About the eBook Study Group

In response to the lack of equitable terms and fair pricing for library ebooks, a new emerging coalition of state legislators, librarians, and library stakeholders in numerous states are recommending the adoption of state law based on consumer protection, contract law, and contract preemption to regulate library ebook contracts with publishers.

Most publishers and eBook aggregators force libraries to acquire ebooks with licensing terms that make it impossible for them to meet their standard access and preservation missions.

We encourage every librarian and community member to take the following steps:

  • Connect with us! We work with state library organizations and legislative committees to draft state specific bill based on our legal research and your state's laws.
  • Take action in supporting the bills in your state. Contact your local representatives to voice your support. Start or sign a petition in support of bills in your state. 
  • Voice your support for eBook Study Group. Contact us to have your story posted on our website!

The eBook Study Group invites interested stakeholders to be a part of this multi-state movement to address these issues of digital rights and library equity. Please sign up now for our irregular newsletter to stay in touch. 

 

Supporting Organizations

 

                                              

                                                                

Recent Updates

Why Massachusetts Needs a Commission on eBook Licensing

This week, I had the opportunity to testify before the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development in support of two important bills: H.3595 and S.2330. These bills would establish a state special commission to study and recommend solutions to one of the most urgent and persistent challenges facing libraries today: the non-negotiable, restrictive rental agreements imposed by publishers. These eBook rental agreements erode library budgets, limit public access, and ultimately undermine the very mission of libraries.

Written by
July 23, 2025

Connecticut House Passes Landmark eBook Bill

The eBook Study Group celebrates the Connecticut General Assembly’s passage of landmark legislation to curb restrictive eBook licensing practices that directly interfere with libraries’ ability to provide public access. The bill now heads to Governor Ned Lamont’s desk for signature, marking a major step toward fairer digital content terms that support the library mission.

Written by
May 16, 2025

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