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Macmillan Cancels Its Ebook Embargo; ALA Responds

‘There are times in life when differences should be put aside,’ reads a brief memo from Macmillan CEO John Sargent addressed to librarians, authors, illustrators, and agents. ‘Effective on Friday (or whenever thereafter our wholesalers can effect the change), Macmillan will return to the library e-book pricing model that was in effect on October 31st, 2019. In addition, we will be lowering some e-book prices on a short term basis to help expand [libraries’] collections in these difficult times. Stay safe.’

A Macmillan spokesperson confirmed that the removal of the embargo covers all titles, including new release Tor titles (which were technically still under a ‘test’ embargo on October 31, 2019).

ALA’s director of public policy and government relations, Alan Inouye, issued a statement: “Equitable access to digital content is more important than ever as libraries continue to serve their communities amid rapidly changing circumstances. Macmillan’s return to its original lending terms signals a new starting point for all publishers to consider how they can work with libraries to ensure—and expand— access for all readers. ALA looks forward to working with publishers to make that happen.”

For more information, read the PW article and the ALA press release.