast to physical books,” says Mary Chevreau, executive director of the CULC. “Libraries buy print titles once and keep them indefinitely—until they’re worn out or ‘well-loved.’ There’s no equivalent for e-books, where licensing replaces ownership.”
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Libraries Innovate to Manage Demand
Faced with mounting pressure, libraries like OPL are finding creative ways to serve their communities despite these barriers. Reciprocal lending programs allow Ottawa cardholders to access e-book collections from other libraries in Ontario. The library has also introduced an “express collection” of popular books that are available on a first-come, first-served basis, bypassing holds entirely.
Macintyre notes that some readers have begun adapting by placing holds on multiple formats—print, audio, and digital—while others spread their holds across various titles to ensure consistent access. With audiobooks growing in popularity, partnerships such as Kobo PodToo’s audiobook integration offer an additional avenue for readers seeking greater accessibility options.
However, for long-term change, experts like Chevreau argue that legislative action is necessary. “Restrictive pricing practices need to end for libraries to meet the needs of their communities,” she adds.
E-books remain a critical offering for libraries because of their flexibility and accessibility features, such as adjustable text sizes for readers with disabilities. However, until publishing practices evolve or legislation enforces fairer pricing, libraries and their patrons are stuck in a frustrating cycle of demand outstripping supply.
