Digitally borrowing and reading the latest popular novel presents an easy way to discover your next favorite book.

New limits from one of the nation’s largest publishers, however, will widely restrict eBook access for Toledo Lucas County Public Library customers and others across the country.

Macmillan Publishers recently announced a lending model that dramatically cuts eBook borrowing. A library may purchase just one digital copy of a Macmillan title within two months after its release to make available for the public.

This embargo means fewer opportunities for readers interested in the electronic format, and longer wait lists with certain Macmillan eBooks. Each library system, regardless of size and city, faces the same imposing limit.

“Toledo Lucas County Public Library’s mission includes providing ‘universal access to a broad range of information, ideas and entertainment,’ and the Macmillan restrictions are in direct opposition to our ability to meet customer needs,” said Jason Kucsma, Toledo Lucas County Public Library Director. “At a time when eBook demand is surging, we ask that new titles be made more available, not less.”

Toledo Library acquires an extensive amount of Macmillan content. It offers 3,170 of the publishers’ eBooks in OverDrive, plus another 1,098 audiobooks.

Libraries provide meaningful information in the most convenient forms, ensuring equity and access for all. Digitally available books and music are no exception. Their popularity is exploding.

Customers last year borrowed 466,251 eBooks from the Toledo Library, a significant increase from 326,559 in 2014. Digital audiobook checkouts over this same period more than doubled, from 98,325 to 254,764.

Toledo Library’s OverDrive program totaled 23,378 users during the past 12 months alone.

Expenditures are rapidly growing as well. Toledo Library spent $345,505 in 2018 on eBooks, an increase of 25 percent in the last four years. For eAudiobooks, last year’s local cost of $246,163 was 124 percent higher than 2014.

The demand for instantaneous eBooks is widespread, and libraries fulfill that need. A federal study from the Institute of Museum and Library Services found public libraries nationally offer more than 391 million eBooks.

But digital licensing rights strike a contrast with traditional printed items, in which libraries take sole ownership. Electronically formatted books cannot be resold at branch sales or transferred to another library for borrowing. Library leaders, who want to buy more digital copies, instead meet unnecessary caps imposed by publishers.