Library Journal Survey Details Public Library Digital Ebook Budgets
National library survey highlights rising digital circulations alongside budget allocation challenges for ebook licensing.
Library Journal's annual Materials Survey provides an in-depth evaluation of public library collection budgets, circulation figures, and digital licensing strategies.
Digital ebooks and audiobooks now consume 32% of total library materials budgets, up from 22% five years ago.
Principal Survey Findings
- Circulation Surge: Digital checkouts grew by 18% year-over-year, led by fiction genres and audiobook downloads.
- Metered License Reliance: 78% of digital library collections consist of metered access licenses (expiring by time or checkout count).
- Consortia Purchasing: Libraries increasingly form regional purchasing consortia to leverage combined buying power for digital titles.
Library directors emphasized that sustainable digital licensing arrangements are vital for preserving public reading access.
Sources
- Library Journal Research Reportsaccessed
Daniel Osei
Senior reporter
Daniel writes on contracts, rights and the business of independent publishing.
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