What's happening
This bill prohibits publishers from limiting the number of e-book copies that public libraries in New York can offer.
Why it matters
Expands access for library users. By preventing publishers from capping e-book licenses, public libraries can meet reader demand more effectively, meaning shorter wait times and greater availability for popular digital titles.
Levels the playing field for smaller communities. Libraries with fewer resources, which might have previously been forced to ration e-book access due to high costs or limited licensing, could now offer equal access to their patrons.
Potentially disrupts publisher business models. The bill could challenge the way publishers price and restrict digital content for libraries, possibly leading to changes in licensing fees, revenue streams, or even how new e-books are released to libraries.
Supports digital literacy and equity. By ensuring more equitable access to digital books, the legislation may help bridge the digital divide, particularly for those who rely on public libraries as their primary source for reading material.
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Who cares
Public libraries in New York
The bill would prohibit publishers from limiting how many copies of an e-book libraries may make available for rental.
Publishers selling e-books in New York
They would be barred from imposing any limit on the number of copies available for rental at any public library in the state.
Public library e-book borrowers
The bill would remove publisher-imposed copy limits on e-books available for rental through their libraries.
Headline styles
Let Libraries Lend All E-Books
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
Senator · Senate District 7
1 Co-sponsor
History
- Referred to consumer protection
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
7240
IN SENATE
January 13, 2020
Introduced by Sen. KAPLAN -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Consumer Protection
AN ACT to amend the general business law, in relation to prohibiting publishers from limiting the number of copies of e-books available at public libraries
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. The general business law is amended by adding a new section 338 to read as follows:
§ 338. E-books. 1. For the purposes of this section, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
a. "E-book" shall mean a book published in or converted to digital format for display on a computer screen or handheld electronic device.
b. "Public library" shall mean a library, other than a professional or technical library, established for free public purposes by official action of a municipality or district or the legislature, where the whole interests belong to the public, or any other library maintained for the benefit and free use on equal terms of all the people of the community in which such library is located.
2. No person, partnership, limited partnership, unincorporated jointstock association, or corporation publishing a book for sale in New York state in an e-book format shall, in any way, limit the number of copies of such e-book which may be made available for rental at any public library in New York state.
§ 2. This act shall take effect on the sixtieth day after it shall have become a law.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD14548-01-9
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the general business law, in relation to prohibiting publishers from limiting the number of copies of e-books available at public libraries
Purpose
This legislation seeks to prohibit the artificial limitation on the number of copies of e-books available at public libraries.
Summary of provisions
Section 1 adds a new section 338 to the general business law. This section defines E-book and public library for use within this act. This section importantly prohibits those publishing a book for sale in New York in an e-book format from limiting the number of copies available to a public library.
Section 2 is the effective date.
Justification
As technology advances and reading trends change the use of e-books is ever increasing. People now routinely read on their phones or tablets at a rate that could not even be comprehended a decade ago. New York's great library system provides residents the opportunity to numerous genres of books, they are part of the fabric of our communities. Seeking to increase the technology they have available, libraries are now purchasing e-books for their patrons to borrow and read in the same exact way they offer traditional books. However, recently a publisher has made it known that they will limit the amount of e-books available to libraries for the purpose of limiting the availability of e-books to patrons. This artificial limitation on the discretion of libraries for their patrons is troubling and should be addressed to ensure library patrons can enjoy reading the literature they want in the form they want.
Legislative history
None.
Fiscal implications
None.
Effective date
This act shall take effect on the sixtieth day.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.