Frequently Asked Questions

Beginning November 1, 2019, Macmillan publishers, one of the country's big five publishers, imposed an eight-week embargo on new ebooks. This embargo means that for the first eight weeks after a book is released, libraries will only be able to purchase a single copy of new Macmillan ebooks. This restriction applies whether a library serves a community of a thousand people or a million people.  After eight weeks, libraries can purchase metered access copies of the ebooks. The regular cost of an ebook to libraries is often up to four times higher than the regular retail price, and includes limitations, such as 26 circulations only.

SCPL has carefully considered the options here, watching what other public libraries are doing, and has decided to join the boycott of Macmillan ebooks.

Why did SCPL make this decision?

We want to provide the greatest amount of access to resources that we can.  If we continue to purchase licenses of ebooks under Macmillan's new restrictive terms, we are agreeing to Macmillan's new model.  Other publishers may also decide that this model will work best for them and libraries will continue to lose the ability to provide access to titles that our patrons want, closer to the time when they want them.  

What does this mean for our patrons?

For the ebook titles published by Macmillan, our patrons may need to wait longer, or not have access at all.  We provide Macmillan ebooks through Northern California Digital Library consortium, through OverDrive.  NCDL is not joining the boycott, though will only be able to purchase one ebook license for all of the 17 member libraries.  They have put the following wording on a  banner on their website and in the OverDrive app:  Macmillan Publishers is limiting their ebook offerings to libraries.  SCPL will not be purchasing any Advantage copies of Macmillan titles (these are the copies that are ordered by our selectors and can only be checked out by SCPL patrons).

Selectors will order additional print copies of Macmillan titles as needed to meet demand.  

How long will this boycott last?

Santa Cruz Public Libraries will participate in the boycott through December 31, 2020 or until Macmillan drops its embargo, whichever comes first.

How many libraries have joined the boycott?  

As of this post, there are 74 library systems and consortia suspending the purchase of Macmillan ebooks.  These represent 1,144 library locations in 26 states, and serve over 46 million U.S. residents, approximately 14% of the total population.  SCPL joins Nevada County, Sacramento Public, San Diego Public, San Jose Public, Sutter County, and Yolo County in California.  Click here for a list of other participating library systems.