E-book Purchase or Perpetual Access: Are They the Same?

Licensing for e-books is complex. As librarians, we must understand the similarities and differences among concurrent, unlimited, non-concurrent, subscription, limited loan, limited term, pay-per-use, and perpetual licenses. Adding to these intricacies, definitions change from vendor to vendor.

Consider the term "purchase." Is this the same as "perpetual?" That depends on the vendor.

Technically, "perpetual" is a type of access. That is, a library continues to have access to a title in perpetuity. If the vendor no longer supports the service, then the library has the right to provide access to that title in another way, e.g., posting it to the library's server, adding to an archive. As long as the vendor or its service is viable, the title is tied to that platform.

The definition of term "purchase" is more varied among vendors. Libraries tend to think of this definition in historical terms. When we purchase a hardback book, that item belongs to the library. We can circulate it to our patrons, ILL it to another library, add it to our book sale, give or throw it away. Many of us would like to think that when we purchase an e-book title, the same activities are available to us, but this is usually not true. Licenses from the publisher and the aggregator usually limit these activities.

One element of "purchase" deals with the platform. If a library purchases an e-book title, shouldn't they have the opportunity to move it to another platform, depending on their needs? Some vendors allow this, but others don’t. Check your current license to see whether you can move your e-book content. Are the "purchases" you have made tied to the platform? If so, you may also be tied to that platform. When you leave, you will be leaving your entire collection. Why shouldn't you be able to take the content with you?

In developing the Amigos eShelf℠ Service, we listened to our members on this specific topic. They asked us to consider e-book content as primary and the platform as secondary. In other words, libraries can purchase e-books through us and, if they choose, can host it elsewhere. Soon, we will be able to host most e-book content that currently lives elsewhere.

Look through the list of titles we currently host to see if any are tied to your platform. We bring new content and publishers in regularly, so keep checking back. If you find titles that are currently tied to your platform, purchase them through Amigos so your library will retain those files and not have to re-purchase again when you move to a different platform.

If you would like more information about the Amigos eShelf℠ Service, contact us at eshelf@amigos.org. Remember us in next year’s budget!